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Jazz Up Your February at The Ravenscroft

Enticing jazz performances in Scottsdale

By Sponsored Content January 24, 2024

The Ravenscroft has brought enticing jazz performances to Scottsdale for over two years. Each month features an impressive lineup of both popular and rising artists for music lovers to enjoy.




Below is an overview of their upcoming shows in February. 

 




Jazzbird Nights:

  • Twin Tenors: Adam Roberts & Dave Schmidt – Friday, February 2 @ 7:00PM

Twin Tenors features the dynamic duo of tenor saxophonists, Adam Roberts and Dave Schmidt. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of jazz history as they pay tribute to legendary saxophone duos during their performance such as Sonny & Hawk, Brecker & Mintzer, Cheek & Blake, Lockjaw & Griffin, Konitz & Marsh, and many more. Backed by an exceptional rhythm section, including the masterful pianist Dave Henning, the groovy bassist Ben Hedquist, and the impeccable drummer Ryan Anthony, this evening promises to be a celebration of jazz excellence!

 

  • David Friesen Circle 3 Trio – Friday, February 16 @ 7:00PM

Step into a realm of musical brilliance as the legendary American jazz bassist, David Friesen, takes center stage, leading a dynamic trio alongside two rising stars in the USA jazz scene. Friesen and his trio defy convention, consistently charting new paths that evoke awe and admiration. FAME MUSIC MAGAZINE declares, “Be ye dumbstruck with awe at the pure artistry of it all.” Experience the trio’s joyful interactions, a tapestry woven with surprises, beauty, and profound depth at every twist and turn. JazzDaGama describes it as “a fabulous musical fabric with rippling and sometimes broodingly percussive, tumbling grooves upon which they create a unique sonic architecture.”

 

Ravenscroft Concert Series:

  •  Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band – Saturday, February 3 @ 7:30PM

Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Brian Blade, a versatile and accomplished drummer, made his mark on the music scene early in his career, collaborating with luminaries like Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett, and Bob Dylan. In 1998, at 27, he dropped his debut album, “Brian Blade Fellowship,” followed by “Perceptual” in 2000, both on Blue Note. Blade’s sought-after talent led him to work with Joni Mitchell, Bill Frisell, and Wayne Shorter. The Fellowship Band was formed in 1997 and originates from the meeting of Brian Blade and Jon Cowherd in 1988 while they were studying at Loyola University in New Orleans. So far, The Fellowship Band has released seven albums.

 

  • Rachel Eckroth Quartet – Saturday, February 17 @ 7:30PM

What do you call one person who is a pianist, vocalist, keyboardist, composer, producer, arranger, band leader, sideman and more? Music may not have a term, but it does have a name: Rachel Eckroth. Eckroth can lead with a bold vision or accompany with the subtle skills necessary to make another musician shine. Her combination of jazz experimentation and pop feeling form the engine behind her own work as a leader or co-leader on 20 albums, most recently The Garden on Rainy Days Records (2021). Eckroth can hold an audience’s attention in an intimate jazz club or on a massive concert stage. Eckroth is no stranger to television, either, having been a member of the house band on The Meredith Vieira Show and appearing on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Good Morning America with various artists.

 

Other Special Events:

 

  • Chamber @ Ravenscroft Ying Quartet – Saturday, February 24 @ 7PM

The Ying Quartet occupies a position of unique prominence in classical music, combining brilliantly communicative performances with a fearlessly imaginative view of chamber music in today’s world. Now in its third decade, the Quartet has established itself as an ensemble of the highest musical qualifications. Their performances regularly take place in many of the world’s most important concert halls; at the same time, the Quartet’s belief that concert music can also be a meaningful part of everyday life has also drawn the foursome to perform in settings as diverse as the workplace, schools, juvenile prisons, and even the White House. In fact, the Ying Quartet’s constant quest to explore the creative possibilities of the string quartet has led it to an unusually diverse array of musical projects and interests.

 

  • Jazz For The Soul: Tom Wakeling; West By Northwest - Sunday, February 25 @ 6PM

 For over 40 years, Tom Wakeling has put his bass to work at jazz festivals, concert halls, and jazz clubs throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Tom has performed with many jazz greats, and is an experienced and dynamic educator. Tom has served as a guest artist at various prestigious music conservatories and universities. This show is FREE and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Doors open at 5:30pm. All donations received will benefit local and international humanitarian causes.

 

Located off Bell Road and the 101 in Scottsdale, The Ravenscroft’s intimate concert hall showcases world-renowned and Grammy-Award winning artists throughout the year. Offering an unparalleled musical experience with superb acoustics, this venue features the renowned Meyer Constellation sound system for an optimal listening experience and perfect view from any seat. The venue also includes the Jazzbird, a modern lounge with an urban New York City jazz club theme, and hosts music from popular and up & coming local musicians while guests enjoy wine, local craft beers and catered meals during the performance.