Jazz

“brassy, smooth, and syncopated with perfect finesse.” – Mpls.St.Paul   Arthur “L.A.” Buckner is one of the Twin Cities’ most creative drummers. He also took iTunes by storm with the release of his project BiG HOMiE. Here, his August 2020 release reached Number One on the iTunes jazz charts within twenty-four hours. Buckner’s music is a fusion of his influences: Gospel, R&B, hip hop, African rhythms, and jazz. Then, on BiG HOMiE his music explodes in a fiery journey of syncopation and truth. He has earned the respect of the most trained musical ear to the everyday music lover that appreciates a good “bop.” Here, Buckner serves as executive producer, collaborating with some of the finest musicians in Minnesota. Also, the album included a feature by Mint Condition’s Stokely Williams. Further, the original single “Ooowee” solidifies L.A. as a writer/producer to be reckoned with. Additionally, the album includes a creative rendition of “Deja Vu” and a jolting take on “Human Nature”. BiG HOMiE is a dynamic and electrifying band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band leader is Arthur “L.A.” Buckner on drums; Jamani Buckner, percussion; David Feily, guitar; David Smith, keyboards; Jovon Williams, woodwinds; and Ethan Yeshaya, bass. Together, they create a powerful fusion of musical styles, incorporating elements of funk, rock, hip-hop, Gospel and jazz. With captivating performances and catchy melodies, BiG HOMiE has been winning over audiences and gaining recognition for their spiritual sound. Recommended for fans of Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy, Nate Smith and Butcher Brown.

“a swinging, expressive improviser… masterpiece” – All Music   Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists working today. Joshua was born in Berkeley, California, and he is the son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. He was exposed at an early age to a variety of music (jazz, classical, rock, soul, Indian, Indonesian, Middle-Eastern, African). Also, a wide range of instruments (recorder, piano, guitar, gatham, gamelan). Then, Redman began playing clarinet at age nine before switching to the tenor saxophone one year later.  John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderley and his father, Dewey Redman influenced Redman early on. Also, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Earth, Wind and Fire, Prince, The Police and Led Zeppelin drew Joshua more deeply into music. Joshua loved playing saxophone and was a member of the award-winning Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble and Combo from 1983-86. However, he always put academics first, and he never seriously considered becoming a professional musician. In 1991 Redman graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude, with a B.A. in Social Studies. He had already been accepted by Yale Law School, but deferred entrance for what he believed was only going to be one year. Then, Redman won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition, propelling him to near-certain stardom. Over the past three decades, the saxophonist, composer, and bandleader has consistently demonstrated how to honor music’s verities while expanding its reach in contemporary settings. Redman’s latest, 2025’s Words Fall Short, is an organic next step. Thus, inspiring new collaborators bring this new collection of previously unheard originals to life. Joshua Redman – tenor saxophone Paul Cornish – piano Philip Norris – bass Nazir Ebo – drums Recommended for fans of Cannonball Adderley, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride and Chris Potter.

“a swinging, expressive improviser… masterpiece” – All Music   Joshua Redman is one of the most acclaimed and charismatic jazz artists working today. Joshua was born in Berkeley, California, and he is the son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff. He was exposed at an early age to a variety of music (jazz, classical, rock, soul, Indian, Indonesian, Middle-Eastern, African). Also, a wide range of instruments (recorder, piano, guitar, gatham, gamelan). Then, Redman began playing clarinet at age nine before switching to the tenor saxophone one year later.  John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderley and his father, Dewey Redman influenced Redman early on. Also, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations, Earth, Wind and Fire, Prince, The Police and Led Zeppelin drew Joshua more deeply into music. Joshua loved playing saxophone and was a member of the award-winning Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble and Combo from 1983-86. However, he always put academics first, and he never seriously considered becoming a professional musician. In 1991 Redman graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude, with a B.A. in Social Studies. He had already been accepted by Yale Law School, but deferred entrance for what he believed was only going to be one year. Then, Redman won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition, propelling him to near-certain stardom. Over the past three decades, the saxophonist, composer, and bandleader has consistently demonstrated how to honor music’s verities while expanding its reach in contemporary settings. Redman’s latest, 2025’s Words Fall Short, is an organic next step. Thus, inspiring new collaborators bring this new collection of previously unheard originals to life. Joshua Redman – tenor saxophone Paul Cornish – piano Philip Norris – bass Nazir Ebo – drums Recommended for fans of Cannonball Adderley, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride and Chris Potter.

