Heading into Memorial Day, we hope you’re surrounded by loved ones and great music. We’ve got you covered on the latter front, at least: tune in to WRTI to hear jazz and classical music handpicked for the holiday. And as you know, Moment’s Notice puts together a curated list of promising shows in the week ahead. Please enjoy!
Stanley Clarke N•4EVER — June 1, McCarter Theater, Princeton, NJ
It has been more than 50 years since the heralded debut by Stanley Clarke, and as an electric bassist he retains the rare ability to leave jaws on the floor. Clarke, a former prodigy from Philly, will turn 74 at the end of June; his latest band, N•4EVER, consists of similarly wired musicians who could mostly pass for his grandkids, like saxophonist Emilio Modeste, keyboardist Beka Gochiashvili and drummer Jeremiah Collier.
Judging by recent footage of the band in concert, you can expect a mix of steroidal Clarke throwbacks like “School Days,” evocative fusion expeditions like Return to Forever’s “No Mystery,” and ecstatic outright jams. And take note: the evening's emcee will be Julian Booker, WRTI's new associate program director for jazz!
June 1 at 7:30 p.m., Matthews Theater, McCarter Theater Center, 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ, $43-$88; tickets and information.
Nelson Rangell — Thursday, South Jazz Kitchen
A saxophonist and flutist with a broad range of experience in the realm of smooth jazz, Nelson Rangell has a new album, Giants, that captures the dimensions of his energetic and yearning style. He appears under the auspices of the Unscripted Jazz series at South.
May 29 at 6:30 and 9 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $35-$40; tickets and information.
Neil Podgurski Quartet — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A few years ago, pianist Neil Podgurski made a powerful impression on The Reel, an album made with drummer Chad Taylor and tenor saxophonist Brian Settles, working as the Chad Taylor Trio. This weekend, Podgurski, a Philly native, convenes the same partners alongside bassist Madison Rast, for what is sure to be a dynamic encounter.
May 30 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $95 and $115, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Alexander Claffy – Saturday, Philadelphia Clef Club
Since moving to New York from Philadelphia in 2011, Alexander Claffy has earned his stature as a go-to bassist on the modern jazz scene, working with a spectacular array of collaborators. For the Clef Club’s Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series, he’ll convene a veritable dream team featuring Kurt Rosenwinkel on guitar and Johnathan Blake on drums.
May 31 at 7:30 p.m., Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, 736 South Broad Street, $35; tickets and information.
April Varner with the Matthew Rotker-Lynn Quartet — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
April, the new album by April Varner, takes a clever idea and runs it all the way down the field. More than an eponymous release, it’s a concept album whose every track includes “April” in the title — not just “April in Paris” and “I’ll Remember April” but also Prince’s “Sometimes It Snows in April” and the original “April Blues.” Varner, who won the 2023 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, will draw from this spring-like source with a group led by guitarist Matthew Rotker-Lynn.
May 31 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $100 and $120, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
