SZECHUAN TOKYO JAZZ CALENDAR

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Updated Saturday, 10 May 2008

SHOWTIMES: ALL THURSDAY SHOWS ARE 7:30 TO 10:30. ALL FRIDAY SHOWS ARE 8-11. SUNDAYS ARE 6-9.

Thursday, May 15

Piano Maestro DAVE EBERLE brings his hand-picked combo to present his amazing talents at the keyboard! Superb Vocalist Carolyn Hartsfield will sing from the Great American Songbook. Showtime is 7:30.

Friday, May 16

THERESA WRIGHT AND HER DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMEN - Steve Clark, bass; Brad Rickert, piano and Liviu Pop on drums. Join two-time Hartford Jazz Festival performer Theresa for a trip through the Standards and on to jazz songs with a soulful sensibility. No cover. Showtime is 8:00.

Sunday, May 18

We regret to announce that the SHENOLE LATIMER show has been postponed until after the Summer. Keep your eyes on our fall jazz calendar for shows with this fabulous young talent.

Thursday, May 22

DAVE DANA, GUITAR AND FRIENDS - STRAIGHT AHEAD; SMOOTH JAZZ Showtime 7:30

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

DAVE DANA (a/k/a David Dannenberg) was born in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in West Haven. Dave's first interest with music came at an early age. Influenced by his mother, who was a pianist, he began playing the piano at an early age and then started playing the ukulele at the age of 11. Soon thereafter, Dave was introduced to the guitar, and he has never looked back since. His early influences were Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, however, he later was introduced to jazz and was inspired by such artists as Johnny Smith, Mundell Lowe, Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, Hank Garland, Joe Pass, Richie Garcia, Billy Bean and Wes Montgomery.

David studied with several influential people, including Frank D’Amato, Vincent Bredice, Jimmy Raney, Joe Diorio and Linc Chamberland.

In his early years Dave played in early rock neighborhood bands at CYO dances. Soon he graduated to the professional level with club date groups.

During Dave's first year in college, he played at various clubs in New Haven, Connecticut, including The Golden Gate, Monterey, Willy Ruff’s club “Playback”, The Cotton Club, Soundtrack and Soundtrack 2, and McTriffs, which brought in a lot of jazz stars.

Dave’s ability to play by ear and read music has broadened his career to many levels. He is versatile in improvisation, reading and composition. Dave's multi-faceted talent enables him to play various gigs, including shows, symphonies, jazz ensembles and solo private event performances.

One of Dave’s first paying gigs was with drummer Charlie Smith’s group, (Smith was the drummer on the only existing video of Charlie Parker) which included Fred Tinsley on bass.

Touring with Billy Fellows Quartet

Dave toured with the Billy Fellows quartet and played with them in various locations, including The Americana in Puerto Rico, the El San Juan in Puerto Rico and The David Frost Show in NYC.

Dave played his first reading gig with Henry Mancini during his second year of college. Shortly thereafter, he played with the Supremes and was hired immediately to play with Stevie Wonder and other Motown acts, including, but not limited to gigs at the Apollo and Regal Theatres.

Touring with Stevie Wonder

Dave was “on the road” with Stevie Wonder. After touring with Stevie Wonder, Dave toured with Leslie Uggums.

Touring with Leslie Uggums

While gigging with Leslie Uggums, at Jim and Andy’s bar Dave ran into Rick Stepton who told him Buddy Rich was looking for a guitar player and that he should come down and play. That night Dave read Buddy Rich's book cold and he was hired on the spot.

The Buddy Rich Orchestra

From 1969-1970, during his tenure with The Buddy Rich Orchestra, Dave recorded on two of Buddy Rich's albums (Buddy and Soul Live and Studio). Some of the many performances he played while on the road with Buddy included Basin Street West in San Francisco, the Johnny Carson Show, The River Boat (NYC), Newport Jazz Festival in1969, Baltimore Jazz Festival, and Izzy’s in Vancouver in British Colombia 1969, and Esquire Show Bar in Montreal.

In Florida:

1974-78: Dave moved to Ft. Lauderdale where he befriended and had the opportunity to perform with Joe Diorio, Ira Sullivan, Jaco Pastorius. While in Ft. Lauderdale Dave played a regular lounge jazz gigs with Jeff Palmer.

For a few months while in Florida, Dave performed regularly with Duffy and Chubby Jackson at the Hideaway in Hallandale, Florida.

