The best way to cap off the work week…

Hello everyone and welcome to a new week.

As many of you know, Friday is my favourite day of the week; and attending the Jazz Half’s “Event of the Month” last Friday made it all the better. The JHEOTM consisted of the Tim Warfield Quartet, who performed at The Blue Wisp. This was an absolutely magnificent performance. The Walnut Hills H.S. Jazz Ensemble warmed up the evening with a packed house, followed by the quartet of Tim Warfield on Tenor & Soprano Saxes, Neil Podgurski on Piano, Brandon Meeks on Bass, and Anthony “T” Lee on Drums.

Tim Warfield, originally from York, Pennsylvania is internationally-known and has performed with legends Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Christian McBride, Stefon Harris, and many others. In May of this year, he released his latest project, “One for Shirley” in tribute to longtime friend and mentor, iconic Organist Shirley Scott. The quartet performed some standards (“What would I do” in the 1st set, and “Summertime” in the 2nd encore), but the most captivating to my ears were the original numbers, some of these numbers which, when conversing with the audience, Tim mentioned were inspired by personal experiences, a point in his life, or colleagues which he’s collaborated with. One original piece called, “Blues for Mr. Bill”, sympathizes with the mishaps of the ‘70’s SNL claymation character of the same name.

Tim Warfield’s performance style is very poised and balanced. This is reflective of his persona. When he engaged the audience, his voice and demeanor was as fluid as the very way in which he plays – a wonderful performance indeed. BUT I CAN’T SAY ANYMORE ABOUT THE SHOW!!! Why, you ask? Because very soon, you’ll be able to read the full show review on thejazzhalf.com, that’s why! Also, after the show, I had an opportunity to chat with Tim Warfield about the early part of his career, his latest CD, Shirley Scott, and more. So keep your eyes (and ears) peeled to thejazzhalf.com for the review of the show and the exclusive interview! Ciao!

- jh

Up from the South...it's Gypsy Jazz!

Hello everyone,

I feel compelled to share with you some wonderful information regarding an upcoming event!

This event features a group that is led by one of the best finger-style guitarists in the WORLD. The group is The Hot Club of Nashville, and the event is an evening of Gypsy Jazz, starting off with Cincinnati's own Faux Frenchmen!

This exclusive, one-night show will be held on Friday, Nov. 21st at the 20th Century, 3021 Madison Ave. in the heart of Oakley. Advance tickets are $20. The doors and bar open at 6:00pm, with the show starting at 8:00.

Don't forget to mark your calendar for November 21st and tell all those you know! For more information, contact Tim Sendelbach at 513-919-9240. Or send him an email at tsendelbach@tamarackentertainment.com

Hope to see you there! Cheers!

- jh

A Rare Opportunity...

Good Evening Everyone,

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear a master percussionist! Jose Rosa is from Puerto Rico (now based in Orlando) and will be at the Blue Wisp, 318 E. 8th Street at 8:30pm!

There will also be performances from outstanding Cincinnati Latin Jazz performers such as Sonia and Jaime Morales!

Poco Loco will open the show with their 9-piece Latin Jazz band consisting of a full rhythm section, three horns, vibes and guitar.

In between performances and free dance lessons by Salsa Underground. It's a night not to be missed and won't be repeated!

Jazz at Jaspers

Here we are, on the threshold of the first weekend in October. Or maybe you're like me, and prefer to start the weekend early (despite the fact I'm still working on Friday).

As my closest friends know, Friday is my favourite day of the week. Due to this fact, I tend to start the weekend on Thursday nights. This time, I rang in the weekend with a visit to Jaspers on Mt. Lookout Square. My first time there, I was intrigued with the openess of this former theater. Bruce Menefield was performing with his ensemble - Mike Sharfe on Bass, Anthony "T" Lee on Drums, and of course, Bruce on Tenor and Alto. These guys "took it to the house" with such standards as "In a Sentimental Mood" and Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloup". In my first experience seeing Bruce perform, I sat there with my glass of water kicking myself for forgetting my camera to share a few pics with everyone. But that, of course, doesn't keep me from sharing what I have observed.

