More Live Music the First Week of April

Seems like we plan to go away for the weekend and the number of fascinating musical opportunities increase dramatically.  I realize it's just coincidence but, while we're in DC, the CT Composers and Improvisers Festival takes place in Middletown and Tomas Fujiwara returns to Firehouse 12 with The Hookup - that's just Friday.

This is also the weekend of the 1st Annual Yale Jazz Fest, a 3-day event (4/05-07) headlined by a Saturday afternoon performance featuring the Vijay Iyer Trio. That concert takes place at 4 p.m. in St Paul and St James Church, 57 Olive Street in New Haven.  Joining pianist/ composer/ conceptualist Iyer will be his long-time band mates Stephan Crump (bass) and Marcus Gilmore (drums).  Other Saturday events include a Master Class in Brazilian Music led by vibraphonist Arthur Lipner (6:15 p.m. in Hendrie Hall) and a 9 p.m. show featuring bassist Matt Dwonszwk & the RGD Trio from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. in the Saybrook Underbrook Coffeehouse Coda, 242 Elm Street.

That's just Saturday - there are talks on Friday and much more music throughout the weekend. To find out more, go to www.yale.edu/jazzcollective/festival.html.  The best part? The weekend is free and open to the public!

On Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m., The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown, welcomes the trio of Frode Gjerstad (reeds), David Watson (electric guitar, bagpipes) and Kevin Norton (drums, vibes, percussion) for a concert of improvised conversations.  The ensemble, known as Tipples, released its debut CD in 2010.  Gjerstad and Norton had worked together previously on several projects but, upon meeting Watson (who has worked extensively in the "new music" field), musical sparks flew.  Middletown residents should recognize Norton for his numerous appearances with ensembles led by Professor Anthony Braxton and bassist Joe Fonda.  For more information, go to www.buttonwood.org.

Also on Sunday, the Baby Grand Jazz Series at the Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street in Hartford, welcomes guitarist Sinan Bakir and his Trio for a 3 p.m.  The composer/guitarist has recently issued his 2nd CD as a leader, "Tales and Stories", 12 tunes that not only spotlight his fine musicianship but also document his maturity as a composer, arranger and bandleader.  The concert takes place in the Library's Atrium and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 860-695-6293.