The long-running, always-solid It's Commonly Jazz music series returns to Eden Park's Seasongood Pavilion this evening. The series (now in its impressive 27th season) brings free, live Jazz music to the park every Thursday this month, with concerts running 6-8 p.m.
The concerts have always been a superb mix of some great nationally-touring headliners and many of Cincinnati's top Jazz players. Next week, on Aug. 9, Dan Karlsberg headlines ICJ with a quintet that includes local greats Marc Fields and Brent Gallaher, plus Karlsberg's mates Steve Whipple and Anthony Lee (who now work out of New York). Renowned drummer Kenny Phelps plays ICJ on Aug. 16 with special guest trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, plus Jim Anderson on bass and Zach Lapidus on keys. Local Jazz hero Phil DeGreg brings his Samba Jazz Syndicate to the series on Aug. 23. The group also includes noted area players Rusty Burge, Kim Pensyl, Aaron Jacobs and John Taylor. The series concludes with the thoroughly excellent trumpeter Mike Wade and his septet (acclaimed saxman Steve Wilson guest stars).
For tonight's opening concert, It's Commonly Jazz presents something a little different. The program, dubbed "A Love Supreme - Spiritual Music of John Coltrane," was originally presented in Louisville by vibraphonist Dick Sisto. The debut tribute to the Jazz legend's "spiritual" sides — including A Love Supreme album material and works from Meditations — was such a success, Sisto put together a quintet and hit the road, performing the show across the region. Joining Sisto tonight is Steve Allee on keys, Rob Dixon on sax, Steve Houghton on drums and Jim Anderson (again!) holding down the bass.
Here's Coltrane's full masterpiece to get you in the mood. Click here for more on It's Commonly Jazz.
