It’s such a great week in D.C. jazz that we already needed an extra-long Jazz Setlist. And even that’s not enough to cover it; HR-57 announced last night that it is re-oepning this weekend. And there’s one more big showcase to talk about.
CapitalBop has, since premiering in November, become the D.C. jazz scene’s best friend. The advocacy site includes a full jazz calendar with fuller details of the weekend gigs; news of the local scene and its doings; and several contributors publishing reviews, photos, and profiles. And, perhaps most significantly, it’s become a concert promoter itself, with its Jazz Loft series having so much success that this year it’s joined the fold of the D.C. Jazz Festival. The third Jazz Loft show takes place this weekend.
The lineup includes many of the District’s stalwarts, including alto saxophonist Braxton Cook leading a trio and tenor saxophonist Brian Settles playing a solo set—-plus the closing that it’s safe to say has become the Jazz Loft’s trademark, a blowing session and open jam featuring a loose confederation known as the U Street All-Stars. But there’s also a relative newcomer on tap.
Drummer Tiacoh Sadia, a native of the Côte d’Ivoire, was part of a new trio that Settles premiered at the previous Jazz Loft concert. This time, he is premiering his own quartet with trumpeter Muneer Nassar, pianist Dr. Bill Clark, and bass guitarist Tony Harrod. Sadia, Clark, and Nassar previously worked together in the Arnold Sterling Jazz Ensemble, where they played straightahead jazz; with local veteran Harrod added, they’ll do the same—-but with Sadia leading them in a pronounced inclination toward his West African heritage.
The D.C. Jazz Loft begins at 7 p.m. Sunday, and will likely continue till midnight (or later), at the Red Door Loft at 443 I St. NW. $10 suggested donation; BYOB.