In Colombia:

In 1976 Dave went to Colombia on US State Department Tour with Claude Williams. While in Colombia Dave played the Media Torta Festival and the Cartagena Festival.

Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra:

In the late 1970's early 1980's Dave was called to Las Vegas for a year’s contract with Copeland Davis. Here he befriended and performed with Jimmy Bruno, James Moody, Lockjaw Davis, Joe Williams, Sammy Noto, Carl Fontana, Gene Harris, and Carmen McRae.

Dave was soon hired to play with the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra following Jimmy Bruno. There he played with many talented musicians, including James Moody, and he backed many celebrities, including Liberace, Tina Turner, Lou Rawls, and Tony Orlando, Julius La Rosa, and Tony Bennett.

While in Las Vegas, Dave also played at the Hacienda Monday Night Jazz Special, which was sponsored by the Monk Montgomery's Las Vegas Jazz Society. There he played with Gene Harris, Eddy Harris, Marlena Shaw, Lockjaw Davis, Carmen McRae and Carl Fontana.

While in Vegas, in 1979 Dave also performed with the jazz band (“Eagle Eye” Shields Band) backing the Redd Fox show at the Landmark Hotel.

And in his "spare" time, Dave also studied arranging and guitar with Joe Lano.

1983 - 2005 Back to Connecticut:

Back to Connecticut in 1983, due to the death of his father, Dave woodsheded jazz while gigging in theatres playing shows with celebrities like Juliet Prowse, Bernadette Peters, Buddy Hackett, and Regis Philbin.

From 1984-1987 Dave ran the Quinnipiac Jazz Festival in Hamden, CT. During that time, he brought in and performed with Paquito D'Rivera, Toots Thielmanns and James Moody.

In 1988 and 1988 Dave toured with Laco Deczi's group, Jazz Cellua, throughout Germany. During this tour, they played several festivals, television shows and concerts. During this time Dave recorded on Laco's album, Jazz Cellua New York.

After touring in Germany, Dave also performed on a few cruise ship gigs, including the Norwiegian Lines Jazz Cruise with Bob Wilbur, Ray Anthony and Erskine Hawkins.

From 1992 to 1997, Dave landed his own jazz gig with Bobby Buster, and later Mark Templeton at the Foxwoods Casino in their Atrium Lounge as a vocalist/guitarist. He learned several hundred vocals on that gig and did two vocal CDs, Meloncholy Moon, featuring Mike Ledonne on piano, and Tootsie Bean on drums, and For Analise.

Since then Dave has been leading his own jazz groups and doing various stage band work with a variety of artists such as Marylin McCoo, Jimmy Webb, Rich Little and Michael Amante.

Dave has played at Carnegie Hall twice, and on one of those occasions he took Jim Hall’s place and opened for a group including Tom Harrel, Vincent Herring, and Steve Turre.

Dave is currently teaching at The Hartford Conservatory of Music.

Friday, May 23

ZACK GORRA AND HIS ENSEMBLE - STRAIGHT AHEAD AND SURPRISES! Superb young talent playing bebop, post-bop and R&B-influenced jazz. Cover $5. Showtime 8:00.

Thursday, May 29

THE BRIAN EARL JENKINS GROUP: Innovative jazz sound with rock influences. Showtime: 7:30. Make reservations for this special show! Showtime 7:30.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

THE BRIAN EARL JENKINS BAND employs a multitude of musical influences by playing works from hard-bop legends like, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and John Coltrane, original compositions, and re-harmonized arrangements of hard rock melodies by such artists as, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Alice in Chains, and others. Brian Earl Jenkins (b), Kevin O'Neil (g), Craig Hartley (p), Ben Bilello (d).

Friday, May 30

SZECHUAN TOKYO DEBUT OF THE TONY HARRINGTON 5: Soul Jazz, Funk, R&B. A special holiday concert - bring the family! Showtime is 8:00. Cover $5. We recommend reservations as demand for Tony's shows is heavy. Backup personnel to be announced.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

A native of Hartford, CT Tony Harrington developed his love for all forms of music at an early age. Tony’s love of music and desire to perform was inherited from his father Sam Harrington. At age 11 Tony and his cousin formed a gospel group named “The H & H Singers” and began performing at churches throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Tony’s passion for performing blossomed, and his interest in the arts grew along with his desire to compete athletically. Upon entering Hartford Public High School Tony joined the concert choir and became a featured soloist under the direction of Ms. Edith Campbell. Tony’s talent demanded other forums and he was selected to join the Greater Hartford Youth Chorale for his junior and senior years in high school. The Greater Hartford Youth Chorale’s classical repertoire provided Tony with a strong foundation that allowed him to continue performing with other ensembles. He soon joined the Sounds of the North End and assumed the role of lead-vocalist performing at weddings fashion shows and banquets.

