TJS Newsletter
 

As you may have noticed, the content on this page changes frequently. We use the Newsletter as a place to post items of particular interest to our members. Please scroll down and check out the Performance Spotlight for special upcoming performances. We're working hard to keep the Calendar page updated with all of the performances in this area. There's still more wer'e missing, so please help us by sending details on events to info@trianglejazz.org. 

We are working on the details for our Holiday Social, planned for Sunday, December 14. We don't have much more to share about that right now, but you should mark that day as busy on your calendar so you can attend.

If you haven't been to one of our socials, check out the event reviews below to see what you've been missing.
 

--Your Triangle Jazz Society

 

 

November "Smooth and Sweet" Social 

The Page Walker Hotel in Cary provided an elegant, intimate atmosphere for our November social. The popularity of the event was evident by the line of people waiting for their turn to sample the Escazu Artisan Chocolates...

 

...and complimenting wines provided by Total Wines, served by our friends from Bartenders Unlimited.

 

Space was at a premium as people settled in to listen. The room was filled with beautiful works of art and an enthusiastic crowd of jazz fans.

 

Marcus Mitchell delivered a magnificent performance, mixing smooth sonorous tones with intense, screaming passages. Though I've heard him before, I was impressed with the almost effortless manner in which he played. He would rip through stunning runs of notes but never lose sight of the music. If you missed this one, you missed a great one!

Our many thanks to our event co-sponsors:

• The Town of Cary
• Escazu Artisan Chocolates
• Total Wines
• Bartenders Unlimited
• Embassy Suites

 --photos and commentary by Scott Westfall, TJS Board Member

 

 

 

Bogart's Has Jazz 7 Days a Week!

Bogart's American Grill in downtown Raleigh has expanded their Jazz offerings, making it one of the premier locations for jazz in the Triangle. Bogart's offers fine dining with a broad menu in a classy setting. The music makes this more than just a meal; it's sophisticated dining at its best!

I'm a regular at the Sunday Jazz Brunch, and it's one of the best dining experiences in the Triangle! It features made-to-order omelets, french toast and waffles, the best sausage I've ever had, a carving station, and more. If you're looking for some place special to go, give this a try.

The Gregg Gelb Trio has been the mainstay of their jazz offerings, performing on Wednesday nights and Sundays for the jazz brunch. Gregg plays tenor sax, with various artists sitting in on keyboards and bass. They play a broad selection of jazz standards, and Gregg's velvety tone is pure joy. When you hear him, you'll know why tenor sax is my favorite instrument! You can also see Gregg playing with the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra and the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra. 

To this, Bogart's has added the Al Soul Trio on Monday and Tuesday nights. They're led by Al Strong, one of the hardest working trumpet players in the area. He's got great tone and a punchy style I really like. I've seen Al with the John Brown Orchestra, Peter Lamb and the Wolves, and with Andy Hampden and Friends. It's great to see him take the lead.

On Thursday nights, you can catch the Mark Wells Trio, featuring Mark on keyboards. If you haven't seen Mark before, you are in for a real treat! He plays jazz with a touch of the blues, moving from sultry to saucy. Mark also has a powerful, soulful vocal style that breathes new life and vigor into your favorite songs. His version of Weeping Willow, is one of my all-time favorites! You can catch Mark playing with Peter Lamb at Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse in Raleigh, Peter Lamb and the Wolves, and with Andy Hampden at Friends.

Friday nights features the Third Degree. I haven't had a chance to catch them, yet, so I can't say anything more.

Saturday nights features The Triple B Project, fusing live jazz with a DJ playing contemporary recordings. Typically, this includes percussion, keyboards, a horn, and guitar; but the mix changes. I haven't had a chance to see them, either, but this exciting mix is at the top of my must see list.

See our Calendar page for a complete listing of local events and please check out the Bogart's website to learn more about them.

--Scott Westfall, TJS Board Member

 

 Fall Fundraisers for Local Jazz Stations

The Triangle is lucky to have two great radio stations bringing us jazz music. These stations depend on your contributions. Please join us in supporting them by giving a donation.

WNCU - 90.7 FM, NC Central University, from October 6-12.

WSHA - 88.9 FM, Shaw University, begins in November (specific date tbd).