 Irvington, NY - On April 12, the Westchester Jazz Orchestra (WJO) will perform the songs of the Gershwins and Paul Simon at 8 PM at the Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington, NY.
Vocalist Kate McGarry, a rising star on the jazz vocal scene, will appear as a guest and WBGO’s Gary Walker is set to host the concert.
Though both local, WJO and McGarry have achieved recognition well beyond Westchester. WJO’s debut CD, All In, and McGarry’s recently-released disc, The Target, were named among the Best CDs of 2007, with All In receiving that honor from JazzImprov and the Montreal Gazette and The Target from Downbeat. Both CDs have been among the most frequently played jazz CDs throughout the nation in recent months. Reviewers praise WJO as “first-rate,” “setting a standard in big band modern jazz,” “hugely impressive,” and “exceptional.” while hailing All In as “an expertly woven and thrilling collection,” “music that inspires and enlightens” and “well thought out and endlessly compelling.”
In addition to creating a stir on her own, McGarry has also performed and recorded with some of the finest contemporary jazz musicians including Fred Hersch, Kurt Elling, Maria Schneider and Luciana Souza. One reviewer sums up her vocal strengths: “When McGarry sings, you hear not only a distinctively sweet, flexible, and textured voice, but a generous spirit, open heart, and searching intelligence.”
The April 12 concert, inspired by Paul Simon’s recent receipt of the first annual Library of Congress Gershwin Award for popular song, will feature newly-commissioned arrangements of Gershwin standards and Paul Simon favorites. On the bill are “I Got Plenty of Nothin,’” “Somebody Loves Me,” “Still Crazy After All These Years” and “Me and Julio,” as well as many others.
Led by Artistic Director Mike Holober, WJO musicians include trumpeters Craig Johnson, Tony Kadleck, Jim Rotondi, and Marvin Stamm; saxophonists Jay Brandford, David Brandom, Ralph Lalama, Jason Rigby and Ed Xiques; trombonists Bruce Eidem, Larry Farrell, George Flynn, and Keith O’Quinn; pianist Ted Rosenthal; bassist Harvie S and drummer Andy Watson.
WJO will offer a special sextet concert, “A Tribute to the Greats,” on Friday, February 29th at 7:30 p.m., at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains as part of the Live@ the Arts Exchange program of the Westchester Arts Council. Please contact the Westchester Arts Council at 428-4220, X223, or www.westarts.com for details.
On June 7, WJO concludes its fifth season, welcoming summer with the songs of Brazilian master Antonio Carlos Jobim at the Seven Bridges School in Chappaqua. WJO’s concerts are partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music.
Reserved seating tickets for WJO’s season concerts are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and only $5 for students. Call WJO at 914-861-9100 or order online at www.westjazzorch.org.
 |
