Astonishing.
Let me count the ways:
- skills
- looks
- power
- intellect
- knowledge
- feeling
- swing
Connie Han checks all the boxes. The West Coast has been buzzing about this phenomenal pianist for a couple of years. She’s only 23. Her breakout album Crime Zone, released last October on Mack Avenue Records, announces a ferocious new voice in this music to the world stage.
Her heroes Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Kirkland and Hank Jones inform a pianistic approach that embraces tradition while looking forward. Connie's synthesis and technical command give her the freedom to explore musically.
“There are infinite creative possibilities within the jazz tradition,” she says. "Frankly, I wish I had more than one lifetime to explore all of it. There’s a school of thought within the modern-jazz scene that traditional jazz is dead and that swinging is an archaic thing. Jazz has always been about being in the moment. I want to make it so that when I play it, it sounds like it’s happening right now.”
The proof is in the proverbial pudding [click image to play]:
Joining this uncommonly thoughtful and focussed pianist are Ivan Taylor and Bill Wysaske.
Ivan Taylor began playing bass at age 9 in Southern Illinois, leading to a star turn at JALC's 2002 Essentially Ellington competition and subsequent enrollment at Juilliard. He’s played with Mulgrew Miller, Louis Hayes, Nicolas Payton, Curtis Fuller, Russell Malone, Hank Jones, a bunch of Marsalises and many others. He has studied with Ben Wolfe and continues to study with Ron Carter.
Bill Wysaske—drummer, composer, arranger, and producer — has worked with Michael Bublé, David Foster, Count Basie Orchestra, Christian McBride, Steve Tyrell, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, John Clayton, Randy Brecker and John Beasley among others. He is music director, producer and mentor for Connie Han.
Join us to witness this extraordinary artist at the beginning of what is sure to be a remarkable career.
Connie Han Trio
8-11 pm Saturday, March 16
1220 N. Mascher St. (steps away from the Girard Ave. El stop) [map]
We contemplate a $25 donation to support the musicians and provide appropriate refreshments.
Click RSVP to this invitation to get on the guest list. Invitation expires when we reach 85 attendees. Looking forward to seeing you.
Matt Yaple
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@exuberance parties at Matt’s are by invitation only to provide a dignified, comfortable and acoustically ideal setting for worthwhile art and ideas. Cellphones and other devices are to be holstered during the performances. Between sets, conviviality rules.
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