Tony continued to perform as he continued his formal education. Tony Harrington graduated from the University of Hartford in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology alongside his Mother Anna Harrington.

The years after graduation brought Tony a myriad of experiences some jubilant and some tragic. His family was a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. His cousin Rahni collaborated with Tony on two songs dedicated to Tony’s father Sam. Tony’s Aunt Evelyn paid for the production of the songs “A Good Friend is Hard to Find” and “I Owe You”. And in 1978 before Sam Harrington’s passing he heard his son’s songs on the radio. Sam Harrington was proud of his son’s musical talent and knowing this became one of Tony’s greatest musical accomplishments.

Tony sings another fan favorite! Over the years Tony always found his way back to music. Tony began recording more frequently in 1978. He recorded “Six Million Steps” with Ollie RasPberry in 1978. The single was released by Inspirational Sounds to correspond with Any West’s run from Maine to Florida in support of Muscular Dystrophy. “Six Million steps went all the way to #2 on the London disco charts in the summer of 1978. Following that success Tony worked with two groups. Inner Fusion from 1979-1982. And in 1984 he formed the group “Tony Harrington and Touch Band”. The seven piece “Tony Harrington and Touch Band” continues to perform all over New England and New York and have made recent appearances at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods resort casino.

As Tony Harrington and Touch was taking off Tony began performing as an anthem vocalist. Tony’s anthem repertoire includes the Russian National Anthem and Canadian National anthem. He is best known for his rendition of the National Anthem sung before Hartford Whaler’s games. Tony has also performed the National Anthem for Hartford Wolf Pack games, New England Blizzards, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, at the World Cup in Montreal, WBC World Welterweight Boxing Championship between Marlon Starling and Too Su Kim, and for three years at the September 11th Memorial Remembrance Ceremony. As well Tony also performs at Hartford Hellcats (CBA), CT. Pride (CBA), New York Rangers, and New Jersey Devils games. Tony’s anthem renditions are so in demand that he has even performed at local professional arena football games in the 90's and a professional soccer team in Central Connecticut in 2000 & 2001.

Tony’s broad background extends from gospel to R&B to jazz. His high energy performances have made him a favorite in his home state and beyond! Tony Harrington and Touch can be seen performing at some of the most well attended events in the region.

Tony Harrington has developed a smooth melodic style that is all his own. His talent remains in demand, and will be heard on the single “Spend My Life” on the upcoming album by world renowned saxophonist, Marion Meadows.

Saturday, May 31

COOKING WITH PRUDENCE SLOANE!!!

Have you ever been into an Asian grocery store and would love to know how to use all those exotic ingredients? Well, here's your chance!

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR FLYER

Join Prudence Sloane, host of "More Than Simply Food on The Talk of Connecticut and WFSB Channel 3 Eyewiness News weekend chef along with Asian cuisine expert Paul Lewis for a once-in-a-lifetime food tour, cooking class and interactive dining experience

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31st - Tickets $65 - Call 860-409-9038 (Prudence) or 860-561-0180 (Paul) for information and reservations!

Tour Schedule:

9:00-10:30 at A. Dong Supermarket, 146 Shield Street, West Hartford (off of New Britain Avenue).

11:00-12:00 Cooking Demonstration at Szechuan Tokyo, 1245 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford.

12:00-1:00 Sit-down luncheon of foods prepared at Szechuan Tokyo.

Asian cuisine expert Paul Lewis of Szechuan Tokyo will walk you through the aisles of this remarkable Asian supermarket explaining products and how to use them. And you'll have the chance to taste test many of those products you've been wondering about. Then, it's off to Szechuan Tokyo (it's right down the road) for a cooking demonstration of Authentic Chinese dishes. You'll learn the secrets of how to prepare simple and delicious Chinese cuisine that you can make at home. Then, sit down to an authentic Chinese luncheon feast of dishes prepared. Space is limited so sign up early!

Sunday, June 1

The triumphant return of sell-out vocalist AMANDA CARR! Tickets $15. Showtime 6:00-9:00. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST - We've already booked reservations from Amanda's rabid fans so call us at 860-561-0180 as soon as possible to get a seat for this great trip through the Great American Songbook!

