Latest Press

A Musical Takeover of Eastport

“A ‘world tour’ through Spanish flamenco, sea shanties, klezmer and more is on the way to reignite the region’s passion for jazz and roots music.The Annapolis Jazz & Roots Festival comes to various venues around Eastport the first two weekends in November, highlighting not only world music but the role that Chesapeake Bay communities and performers play in jazz and its adjacent interpretations.“

Hot Club Of Baltimore Brings Gypsy Jazz And Swing…

“Featuring Harris on guitar, rhythm guitarist Kristoffer Belgica, bassist Blake Meister and violinist Aaron Malone, the ‘Jazz at the Mezz’ program will explore the origins of gypsy jazz in Paris. Starting with the repertoire of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappeli, they’ll trace the influences of romantic classical and Hungarian folk music and share contributions by Corsican rooted musicians Tchan Tchou Vidal and Matelo Ferét.“

Seth Kibel’s Newest Album…

“Woodwinds extraordinaire Seth Kibel has received much praise for his stellar performances throughout the years, eventually becoming a highly sought-after performer all around the Mid-Atlantic region. He has recently released his fifth album Clarinetflix & Chill where five tracks straddle a variety of musical styles, offering much delight to the listener.”

Maids of Dishonor–New Vocal Trio

“During the 1930’s-50’s, we saw the rise of several beloved vocal groups, such as the Andrews Sisters and the Ink Spots, whose vintage sound inspires musicians to this day. This includes three artists already well-known in Baltimore: vocalist Alexis Tantau of the Hot Club of Baltimore, vocalist Bridget Cimino of the Tongue in Cheek Jazz Band, and violinist Nataly Merezhuk (Strathmore Artist in Residence). They comprise the new up-and-coming vocal trio Maids of Dishonor.”

Blake Meister, Bassist Extraordinaire

“Known for his wit and versatility, Philadelphia-born bassist Blake Meister has become a widely recognized name in Baltimore’s jazz scene and beyond. Even in the toughest of times, he remains one of the busiest (and most positive) musicians around. Whether attending Terra Cafe’s Monday night jam session or performing on stage at all the local haunts and venues, you can be sure that he is always on the move and at the ready.”

Ultrafaux’s Tangent – A Stylistic and Rhythmic Adventure

Critical praise has greeted Tangent, the latest album by Ultrafaux, Baltimore’s well-known gypsy jazz ensemble.  Tom Cole, senior editor for arts, music, and culture on NPR/Pacifica Radio, writes: “Ultrafaux stands out from all of the other Django Reinhardt-inspired bands because they perform original material.” Sam Sessa of Towson-based WTMD says, “Just when you think you’ve got this band pegged, they surprise you. This is some of their most adventurous and beguiling music yet.”

Bass Legend Ron Carter Performs at Keystone Korner

It’s not every day that one has the opportunity to attend a performance by a jazz legend. With a six-decade long career, bassist and bandleader Ron Carter holds the title for most recorded jazz bassist, totaling over 2,200 recordings with such greats as Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Jim Hall, Duke Pearson, Lee Morgan, Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, and many, many more.

“Trad” Jazz Jam on Tuesdays at De Kleine Duivel

Baltimore is enjoying another successful jazz jam, this time featuring blaring, brassy melodies, the playful articulation of the clarinet and the “chunk-chunk” of the banjo. These are some of the hallmarks of the New Orleans sound — traditional, or “trad,” jazz.