Come out and see the first live performance of Portland bassist Damian Erskine’s original material, soon to appear on his forthcoming CD.  There’s not even a cover charge – no excuse to not be there.

Featuring:

• Reinhardt Melz (drms)
• David Goldblatt (keys)
• Ben Darwish (Rhodes)
• Raphael Trujillo (congas)
• John Nastos (tenor saxophone)
• Jason Dumars (soprano saxophone)
• Paul Mazzio (trumpet)
• Damian Erskine (bass)

8-11 PM – No cover charge.

1624 NW Glisan

Commotion’s self-titled album is now available on CD Baby.  The disc features some great Portland talent, including:

• Ben Darwish – keyboards
• Sam Howard – bass
• Russ Kleiner – drums
• Chris Mosley – guitar
• Chaz Hastings – percussion

On a couple of tracks, the group is augmented by a horn section including:

• Greg Garrett – trumpet
• John Nastos – saxophone
• Daniel Lamb – trombone

Pick up the album for some grooving, danceable, jazz/funk.

October 2nd at Jimmy Mak’s, Ben Darwish’s trio will play a double bill with Darrell Grant’s newest band – “On the Territory.”

Portland jazz fans will undoubtedly know Ben’s trio by now.  Despite the young age of the group, they have two succesful albums on Portland’s own Diatic Records and have had a strong presence in the local jazz scene for a few years now.

Fans will probably also be aware of Darrell Grant’s work, although perhaps not his newest endeavor.  Here’s what Darrell has to say about it:

Darrell Grant and “On the Territory” is a new project that is inspired by the idea that music, like wine and coffee, is shaped by an indefinable connection to terrain, which is both the physical place and the community from which it springs. The French call this “terroir”.  I call it the Territory.

Most of the players in this ensemble, including myself, come to Oregon from disparate places–New York, California, Wyoming, Boston.  We were drawn here in no small part by the “terroir” of this place, what someone called “a terroir of the mind as much as of the land.”   From here we define our musical territory.  Like the place in which we live, it is a diverse and beautiful landscape.  Where jazz, blues, gospel, folk, classical and rock music are the rivers, valleys, mountain peaks and quiet retreats.

The paths we explore are songs by Bob Dylan, Keith Jarrett, Neil Young, John Lennon, The Neville Brothers, Jan Garbarek and others–some with words, some without–that have in common a reflection on place, and a beauty that speaks to the truths of our life and times.

Ben Darwish’s Trio features: Ben Darwish – piano, Bill Athens – bass, and Randy Rollofson – drums

Darrell Grant’s “On the Territory” features: Darrell Grant – piano and vocals, Cameron Morgan – guitar, Ji Tanzer – drums, Sam Howard – bass, Tim Wilcox (saxophone – subbing for John Nastos), Maureen Frary Kelly – guest vocals

From Ben Darwish:

Hello!

• We will be requiring a one drink minimum per person.  The event is always free.  But it’s not fair to Someday Lounge if no one is buying anything.  If you don’t drink, they serve food too which is a very tasty alternative.
• Please email me if you want to perform or contribute a composition! There isn’t always time for people to play, especially if you show up after 9:30pm.  This will guarantee you a spot sometime during the night.

Ben Darwish’s jam session “Progression” is back at the Someday Lounge this Sunday.  Here’s what Ben has to say:

Progression is this Sunday at Someday Lounge!  Bring a composition to play and make sure you bring copies that are easy to read for the rhythm section and horns.  Feel free to call a standard but don’t call it in the standard way (odd time, added concept, different groove).  Guitarists, let me know if you’re coming and if you can bring an amp.  Bassists, please bring your basses!

Progression is what every other jam session isn’t.

Original compositions, odd time signatures,

free form improvisation, and no rules.

.

House rhythm section this week:

Ben Darwish – keys

Josh Feinberg – bass

Brian Wright – drums

Looking for something to do this Friday?  Were you planning to go to Cassandra Wilson/Jason Moran and not sure what to do with your Jazz Festival evening after yesterday’s news that the show would be cancellled?

Ben Darwish is releasing his second trio album at Jimmy Mak’s on February 20th, which might be the perfect way to fill that gap in your schedule Friday night.

Head over to the Jimmy Mak’s website to get more details and make reservations.

Update: The Oregonian has a podcast talking about this event.

This Thursday, Ben Darwish’s project Commotion plays Holecene.  Also appearing on the bill is C4 Influenz (Rod Nightingale of Linda Hornbuckle’s band).

Commotion is appearing with a full horn section for the first time (the Someday Lounge gig that was supposed to premier this format was canceled due to Portland’s snowpocolypse), including Tree Palmedo, John Nastos, and Devin Riley, teamed up with Commotion-regulars Ben Darwish, Chris Mosley, Russ Kleiner, and Damian Erskine.  They’ll also be joined by percussionist Chaz Hastings.

Music starts at 9 PM.

This Sunday, join Ben Darwish for his monthly jam session, “Progression” at the Someday Lounge. In his words, Progression is what every other jam session isn’t.  ” Original compositions, odd time signatures, free form improvisation, and no rules.”

The house band this week will feature Ben on keys, Bill Athens on bass, and Brian Wright on drums.

The session is from 8 to 11 PM – if you plan on bringing a tune of your own to play, make sure to bring enough copies for everyone.