While a “new standards” movement has been brewing for a while, there are still plenty of musicians guarding and promoting the old chestnuts from the Great American Songbook. Vocalist Amanda Carr is one such person.. and she does so with great style and class.... While the popularity and longevity of these songs is based on their lyrical and musical content, the ultimate success lies in the delivery and Carr proves to be an ace in this department.

— Dan Bilawsky Jazz IMPROV Magazine, April, 2008

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Boston based daughter of Big Band vocalist, Nancy Carr and trumpet player, Nick Capezuto, Amanda Carr is a multi-styled vocalist/pianist that began early on in the rock and pop genre, but has in recent years focused on fresh interpretations of the Great American Songbook, following in her parent’s musical footsteps. For over three decades she has recorded and performed internationally, adding her own musical gems as well which have received critical acclaim from a tough bevy of jazz reviewers. In her national recording debut in 2005, Tender Trap hit the jazz charts at #55 and received 4-stars from All Music Guide. Jazz Review.com donned her “…a first rate vocalist”. In September of 2007 Amanda was featured by the great Nat Hentoff in an article in The Wall Street Journal which catapulted her to global exposure.

Among her many performances, she is currently starring in “A Tribute to Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman” with the Everett Longstreth Orchestra., traveling to various states and cities nationwide with a scheduled U.S. Tour in 2008-09.. Amanda frequently is the featured vocalist with The Artie Shaw Orchestra, Harry James Band and has also appeared with the Glenn Miller Band.

She has headlined at the EuroJazz festival in Italy along with James Moody and George Mraz. Amanda has composed and performed award-winning music for two PBS documentaries, receiving a National Emmy nomination for “The Story of Golf”, narrated by Jim McKay and recognition for her contributions to “Boston Red Sox: 100 Years of Baseball History”. In 1999 she was awarded the Videographer Award by the NTA for excellence in Music Composition in addition to 3 Telly Awards. She has dozens of T.V. and Radio commercials to her credit and owns and operates a successful recording studio in the Boston area.

Among her own recordings, her eclectic album credits include composing and performing with the late great Dave Guard from the Kingston Trio on his final album “Up & In” and a featured guest on The Old Vienna Kaufeehaus’ album (the 1st of two) featuring New England’s best folk singer/songwriters and is noted in the Smithsonian’s Folk Archives.

With the acclaimed producer/drummer Kenny Hadley again at the helm, Amanda released SOON in August of 2007, again with John Wilkins, Bronek Suchanek and Arnie Krakowsky: With international distribution in over a dozen countries, including Japan and the Netherlands, Amanda is planning to support her growing fanship with an overseas tour. This CD made it to a stunning #32 on Amazon.com and a best seller on ITunes, CDBABY and other global music sites.

Thursday, June 5

Vocalist SUSAN DUNCAN featuring KEITH COOPER - soulful jazz. Showtime 7:30.

Friday, June 6

Drummer LIVIU POP presents funk jazz with world-class guests. Showtime 8:00.

Thursday, June 12

Master of the Hammond B-3 PETE LEVIN brings us jazz in classic organ trio mode. HARVEY SORGEN, drums and JOHN CARIDDI, guitar. Debut of Mr. Levin's new CD "Certified Organic." Showtime 7:30.

"The New York artist has a serious keyboard resume, so you'd expect him to lay down some real grease and gravy." ~ Downbeat, May '07

Levin and his cohorts not only don’t stop to take prisoners, they run roughshod over the terrain! ~ Jazz Review April '07

"A true master musician, Levin is never shackled by genre or form." ~ Freeman March '07

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

In a diverse music career spanning several decades, keyboardist Pete Levin has performed and recorded with hundreds of Jazz and Pop artists - including Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, Miles Davis, David Sanborn, Lenny White, Jaco Pastorius and John Scofield - receiving critical accolades for his work during a 15 year association with Gil Evans, and his 8 years with jazz icon Jimmy Giuffre. In 1990 he released his first solo album, “Party in the Basement,” for Gramavision, followed by “A Solitary Man” and “Masters In This Hall.” In 2007, after a series of CDs for Alternate Mode, Pete returned as a band leader with the Motema Music release, “Deacon Blues,” while also returning to his first love, the Hammond Organ.

