William Paterson University in Wayne Brings Back Jazz Room
Christian McBride will duet with pianist Bill Charlap April 27 at William Paterson University's "Jazz Room" series.
Those jazz fans who missed last night’s debut performance of this season’s Jazz Room at William Paterson University in Wayne need not fret. The schedule is an A-List of talent scheduled for next month, three times in April and a solid May ending. The concerts, inexpensively priced, will take place at the on-campus Shea Center for Performing Arts. For more information, visit https://www.wpunj.edu/wppresents/jazz-room-series/index.html.
March 9
Chris Potter
He blew sax for Steely Dan and Pat Metheny but now Chris Potter is touring with his own big-band. Get there early for a “Sittin’ In” meet-the artist session at 2:00 p.m. before the 3:00 p.m. concert.
April 6
Camille Thurman
Vocalist-Saxophonist Camille Thurman was a finalist in Newark’s 2013 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. Her 2018 Waiting For Sunrise album melded sweet soul with contemporary jazz. The 3:00 p.m. concert is preceded by a 2:00 meet’n’greet.
April 13
Chico Alvarez
Born in New York, raised in Cuba and now living in Jersey City, singer Chico Alvarez fuses folkloric Afro-Cuban delicacies with pop-smart funk. He’s fronted Mafimba for decades, broadcasts his “New World Gallery” on WBAI, and will be performing as part of the William Paterson Latin Jazz Ensemble here. The 3:00 concert is preceded by a 2:00 meet’n’greet.
April 27
The Christian McBride-Bill Charlap Duo
Tony Bennett’s former piano man, Bill Charlap, is a Grammy Award winner whose last album, And Then Again, was released last year. Bassist Christian McBride has won nine Grammys and can lay claim to being the greatest living bass player, a fact he demonstrates in The Jersey Sound documentary. The 3:00 p.m. concert is preceded by a 2:00 meet’n’greet.
May 9
Will Downing
He’s recorded 22 albums of his own—including last year’s Luscious—and is the go-to back-up singer for Mariah Carey, Gerald Albright and Regina Belle, to name just three. This final show is at 8:00 with no pre-show meet.
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