10:36 PM
I had Alexa Tarantino’s album, “The Roar and the Whisper,” on repeat for days, while I was preparing to interview her and write up a profile to preview her Kilbourn Hall performance. What I didn’t expect was how much sheer energy her and her band would bring to the stage in a live setting. It can be cliche to say that a band was on fire, but it’s the most appropriate way to describe the rising intensity that her band creates together in the songs that she’s written, which are catchy but, like her, punchy and original. I always describe Alexa’s tone quality on the alto and soprano sax, which she doubled on tonight, as alive and bright. It was a contrast from Tommy Smith’s airy, smoky tone on his tenor, which I heard just before heading into Alexa’s show. (Neither sound better, it’s just a way to compare their identities as players.) I have more to say on the show, but I’ll save it for the larger review for tomorrow’s festival guide.
I’m in Harvey Mason at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre right now, and it’s sophisticated, understated playing. As the last show of the night, nearing 10:45 p.m., it’s a little lower energy for me than I might’ve otherwise sought out right now. But I’m just glad to get to hear the 79-year-old drummer of “Chameleon” fame, play live.
I may not make it to late night tonight, but I hope to hear who was out and about there. But that’s otherwise a wrap on day two of the festival.
8:54 PM
A couple of quick updates before Alexa Tarantino gets on stage at Kilbourn Hall for the 9 p.m. show.
1. Bob James: An absolute master of melody and smooth grooves. I can’t say I’m one for smooth rock/jazz, but it’s hard not to be pulled into his enchanting world of ‘80s metropolitan grooves.
2. Tommy Smith and Jon Ballantyne were the epitome of classy in Hatch Recital Hall.
More updates to come after Alexa Tarantino’s show.
6:47 PM
I heard Adam Nussbaum at the Inn on Broadway and his clear mastery came through as cool, relaxed drumming, one moment rocking out and the next, quietly patting the drums with his hands. All registers and tools were natural, easy. It was a great show to start the night.
I’m now over at Kodak Hall for Bob James, of unintended hip-hop fame. Stay tuned for more.
It’s also a beautiful night for the free shows on the East Ave. and Chestnut St. stage, which includes Nikki Hill and Robert Cray. Additionally, Danielle Ponder is about to start over at the RocJuneteenth Festival over at Manhattan Square (Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park). Can’t miss on anything tonight.
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Featured photo: Alexa Tarantino: Blue Engine Record Release Celebration. Saxophonist and composer Alexa Tarantino performs with Steven Feifke (piano), Philip Norris (bass), and Mark Whitfield Jr. (drums) at the Dizzy’s Club on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. New York. Jazz at Lincoln Center. Photo: Gilberto Tadday/Jazz at Lincoln Center.
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