“Scofield is one of the most prolific and admired jazz musicians of his generation” – NPR   Aside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar, John Scofield is a rare creative artist. He is a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent, rock-solid aesthetic identity. Looking to commemorate his seventy-third year, Scofield has penned a collection of new compositions. Also, he reformed his swinging group, formerly Combo 66, to tour the music.  Rising star Gerald Clayton is an obvious choice on piano, an instrument central to the tunes. The connection between Scofield and drummer Bill Stewart strengthens as the decades pass. It was Stewart who introduced bassist Vicente Archer to the project eight years ago. Scofield is thrilled with the group and in addition to the musical combustion, especially enjoys the inter-generational quality. Here, seventies, fifties and forties are represented! Scofield will close 2025 with this band on tour.  Scofield is a triple Grammy award winning artist with fan bases in many camps and over fifty recordings as leader. Here, he has expressed himself in the vernacular of bebop, blues, jazz-funk, organ jazz, acoustic chamber jazz, electronically tinged groove music, jam band style and orchestral ensembles with ease and enthusiasm. Also, he has earned multiple Grammy nominations and is an Officier dans L’Ordre des Arts and Lettres by France. Moreover, Scofield tours the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups. He has shared stages and studios with Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, and Herbie Hancock. Also, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau, Eddie Harris, and John Mayer. Furthermore, Phil Lesh, Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples and Medeski, Martin & Wood among many music legends. Recommended for fans of Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Robert Glasper and Miles Davis.

“Scofield is one of the most prolific and admired jazz musicians of his generation” – NPR   Aside from being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar, John Scofield is a rare creative artist. He is a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent, rock-solid aesthetic identity. Looking to commemorate his seventy-third year, Scofield has penned a collection of new compositions. Also, he reformed his swinging group, formerly Combo 66, to tour the music.  Rising star Gerald Clayton is an obvious choice on piano, an instrument central to the tunes. The connection between Scofield and drummer Bill Stewart strengthens as the decades pass. It was Stewart who introduced bassist Vicente Archer to the project eight years ago. Scofield is thrilled with the group and in addition to the musical combustion, especially enjoys the inter-generational quality. Here, seventies, fifties and forties are represented! Scofield will close 2025 with this band on tour.  Scofield is a triple Grammy award winning artist with fan bases in many camps and over fifty recordings as leader. Here, he has expressed himself in the vernacular of bebop, blues, jazz-funk, organ jazz, acoustic chamber jazz, electronically tinged groove music, jam band style and orchestral ensembles with ease and enthusiasm. Also, he has earned multiple Grammy nominations and is an Officier dans L’Ordre des Arts and Lettres by France. Moreover, Scofield tours the world approximately 200 days per year with his own groups. He has shared stages and studios with Miles Davis, Tony Williams, Jim Hall, Ron Carter, and Herbie Hancock. Also, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden, Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Brad Mehldau, Eddie Harris, and John Mayer. Furthermore, Phil Lesh, Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples and Medeski, Martin & Wood among many music legends. Recommended for fans of Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Robert Glasper and Miles Davis.

“buoyant rhythm, blinding technique, solid entertainment!” – New York Times “a jazz lioness with a pure tone… and sure swing style.” — JazzTimes   Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. The star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group. They have performed at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. Also, they have wowed audiences in venues across North America.  The group’s music transports listeners to Paris in the 1920s and ’30s. Here, the All-stars bring Reinhardt’s music into the 21st century. They honor traditions and standards while adding their own interpretations, arrangements, and original compositions. They swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad.   Led for years by guitar master Dorado Schmitt, the Allstars are now fronted by Dorado’s son, Samson. Samson has been playing professionally since he was twelve years old and has several recordings to his credit. Flanked by the other superb musicians in this group, the future of Django’s music is in good hands indeed! Veronica Swift has made her mark on the international jazz scene as one of the star vocalists of her era. Now, Swift expands her style, establishing herself as a skilled rock and soul singer as well as a dynamic performer. Here, she transcends styles, and fully embodies them with authenticity to tell a story. This makes her one of the most skillful singers in any genre and displays her theatrical approach. Veronica Swift, vocals Samson Schmitt, lead guitar, vocals Pierre Blanchard, violin Ludovic Beier, accordion and accordina Antonio Licusati, bass Francko Mehrstein, rhythm guitar Recommended for fans of Django Reinhardt, John Jorgenson, Stephane Wrembel and Biréli Lagrène.

