New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Guitarist John Stein and his Quartet return to the Wamsutta Club in downtown New Bedford on Friday night, February 18 at 8 pm, for a jazz concert. The concert is presented by Whaling City Sound and proceeds benefit the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts.
The last time The John Stein Quartet was in town, almost two years ago, the audience was carried away by the music. That feeling continued later that following week when the same group went into the studio and recorded what turned out to be an amazingly successful CD, Raisin’ the Roof. The CD spent 18 weeks on the national Jazz Week radio chart, was in the Top 10 for eight weeks, reaching as high as #2. When Jazz Week recently published their chart of the Top 100 jazz CDs in the country, based on radio play, John and his band came in at # 8 for the entire year of 2010.
John Stein is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is a highly praised guitarist and composer, and is also more than good on acoustic bass. Critics have lauded John’s playing for its musicality and taste, among many other aspects. John’s recordings and performances are characterized by an unusually intense amount of listening on the part of the musicians. They contribute based on what they are hearing. John’s quartets are four way conversations, to a much greater extent than is typical.
Like all great musicians, John surrounds himself with the best there is, even if it means long distance travel. Drummer Ze Eduardo Nazario is flying in once again from Sao Paolo, Brazil. Ze is “scary talented.” He delights in throwing his prodigious technique and command into the joyous mix of this band, and his sheer love of playing the drums is infectious not only within the band but with the audience as well.
Bassist John Lockwood is respected by audiences and musicians alike. He performs and records many styles of jazz, from accompanying a bluesy or romantic singer to the most avante garde settings known in jazz. In John Stein’s band, he provides a rock-steady rhythm that contributes significantly to the infectious pulse created by this band.
Pianist Jake Sherman is the newcomer to the group, and although he is giving away a few years compared to his bandmates, as a player he is mature beyond his years. His vibrant feel makes him a suitable contributor to the swirling cauldron or mellow stew that this quartet brews up. He also has a gospel side, performing on organ every Sunday at the Greater Antioch Temple Pentecostal Church in Brooklyn, NY.
The John Stein Quartet will be following the same formula they used last time they were in the area, by first playing in New Bedford at the Wamsutta Club, and then recording at engineer Peter Kontrimas’ PBS Studio in Westwood, MA, a few days later. The Wamsutta Club is an ideal setting to hear acoustic jazz. It is very comfortable and quiet, and the audience is there to hear the music. A limited food menu will be available, as well as drinks. The Wamsutta Club is located at 427 County Street, on the corner of Union Street in downtown New Bedford, and has plenty of on-site easy-in/easy-out parking and is handicap accessible.
Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. You are advised to purchase tickets early as seating is limited and the event may sellout. Tickets are available at the YWCA, 20 South Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, (508) 999-3255; from Whaling City Sound (508) 992-6613; at Baker Books, 69 State Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747: or at the Wamsutta Club.
ABOUT YWCA SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Founded in 1911, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts is a women’s membership movement whose Mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts serves an area that stretches from the Rhode Island state line east to Provincetown, south to the Islands and north to Attleboro, Brockton and Plymouth. 
YWCA helps women, girls and their families attain self-sufficiency by providing services to support the vast needs of people from numerous populations. While the special concerns of women provide the impetus for YWCA services, many programs are open to everyone. YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts programs and services are identified in five areas: Advocacy, Adult Services, Wellness for Women and Girls, Women’s Collaborative Project and Youth Services.