Throughout the month of October, Jaspers will feature performances on alternate Thursdays between Bruce Menefield and jazz pianist Steve Schmidt. And you know something? I am here to tell you - Jaspers is an extraordinary venue for attending Jazz events. The high, curved ceilings lend itself to dynamic acoustics. The openess & layout of the inside invites comfort for everyone who walks through the entrance. This includes unobstructed views of the stage from literally ANY perspective, thanks to preserving the traditional, Theater-Style slanted floor, leading down to the stage, at the foot of what used to be the cinema screen.

Jaspers is a place with a lot of character. The inside reminds me of a venue from the 1930's or 40's that could easily accommodate a Count Basie or Duke Ellington's Orchestra. So my recommendation for Thursday night jazz in October is to take a short drive to Jaspers, 3187 Linwood Ave. What better way to start the weekend early? For more information on Jaspers, visit http://www.jaspersmtlookout.com/. Cheers!

- jh

"The Jazz Half" Night is coming soon to the Lyric!

Mark your calendars for October 8th!

Why?
The Lyric, a new venue in the heart of Reading, is open and ready to host some great performances. I'm excited to announce the SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH is officially “The Jazz Half” night at the Lyric!!!

October 8th is the kickoff evening featuring sensational vocalist April Aloisio. The Lyric is located at 8907 Reading Rd. (behind Lucy’s Diner) and the show runs from 7 to 10pm. Admission is $5.00, and affordably-priced concessions and [non-alcoholic] beverages will be available.

Spread the word to everyone you know! The Jazz Half night at the Lyric is aiming to become another fantastic jazz event in the city!!! For more information or questions, send an email to liveatthelyric@gmail.com or email@thejazzhalf.com . See you there!

A Successful Series!

What's Cookin' , Everyone?

I'll tell you what WAS cookin' last month - The Fifth Third "It's Commonly Jazz" series that took place every Thursday in August. Eden Park's Seasongood Pavillion proved to be more than accommodating for all the jazz fans who attended. This family-friendly event was perfect for the long-time jazz lover sitting front and center, absorbing every note; and equally perfect for those sitting in the grass enjoying the background music as they read a book. And yes, The Jazz Half was on hand for every single show. Click HERE to see pictures from each show. I'm telling you, Eden Park was DEFINITELY the place to be on Thursdays in August - the weather couldn't have been better! From the high-energy delivery of Tia Fuller's Saxophone, to the relaxed vocals of Thelma Massey with the Randy Villars Trio, to the innovative sound of The Ron Jones Quartet, and the engaging feel of the Mike Wade Quintet, you would have been well-served to attend at least one of these performances.

The Jazz Half was fortunate to interview each of these groups EXCLUSIVELY. Click HERE to listen to the interview audiocasts. The Jazz Half would like to sincerely thank each group for their time and graciousness.

As for everyone else - plan early, and mark your calendars for next year; as this Jazz Series is now officially settled into its new home at Seasongood Pavillion in Eden Park. Cheers!

- jh

Welcome to August

Hey There!

Long time! I hope you're having a wonderful summer. I also hope you're still checking into The Jazz Half for scheduled events, show reviews, and WCJS - the official radio station. Well, August is here and this month brings us Fifth-Third's "It's Commonly Jazz" series. After 22 great years of bringing Jazz to the Courtyard at Swifton Commons Mall, the new venue for the event this year is the Seasongood Pavilion in Eden Park! This Thursday (Aug. 7th) was the kickoff of the Series, and it couldn't have kicked off any better than with the Tia Fuller Quartet! These ladies are INCREDIBLY talented and have been playing together for 7 years. The quartet consist of Tia Fuller on Saxes, Shamie Royston on Piano, Miriam Sullivan on Bass, and Kim Thompson on Drums. The group opened with an original piece called "Gullyism", and really moved everyone with a 2-part suite called "Katrina's Prayer/Katrina's Lullabye" - inspired by the people of New Orleans, and their strong resolve to see through the struggles left behind from the hurricane. They opened the 2nd set with a very intense, high-energy number called "Breakthrough", and closed the show with "My Shining Hour". This was a fantastic evening - a mild, slightly breezy Thursday dusk. The crowd truly enjoyed themselves.

If you missed this one, you've really should have been there. But don't fret - more performances will be given as the series continues this month every Thursday starting at 6:00pm. Next week, the series welcomes the Randy Villars, featuring Thelma Massey. Hope to see you there! Meanwhile, click HERE to check out some of the pictures from tonight's show! Cheers!

- jh