Don Aliquo Quintet ft. Stevens, Feldman, Aylor & Brasley

Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing. "Growth", his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition. Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire. Notable collaborations include a duo recording with eclectic pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label. Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew. Don is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.Michael Jefry Stevens has been active for over 40 years with many New York jazz ensembles. With bassist Joe Fonda he led the Fonda-Stevens Group and recorded several highly regarded post-bop albums. A composer and "Steinway Artist", Michael Jefry Stevens performs extensively in Europe, Latin America and North America. He was voted “Best Composer of 2016” by readers of the Mountain Xpress in Asheville, NC and was a recipient of a 2017 Regional Project Grant through the North Carolina Arts Council. He has composed over 360 works for both large and small ensembles. An active band-leader for over 40 years, his current working musical ensembles include the "Conference Call Quartet," the "Fonda/Stevens Group", the Hungarian "Eastern Boundary Quartet", “Don Aliquo/Michael Jefry Stevens duo", the "Mountain Chamber Jazz Ensemble" as well as his current trio, quartet and quintet. Michael has released over 100 Cds and has performed and/or recorded extensively with many of the top names in Jazz, including Dave Liebman, Oliver Lake, Dave_Douglas (trumpeter), Leo Smith, Matt Wilson, Han Bennink, Mark Feldman, Pheeroan AkLaff, Gerry Hemingway, Charles Moffett Sr., Billy Martin, and many others. Michael co-led the Brooklyn Jazz Composer's Orchestra with Jeff Raheb in the mid 1990s, and was a member of the BMI Jazz Composer's Institute during that time. His solo piano recordings include "The Survivor's Suite", "Portrait in Red" and most recently "Lazy Afternoon".Violinist Mark Feldman was Born Chicago 1955. For 11 years Mark was a member of The John Abercrombie Quartet (along with Joey Barron, Marc Johnson/Thomas Morgan) Recording 5 CD’s for ECM and International Touring. For 3 years Mark was a member of the Billy Hart Quartet (along with Dave Kikowski, John Stubblefield and Santi Debrino). Over a period of more than 25 years Mark appeared on Countless projects of John Zorn Recording and Touring. Mark appeared with Pharaoh Sanders (along with Triloc Gurtu and Victor Bailey ) at the Salzburg Jazz Festival. At Jazz at Lincoln Center Mark performed in Duo with Paul Bley, and in Duo with Muhul Richard Abrams. Mark received a Grammy Certificate for his performance as Concertmaster for the String Section on Micheal Breaker’s Verve Release “Wide Angles”. In Addition Mark led the String Sections on Recordings with Chris Potter, Joe Lavano, Lee Konitz. He released a quartet recording on ECM “What Exit” (along with John Taylor , Anders Jormin and Tom Rainey) and a solo Recording on Intakt Records “sounding point."Originating from Chicago, Illinois, drummer, percussionist, educator and composer Ryan Brasley has a career spanning over the last 15 years. Ryan began his musical journey in the Indie/ Alternative rock world as a founding member of The Giving Moon. During this time he had the opportunity to perform across the country working with artists such as Eddie Money, Edgar Winters, and producer Gary Hoey who oversaw the creation of the bands first album. As he grew older, Ryan discovered a passion for jazz and improvised music which lead him to pursue and complete a degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. During his education, Ryan had the privilege of studying under world renowned factually such as Rich Thompson, Gary Versace, Bill Dobbins, Harold Danko, and others. Over the course of his degree, Ryan not only had the chance to perform with world class artists but also had frequent opportunities to teach in the greater Rochester, NY community. Since moving to Nashville, TN in the last 3 years, Ryan has maintained and active schedule teaching from his private studio and freelancing, performing regularly with local artists such as Don Aliquo, Joel Frahm, Pat Coil, Jonathan Wires, as well as being a regular performer at Skulls Rainbow Room.Jack Aylor is a performing bassist in Nashville, Tennessee. During his time in New York, he studied with bassists Ron Carter, Ben Wolfe, Ugonna Okegwo, and James Genus. He has performed with artists including Delfeayo Marsalis, Chester Thompson, Rahsaan Barber, Roland Barber, Oz Noy, Luther Allison, Don Sickler, Dave Kikoski, and Alex Hoffman.

This show is 21 and over only. All sales are final and we unfortunately cannot offer any refunds. Additional tickets may be available at the door on the day of the show even if it is sold out online. All food and beverage items are priced separately.

Doors open at 6pm for our 6:30pm show and 8:45pm for our 9pm show. Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the show start time. If you do not arrive within 45 minutes after the show start time on your ticket your seat may be resold to other patrons at the door. If you arrive after 45 minutes from the start time of the show and your ticket has been resold, although we cannot guarantee it, we will try our best to make space for you to attend the show.

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