Tenor Madness

“Four tenor players walk into a room…”

Back by popular demand! You don’t want to miss this evening of tenor madness delivered by a cast of the top players from across the country.

Saxophone: One of the most iconic instruments in jazz, the saxophone’s voice-like tone pushed it to a leading position. Jazz greats that made tenor saxophone include Coleman Hawkins, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, and Chris Potter.

FEATURING SAXOPHONISTS:
Chelsea Baratz
Stacy Dillard
Tommy Morimoto
Brice Winston

RHYTHM SECTION:
Kobie Watkins, drums
Shannon Hoover, bass
Kevin Bales, piano

The JAZZ ROOM provides a casual and intimate setting with tables and a full bar, reminiscent of the classic jazz rooms of yesteryear.

A little more on these amazing musicians:

Chelsea Baratz
Chelsea Baratz is a modern saxophonist, vocalist, composer, bandleader, and rising star in the New York jazz scene. A native of Pittsburgh, she moved to NYC to join a vanguard of genre-defying contemporary jazz artists and musical collaborators after spending her formative years steeped in hard bop, blues, and soul. Baratz is an in-demand session saxophonist and horn section player, working with Matt Schofield’s band and recording with Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Locksmith, Ski Beatz, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown, and many others. Baratz has two albums as bandleader under her belt: “In Faith” and her recent 2020 release “The Promise”. The JAZZ ROOM welcomes Baratz back again.

Stacy Dillard
“Stacy is a one-of-a-kind musician. Seriously.” —Roy Hargrove. “A young saxophonist of serious promise” (Ben Ratliff, The New York Times), Stacy has caught the attention of many with his large and rich tone, developed ideas, accurate technique, and work ethic. Considered a true improviser, he is a perfect example of the fusing of tradition and innovation, the combination which keeps EVERYTHING fresh, exciting, energetic, therapeutic, and more importantly, real. Since moving to New York he has recorded four albums as a leader (here’s from “Good and Bad Memories”) and recorded on over forty as a sideman. He can be found on recordings with Cyrus Chestnut, Captain Black Big Band, Eric Revis, Winard Harper, Wycliffe Gordon and many others. You’ll find Stacy frequently at Smalls in NYC.

Tommy Morimoto
Tenor saxophonist Tommy Morimoto is originally from Matthews,NC, but moved to New York in 2003 in search of more playing opportunities. He has appeared in concert with Dave Brubeck, Les Paul, Anita O’Day, Clint Eastwood, Bob Cranshaw, Joe Wilder, Bill Cosby and Eddie Bert. Mr. Morimoto has played in concert halls, festivals (Playboy, Monterey, JVC), and nightclubs (Minton’s Playhouse,Yoshis, Birdland, Iridium, Catalina’s, The Rainbow Room) and throughout the United States, France, Italy and Switzerland. Recent performances included Ronnie Scotts in London and New York’s famous Blue Note. He has been featured as a sideman on several recordings, including one with Anita O’ Day. Tommy’s playing reveals a depth of musical honesty, sincerity and knowledge. He is a lyrical melodist and a cunning improviser. His experience and reputation are unrivaled for his age. However, what most distinguishes Tommy Morimoto is his unique ability to please musicians and listeners alike.

Brice Winston
Brice Winston is an American born saxophonist and composer currently living in Tucson, AZ. After attending school at the University of New Orleans, he initially stepped out with trumpeter Nicholas Payton before joining forces with Grammy Award winning trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard (here’s that Grammy winning “A Tale of God’s Will”. Brice’s 16 year residency in New Orleans and his association with Blanchard has afforded him the opportunity to record and/or perform with some of the greatest musicians in jazz.

Note on COVID Policies:

As an affiliate organization of Blumenthal Performing Arts, JazzArts Charlotte will be following BPA COVID-19 venue policies and safety guidelines throughout the season. See details.

A special thank you to Season 16 JAZZ ROOM sponsor Bank of America.

Support for the JAZZ ROOM provided, in part, by: Infusion Fund, Knight Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation, Arts & Science Council, North Carolina Arts Council, and O’s Place Jazz.

Each of you help bring jazz alive in Charlotte.