As strange as it may seem, The Brooklyn Jazz Underground, a newly formed collective of performers from the borough, is coming together for a unique celebration of musical innovation, inspiration and talent, Jan. 11 – 14 … in Manhattan?!
“Smalls is a legendary jazz club,” said Brooklyn Jazz Underground spokesperson Jason Byrne about their decision to launch on the wrong side or the river. “Besides having great acoustics, the owner of the club allows performers total control. It’s all about freedom of expression.”
The shows, a combination of performances by 10 of Brooklyn’s independent, underground musicians and their ensembles, are deeply rooted in improvisation and individuality. Many of the artists have worked alongside famous jazz artists including Ravi Coltrane, Harry Connick, Jr. and Bill Frisell.
From the Spanish-influenced music of Alexis Cuadrado to the Indo jazz of Sunny Jain, moods and souls will be soothed and energized throughout the festival while instruments of all kinds — strings, percussion, brass and woodwinds — bang it out for an exciting and eclectic mix of rhythms and sounds.
The collective is also celebrating the release of their first annual compilation CD.
“The timing couldn’t be more perfect,” said Byrne. “It’s the New Year, and the newly launched collective is symbolic of new beginnings.”
The Brooklyn Jazz Underground Launch Festival will take place Jan. 11-14 at Smalls (183 W. 10th St. at Seventh Avenue South in Manhattan, (212) 929-7565]. For more information, visit the Web site www.brooklynjazz.org.
