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Drummer Dafnis Prieto
Credit: Photo courtesy of Walker Art Center
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Drummers, sax men and a blues man fill concert calendar
by Robin James
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 11/18/2009
Brace yourselves, not one but two notable drummers are on their way to the Twin Cities this week for what will be memorable outings. Concerts featuring bluesman Otis Clay and Twin Cities’ jazz musicians are also on tap.
The legendary Roy Haynes and rising star Dafnis Prieto have more than gigs on the same night in common. Both drummers share the distinction of high rankings in this year’s Down Beat 57th Annual International Critics Poll. In the rising star category, Prieto came in second, just behind Eric Harland. And Haynes ranked number one in the drumming category.
MSR caught up with Harland (EH), and here’s what he had to say about Haynes and his longevity:
MSR: Why do you think Roy Haynes still communicates after over 50 years in the business?
EH: Because he is a timeless human being...who has obviously realized [himself] spiritually. You can tell from his playing that he’s always moving in new exciting directions, and with all that experience under his belt — WOW! He’s just a force of creative enlightenment.
MSR: As a young drummer, I imagine that he’s influenced your playing in some way. If so, how?
EH: He’s showed me that there are no boundaries, also that a person and their style of playing are one...therefore be who you are...your true self, that is.
One of the most notable drummers to emerge on the jazz scene in a decade, Cuban-born Prieto is set to perform with his sextet at the McGuire Theater at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis on November 21.
The drummer/composer/educator has won numerous accolades for his traditions of polyrhythmic post-bop and Afro-Caribbean hand percussion. Prieto, a nominee for Best New Artist Latin Grammy Awards 2007, also received an award from the Jazz Journalists Association in the category ”Up and Coming Musician of the Year” in 2006.
At the Walker, Prieto will be joined by bandmates Peter Apfelbaum (sax), Ralph Alessi (trumpet), Felipe Lamoglia (sax), Manuel Valera (piano), and Charles Flores (bass).
The Walker Art Center and Northrop Jazz are co-presenting the Minnesota debut of jazz’s hot new artist and has stated, ”The essence of Prieto’s style, which references old religious music to modern music within one set of trap drums, will result in a hyper-charged performance.” (http://northrop.umn.edu/event/dafnis-pri eto-sextet and www.dafnis prieto.com)
Across the water, downtown St. Paul at the Artists’ Quarter, Haynes returns for some fierce swing with his mainstay band Fountain of Youth featuring Martin Bejerano (piano), Marcus Strickland (saxophone) and John Sullivan (bass). Sets on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21 start at 8 pm and 10:30 pm.
With a career that spans over 50 years, Haynes shows no signs of slowing down.
Whether he’s in the studio recording or touring the world with his band, Haynes continues to amaze legions of fans and critics alike. His four-disc 2007 box set Dreyfus Records release A Life in Time tells the story of Haynes in action, but nothing takes the place of seeing Haynes up close and personal. Keep in mind, the living legend has swung with legends Louis Armstrong, Lester Young, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy, Bird, Monk, along with Metheny, Chick Corea, and many more.
With even more blues to choose from, don’t miss soul and gospel singer Otis Clay at the Dakota on Nov. 20 and 21 at 8 pm. Loyal fans may recall his hit
”Trying to Live My Life Without You.”
Clay’s singing has been described as raw and delivered with an energetic and danceable blend of blues, soul and R&B in the tradition of vocalists Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and Solomon Burke.
Born in Waxhall, Mississippi, Clay grew up surrounded by 1940s and ’50s gospel music. In Mississippi he got his start singing with The Gospel Songbirds, The Pilgrim Harmonizers and the Sensational Nightingales. He moved to Chicago in the 1960s and recorded a number of hit records that cemented his legacy as one of the most passionate singers in the music business. His live shows are known for their high energy, which makes his performances not-to-be missed events.
But if Prieto, Haynes, and Clay aren’t really your cup of tea, try this: JazzMN featuring the Twin Cities’ own saxophone greats Dave Karr, Dale Mendenhall and Pete Whitman in “Three Tenors.” They will bring their unique talents to audiences come Saturday, November 21, 7:30 pm, at Hopkins High School Performing Arts Center, 2400 Lindberg Dr., Minnetonka.
Both the locals and gifted national visiting artists know Dave Karr is one of the finest bebop saxophonists in the Twin Cities. As a professional musician, he has been involved in many aspects of the music business. Karr has composed and produced music for radio and TV since 1970 and has performed with a number of bands, symphony orchestras, Broadway shows and various recording sessions. He has regular gigs at the Artists’ Quarter in St. Paul.
If you’ve heard the pop hit “Funkytown,” then chances are you’ve heard saxophonist Dale Mendenhall. With over 30 years of professional music experience, he has performed at Orchestra Hall with the Minnesota Orchestra, Ordway, the Guthrie, Children’s Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, and has backed up Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett among others. His latest CD is Four to GO. Mendenhall is a member of the musical Mendenhall family, which includes Kathy (Mendenhall) Jensen (saxophones) and Dave Mendenhall (organ, bass).
As a composer, arranger and all around musical professional, Pete Whitman has been in the business for 30 years. He is a phenomenal saxophonist, flutist and clarinetist who has toured the U.S., Japan and Brazil with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Also, he has performed with distinguished ensembles and musicians including the Minnesota Orchestra, Jack McDuff, Curtis Fuller, the Woody Herman Orchestra, the JazzMN Big Band, JAZZAX Saxophone Quartet, Laura Caviani, and Andres Prado.
He is the leader of the Pete Whitman’s X-tet. His latest CD is Where’s When, featuring the X-tet, a 10-piece ensemble led by Whitman. As an experienced teacher, Whitman heads the Brass & Woodwinds Department at McNally Smith College located in St. Paul.
The JazzMN Big Band is a professional orchestra combining the talents of jazz musicians from throughout the Twin Cities and follows the models of classical orchestras in striving for artistic excellence. Its band members have performed with big bands such as Artie Shaw, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and Woody Herman. Founded by Artistic Director Douglas Snapp in 1998, the nonprofit jazz arts organization JazzMN’s mission is to promote excellence in the jazz art form through concerts and educational experiences. For more information, go to www.jazzmn.org.
Robin James welcomes reader responses to jamesonjazz@spokesman-re corder.com.
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