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Event
Jazz it Up! @ Sorrento Restaurant
Jazz It Up, the popular jazz and blues monthly live music concert event invites you to celebrate life with a wonderful music and dining experience at Sorrento Restaurant, located at 631 Central Avenue in Westfield, NJ. Acclaimed jazz and blues music artists bring you a monthly listening experience that promises to captivate the audience on the last Wednesday of each month at this intimate venue.
This hot monthly music series continues on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 7pm with a unique evening of the "big band" sound of the irresistible Mike Kaplan Nonet
Mike Kaplan (arranger/tenor saxophone) envisioned the Nonet as a unit combining the strength, cohesion and varied tonal colors of a big band with the spontaneity and flexibility of a small group. The Nonet features 6 horns out front, an intuitive rhythm section and plays original arrangements in a variety of styles and genres all filtered through the 21st century Jazz sensibilities of the leader and bandmembers. In addition to featuring original compositions, the band also re-examines and re-works deserving compositions of others from Duke Ellington to Herbie Nichols to George Adams. Mike studied saxophone with Warne Marsh, Joe Lovano, Mack Goldsbury and Fred Amend and graduated William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. In addition to freelancing in the NJ/NY area, he has had his arrangements performed by the Composers Big Band and recorded by Orquesta Royal and la Progressiva.
Bill Mobley's (trumpet/flugelhorn) original combination of fire and logic on his horn has graced many bandstands and recordings since he moved to the NYC area in the late '80s. Among others, Bill has performed with Marvin "Smitty" Smith Sextet, Clifford Jordan Big Band, George Coleman Octet, James Williams, Mingus Dynasty Band and Maria Schneider Orchestra. He leads, composes and arranges for his own big band, which has 3 cds ("Live At Small's Volumes I & II" and "New Light") released. Bill has sextet recordings released under his name ("Triple Bill" and "Mean What You Say") and is also featured as a sideman on cds by Donald Brown, Geoff Keezer, James Williams, Billy Pierce, Jean Toussaint and others.
Rob Henke (trumpet/flugelhorn) brings a wealth of diverse musical experiences (from Downtown NYC/Knitting Factory to Salsa to R'n B and more) to the Nonet. Rob's high spirit, great musical range and willingness to take chances in the service of the music serve him well for the Nonet. He has recorded, worked and toured with many NYC area bands including Dr. Nerve, Spirit of Life Ensemble, Phillip Johnston, Gary Lucas' Fast and Bulbous, Marie McAuliffe, Joe Gallant and Illuminati, Diane Moser's Composers Big Band. He also toured with Luis "Perico" Ortiz and Ray Barretto and has released cds under his own leadership, "The Bride", "Listening" and "White Paws".
Pete McGuinness' (trombone) facility on the horn, great harmonic knowledge and sly wit has been an integral part of the Nonet since the late '80s. Pete has performed and been featured with Maria Schneider Orchestra, Woody Herman Big Band, Jimmy Heath, Lionel Hampton, Dave Liebman, Joel Frahm and others. A fine composer and arranger in his own write, Pete's compositions and arrangements have been featured on the New York Nonet's cds "Tunnel Vision", "So You Say" and "Bullet Trane" (on which he was also a featured soloist), New York Trombone Conspiracy's "A Matter Of Time" and his
own debut cd as a leader, "Sliding In". Anton Denner's (alto saxophone/clarinet/flute) passionate sax work and big-toned yet fleet flute provides the Nonet with one of its most compelling solo voices. Anton's resume includes appearances with Ray Charles, Rosemary Clooney, Clifford Jordan, Mel Lewis, Al Foster, Brad Mehldau, Bill Stewart, Larry Goldings and Dave Stryker. Anton studied saxophone with Lee Konitz and Joe Lovano and his recordings includes Bill Corrothers Trio's "Ghost Ships".
Ed Xiques' (baritone and soprano sax/flute) great musicality and wealth of experience has made him a valued member of many bands in the NYC metro area. Ed has performed and recorded with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Jaki Byard, McCoy Tyner, Frank Sinatra, Woody Herman Orchestra and Liza Minnelli. A member of the BMI Jazz Composer's Workshop, Ed's compositions and arrangements have been featured on the New York Nonet's "So You Say" and his own cds, "Little Bear" and "Spacewalk".
Matt King's (piano) virtuosity and versatility have been showcased prominently with the Nonet since the late '80s. He has recorded and/or performed with Rufus Reid, Chris Potter, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Joe Lovano, Jon Hendricks, John Pattitucci and Bob Moses. Matt is also the recipient of a Composition Fellowship from the NJ Council of the Arts, the winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition (2000) and a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition (1998). Matt has released his own cds, "Kaleidescope" and "Hello Christmas".
Doug Weiss' (bass) deep sound, rock solid time and flawless intonation has been very much in demand of late on the New York jazz scene. Doug has performed and recorded with Al Foster, Chris Potter, Randy Brecker, Joe Williams, the Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, Joe Lovano, Walt Weiskopf and many others.
Pete MacDonald (drums) is one of New York's most versatile free-lance musicians prompting Jon Pareles of the NY Times to comment, "MacDonald gives clarity and drive to every rhythm". He has been performing regularly with singer/songwriter Jane Kelly Williams, and has recorded and toured with Jeannie Bryson, Tony Trischka, and Bill Ware's Club Bird All Stars. Pete's debut cd as a leader, "Portraits On My Wall" will be released soon.
Jazz It Up! concert tickets are priced at $25 each and include a delicious choice of Music Menu dinner entree, a special dessert and a beverage. BYOB is welcome. Showtime is from 7pm to 9pm. Seating and dinner service for the concert experience starts at 6pm and continues during the program. The staff at Sorrento Restaurant, a long established Westfield eatery and home of the original tomato pie since 1870, welcomes you to this special monthly music concert event where you and your entire family can enjoy entrees from a pizza pie to a full course Italian meal. The venue offers the perfect ambience for a relaxing monthly evening of good food and drink, good friends and listening pleasure. The venue is conveniently located 1 mile off of GSP Parkway Exit 135. Plenty of free off street parking is available.
Jazz It Up! @ Sorrento Restaurant tickets are available online in advance at www.BrownPaperTickets.com or for reservations and event information call the Jazz It Up hotline at 908-301-1285. For venue information call Sorrento Restaurant at 908-232-2642. Good music, Good food, Good friends, Good times at Jazz It Up!
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LocationSorrento Restaurant
631 Central Avenue
Westfield, NJ 07090
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
| Owner: Margaret Shaw |
| On BPT Since: Dec 14, 2009 |
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| Jazz it Up! hotline |
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