New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Guitarist John Stein and his Quintet return to the Wamsutta Club in downtown New Bedford on Friday night, March 18, at 8 pm. The concert is presented by Whaling City Sound and proceeds benefit the YWCA of Southeastern Mass.
Mr. Stein has performed many times in New Bedford, previously at the Wamsutta and more recently with a duo at Cork. This concert is the introduction of new material and a new band, in preparation for recording a CD the next day at PBS Studio in Westwood, MA. He has 8 CDs to date as a leader or co-leader on SouthCoast-based jazz label Whaling City Sound (WCS). Known as a tasteful and swinging guitarist, composer and arranger, Stein has assembled an international band for this performance.
The formula John has used for previous CDs, that is – perform in New Bedford and then go immediately into the studio with the same band, has resulted in CDs that have been both masterful and recognized as among the best music out there. His 2010 release, Raisin’ the Roof, made it to #2 on the Jazzweek national radio chart, stayed in the top ten for 8 weeks and was the #8 jazz CD for the year (2010) in radio play on jazz stations through the United States. John’s subsequent concert celebrating only in the packed Wamsutta.
Drummer and percussion virtuoso Ze Eduardo Nazario has once again flown in specifically for this performance and recording, from Sao Paolo, Brazil, to propel and accent the music from behind the drum set. Ze is a treat to have in the band; his contagious enthusiasm is matched only by his effortless technique and thoughtful appropriateness, and the audience delights in his presence.
Bassist John Lockwood is a mainstay in Mr. Stein’s recent bands, and is the first choice for many other Beantown jazz group leaders. He provides a rock-solid presence that is always both powerful and natural. Several of the rave reviews of John Stein’s recent Whaling City Sound CDs mentioned that with John Lockwood on the date, the level of the music increases up several notches.
Rounding out the quintet are two mainstays of the Boston jazz elite: trumpeter Phil Grenadier and flutist Fernando Brandao. Originally from Brazil, Brandao is an Associate Professor of Music at Berklee College in Boston, an expert on many styles of Brazilian music, and has recorded and performed with a long list of notables, including saxophonists Bill Pierce and George Garzone, to name just a few.
Trumpeter Grenadier’s sound maintains a sensitive emotional edge which that avoids the harshness and blare of many others on the instrument. He knows how to blend in, and his solos are consistently beautifully conceived and crafted. Grenadier can be heard on over 50 CDs, including an earlier Whaling City Sound release, “A New Leaf” by pianist/composer Ramona Borthwick. He has worked with George Garzone, Kenny Barron and Larry Goldings, among many others.
With these four stars behind him as a foundation, Stein gets to strut his contemplative, clean and playful guitar sound. Like Lockwood and Brandao, Stein is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston. John’s choice of material, which run from the American Songbook to jazz standards to many of his own compositions, allow his musical pals to both relax and stretch, and he knows how to make an audience feel good.
The Wamsutta is an outstanding place to enjoy acoustic jazz. The musicians are energized by an audience that listens and responds. A limited food menu will be available, as well as a cash bar.
The Wamsutta Club, at 427 County Street, corner of Union Street, in downtown New Bedford, has plenty of on-site, easy-in/easy-out parking and is handicap accessible. Founded in 1911 and celebrating 100 years, 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, Residential Services and Youth Services.
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, www.ywcasema.org; from Whaling City Sound (508) 992-6613, www.whalingcitysound.com; or at the Wamsutta Club, (508) 997-7431, www.wamsuttaclub.net.
Directions are available at www.wamsuttaclub.net, or www.whalingcitysound.com.
