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ONE MORE TIME: The New Trio – Jeff Denson, Romain Pilon & Brian Blade

September 19, 2020 @ 6:30 pm

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About This Event

Recorded August 27, 2019
Romain Pilon-guitar, Jeffrey Denson-bass, Brian Blade-drums

When these virtuoso players meet on the bandstand, the result is sheer magic. Join revered French guitarist Romain Pilon, powerhouse drummer Brian Blade and internationally acclaimed bassist, vocalist, and composer Jeff Denson as they celebrate their Ridgeway Records album Between Two Worlds (release date October 25, 2020). The recording features originals by Denson and Pilon, who met two decades ago as students at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. After graduation they pursued their own careers, but reunited occasionally to reclaim their musical camaraderie. When Denson played with Blade on a 2017 tour with Joel Harrison’s Spirit House, they clicked. “We deeply connected right away, from the first notes in the sound check,” says Denson. “It felt like kindred spirits, rhythmically; a whole other language was taking place behind the soloists, and it was totally enthralling.” Denson thought of Pilon as an ideal third partner. “He’s a virtuoso player but very sensitive and very musical, the same words I would use to describe Brian.” Denson extended an invitation to Pilon and Blade, who enthusiastically accepted. The result is one of the most captivating new groups in jazz, a trio of players with unmistakable chops, unquestionable creativity, and probing sensitivity.

Jeff Denson
Bassist/vocalist/composer, Jeff Denson, balances a full career as both an acclaimed performing and recording musician and a highly respected educator. Jeff has commercially released 12 albums to date as leader or co-leader and has been reviewed in many of the world’s leading periodicals such as the New York Times, Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle. He most recently earned accolades in two categories in DownBeat’s 66th Annual Critics Poll: Rising Star Male Vocalist and Rising Star Electric Bass. Jeff has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe with both his own groups – including the renowned cooperative trio Minsarah, and has worked with some of jazz’s finest artists, such as Mimi Fox, Yosvany Terry, Joe Lovano, Jane Ira Bloom, Kenny Werner, Dave Douglas, Brian Blade and an ongoing relationship with the legendary Lee Konitz since 2007. Jeff is a full professor at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, California.

Romain Pilon
“Without a doubt one of the most outstanding guitarists to have emerged in recent years.” – Bebop Spoken Here
Based in Paris, Romain Pilon is considered one of Europe’s top jazz guitar players. As a leader, he has recorded 4 critically acclaimed albums, with some of the world’s best musicians like Ben Wendel, Seamus Blake, Walter Smith III, and Matt Brewer. His ability to fit in every context, from mainstream to avant-garde, while preserving in own voice also makes him a very demanded sideman. Romain’s highlight performances have included tours in Spain, Portugal, Germany, and the US. He has played in many festivals worldwide such as Brosella Jazz Festival Eurojazz Festival, Recife Jazz Festival, Malta Jazz Festival, and the Kriol Jazz festival.

Brian Blade
A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Brian Blade established himself as a versatile, accomplished drummer early in his career, appearing on albums by the likes of Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett, and Bob Dylan. Blade released his first album, Brian Blade Fellowship, at the age of 27 in 1998, and followed two years later with Perceptual, both on Blue Note. Always an in-demand sideman and collaborator, Blade continued to find work with a bevy of artists, including Joni Mitchell, Bill Frisell, and Wayne Shorter.

These “OMT” shows will be streamed on Facebook in their entirety (minus the intermission) so that you can enjoy them along with others (virtually, of course) as if you were in the audience. You can comment interactively with other viewers and the musicians who are viewing the show. NOTE: If you are unable to watch shows at the scheduled times, they will be available on our Facebook page for viewing on demand afterwards.

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