Composer and ubiquitous guitarist on the New York recording studio scene, John Cariddi has performed and/or recorded with Jazz and Pop artists including Steve Marcus, Patti Austin, Ricki Lee Jones, Angela DeNiro, Annie Haslam, Nancy Wilson, and Peggy Lee. A master guitarist with a blazing technique, John's dynamic approach to live performance has made him one of the most in-demand guitarists in the New York area.

One of the most exciting drummers on the Jazz scene, Harvey Sorgen has performed and /or recorded with artists & bands including Hot Tuna, The Memphis Pilgrims, The Fonda/Stevens Group, Ahmad Jamal, Michelle Shocked, Paul Simon, Dewey Redman, Anthony Braxton, Carter Jefferson, David Torn, Roswell Rudd, Bill Frisell, NRBQ, Jimmy Vivino, Dave Samuels, and the Sorgen-Rust-Windbiel Trio. He has been featured in interviews in Modern Drummer, DRUM!, Down Beat, All About Jazz, Jazz Podium (Germany), and Jazz Halo (Belgium) magazines.

Friday, June 13

CHANGE: Tido Holtkamp Quartet - personnel to come. Showtime 8:00.

Sunday, June 15

Vocalist CAROL AUGUST returns with JOHN BRIGENTI, piano, and his gang. Cover for this special show is only $5. Take a trip through the Great American Songbook and beyond! Sunday Soirees run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 19

Latin sabor with vocalist DULCE SANTANA. Dulce and her conjunto will delight with bossa nova, samba, salsa, and more! Showtime 7:30.

Friday, June 20

CORNERSTONE featuring drummer Alvin "Abu" Carter, Sr. and bassist Paul Fuller. Stellar band with a delicious twist on Standards and more... Showtime 8:00

Thursday, June 26

The Rob DeSessa Quintet: Standards and progressive jazz from a very talented local combo! Reservations are strongly suggested. Cover: $6. Showtime 7:30.

Friday, June 27th

Vocalist MAYDIE MYLES and the TOM DEVINO QUARTET featuring Rob Aries, Piano; Henry Lugo, Bass; Kris Jensen, Saxophones and Tom Devino on drums. Cover $5. RESERVATIONS A MUST! Showtime 8:00

Perennial favorite soulful vocalist with a serious jazz sensibility plays with an all-star combo put together by drummer, composer and side-man of choice TOM DEVINO. Ms. Myles has been in the music business all her life, addressing various genres with creativity and aplomb. Jazz, particularly the Great American Songbook (with a scattering of R&B and soul) is her bag these days, and what a lovely "bag" she has! THIS SHOW IS A MUST FOR LOVERS OF JAZZ WITH A SOULFUL SENSIBILITY. In addition to being a vocalist, her years of experience and big heart make Maydie not just a singer, but a true entertainer!

Tom and Maydie are joined by a stellar combo of seasoned musicians who're well-known in the studio and on stage. Rob, Kris and Henry have graced the Szechuan Tokyo stage many times in the past. As always, we appreciate the fact that all of these busy musicians have decided to join us!

Friday, July 4th

"Reminisce: the jazz ensemble." Singing sensation Carol August featuring keyboardist John Brighenti. Showtime 8:00. Reservations, please.

Thursday, July 10

The return of songstress Ethel Lee and her gang of superlative players. C'mon get happy! Showtime 7:30.

Friday, July 11

TONY ALLEN, vocalist! That "Front Street" guy is back for some great, jazzy crooning. Critically acclaimed by Dick Robinson on Music By The Sea and Owen McNally of the Hartford Courant. Showtime's 8:00. Kindly reserve early.

Thursday, July 17

The DAVE ANDERSON trio. Exciting progressive jazz from one of the area's finest (and certainly most energetic) bass players. Personnel T.B.A. Showtime 7:30.

Friday, July 18

Superlative Latin singing sensation DULCE SANTANA and her conjunto return for Samba, Bossa Nova, Salsa and more in a jazzy vein! Showtime 8:00.

Thursday, July 24

ALBERT RIVERA AND THE CURTIS BROTHERS. Showtime 7:30. RESERVATIONS STRONGLY SUGGESTED FOR THIS POPULAR GROUP!

Friday, July 25

THE BRIAN JENKINS QUARTET Showtime 8:00.

Thursday, July 31

SERIOUS BIZNESS Funk and Soul Jazz Showtime 7:30

Friday, August 1

LIVIU POP FUNK-JAZZ ENSEMBLE Showtime 8:00

Click HERE for more! The August/September Jazz Calendar

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