“buoyant rhythm, blinding technique, solid entertainment!” – New York Times “a jazz lioness with a pure tone… and sure swing style.” — JazzTimes   Django Reinhardt’s unmistakable cool and jumping joie de vivre have made him an icon. Many guitar luminaries cite his inspiration, including guitar greats Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Moreover, Jimi Hendrix named his Band of Gypsys in tribute to Reinhardt. Willie Nelson adopted his influence in playing country swing. The star musicians of the Django Festival Allstars have grown into a brilliantly cohesive group. They have performed at top concert halls and festivals to standing ovations. Also, they have wowed audiences in venues across North America.  The group’s music transports listeners to Paris in the 1920s and ’30s. Here, the All-stars bring Reinhardt’s music into the 21st century. They honor traditions and standards while adding their own interpretations, arrangements, and original compositions. They swing like crazy and will break your heart with a ballad.   Led for years by guitar master Dorado Schmitt, the Allstars are now fronted by Dorado’s son, Samson. Samson has been playing professionally since he was twelve years old and has several recordings to his credit. Flanked by the other superb musicians in this group, the future of Django’s music is in good hands indeed! Veronica Swift has made her mark on the international jazz scene as one of the star vocalists of her era. Now, Swift expands her style, establishing herself as a skilled rock and soul singer as well as a dynamic performer. Here, she transcends styles, and fully embodies them with authenticity to tell a story. This makes her one of the most skillful singers in any genre and displays her theatrical approach. Veronica Swift, vocals Samson Schmitt, lead guitar, vocals Pierre Blanchard, violin Ludovic Beier, accordion and accordina Antonio Licusati, bass Francko Mehrstein, rhythm guitar Recommended for fans of Django Reinhardt, John Jorgenson, Stephane Wrembel and Biréli Lagrène.

“the essence of what jazz is.” – Jazz Police    Kavyesh Kaviraj imbues his life and stories into his music, carefully weaving his influences into a boundary-breaking modern jazz outfit. He is well-known in the Twin Cities and beyond as a pianist, composer and arranger.  Kavyesh has garnered acclaim in many musical climates, and currently calls St. Paul, MN home. Primarily a jazz pianist, he is a sought-after musician in many genres. He has performed with internationally renowned artists like Wynton Marsalis, David Sanchez, Justin Robinson, Roosevelt Collier, Steve Cole and others. Further, he has been an important member of the Twin Cities music community. He has worked with local jazz legends like Debbie Duncan, Bruce Henry, Babatunde Lea, Kevin Washington, and LA Buckner. Simultaneously he is active in hip-hop, gospel, R&B, funk scenes and many crossover acts.  Omar Abdulkarim has been playing the trumpet since he was fourteen months old. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Omar has shared the stage with Roy Hargrove, Redman, Method Man, KRS-ONE and Talib Kweli. He has also performed with Nicholas Payton’s Television Studio Orchestra and Valerie Ponomarev’s Big Band. Omar’s versatility extends beyond live performances. He has written and recorded music with Lauryn Hill and Jose James. His influences include Fats Navarro, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, John Coltrane and Lee Morgan. Omar’s journey reflects a dedication to his art. He continually expands his musical horizons and collaborates with a diverse range of artists. His rich experiences and influences have shaped him into a dynamic and innovative trumpet player. He makes significant contributions to both the jazz and contemporary music scenes. Recommended for fans of Roy Hargrove, Ahmad Jamal, Woody Shaw and Keith Jarrett.

“Evingson among the first-rank of today’s jazz vocalists.” – AllMusic   Connie Evingson reprises her Beatles CD “Let it Je Jazz,” featuring fresh, unusual treatments of Lennon and McCartney favorites, putting a new spin on songs you thought you knew. Minnesota born-and-raised, Connie Evingson has a catalog of acclaimed albums that cover a wide range within the jazz genre. The Twin Cities-based singer possesses an adventurous spirit that, like her music, knows no boundaries. Thus, her albums span jazz to Broadway standards, to covering Peggy Lee or The Beatles. Her ten albums released through Minnehaha Music have all charted in the Top 50 in the United States and Canada. Additionally, listeners can hear them on radio stations around the globe. Evingson has toured worldwide, with appearances at concert halls, theaters and festivals in the U.S., Europe and Japan. For example, memorable performances include Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, Michael Feinstein, and Vince Giordano. She has made multiple performances on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. Also, she has collaborated with the Minnesota Orchestra and Toronto Symphony conducted by Doc Severinsen. Additionally, she’s performed with JazzMN Orchestra and Vocalessence. Moreover, Evingson is a two-time recipient of both the McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians as well as the Minnesota State Arts Board Artist’s Initiative Grant. “it was sheer pleasure to realize the success that Minnesota-reared vocalist and arranger Connie Evingson had when preparing Let It Be Jazz… I was dumbfounded by the style and grace exuded from this recording… Evingson applies bossa nova to “From Me to You,” tango to “When I’m 64,” and swing to “Blackbird.” What is offered is a real mixed bag in the best way. Almost every jazz subgenre is represented.” – All About Jazz, review of Let it Be Jazz Recommended for fans of Karrin Allyson, Stacey Kent, John Pizzarelli and Jane Monheit.