There’s nothing quite like live performance. Because anything can happen when actors take the stage, and the stage can be a fascinating place.
On this blog, you’ll find reviews of St. Louis theater productions. If you’ve missed reading them in the Post-Dispatch, consider this their new home.
And thanks for reading.
Calvin Wilson
Post-Dispatch Theater Critic
Medeski Martin & Wood is best known as a jam band, but the trio has formidable jazz chops. The June 11 edition of “Somethin’ Else” will highlight MMW’s adventures in the realm of acoustic post-bop improvisation. 8 p.m. Saturday (CST) at rafstl.org/listen/.
Jazz pianist Bill Evans led a legendary trio featuring bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. The Dec. 12 edition of “Somethin’ Else” will feature some of their finest recordings. 8 p.m. Saturday (CST) at rafstl.org/listen/.
Jazz guitarist John Scofield and saxophonist Joe Lovano have often teamed up in quartets. The Nov. 21 edition of “Somethin’ Else” will feature some of their collaborations in that format, including tracks from Scofield’s new album, “Past Present.” 8 p.m. Saturday (CST) at rafstl.org/listen/.
Vincent Youmans came up with melodies that have proven to be timeless inspirations to jazz artists. The Sept. 19 edition of “Somethin’ Else” will feature his tunes as interpreted by artists including clarinetist Don Byron and pianist Chick Corea. 8 p.m. Saturday (CST) at rafstl.org/listen/.
Only slightly less famous than his trumpeter brother Wynton, saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most imaginative artists in jazz. The Sept. 12 edition of “Somethin’ Else” will focus on some of his finest recordings. With a special dedication to the late Post-Dispatch movie critic, Joe Williams. 8 p.m. Saturday (CST) at rafstl.org/listen/.
Sammy Fain was among the great American songwriters. The Aug. 29 edition of “Somethin’ Else” will feature his music as interpreted by artists including singer Holly Cole, saxophonist Joe Lovano and pianist Brad Mehldau. 8 p.m. Saturday (CST) at rafstl.org/listen/.
Jazz is experiencing a renaissance, as emerging artists explore new sounds and textures. The Aug. 22 edition of “Somethin’ Else” will feature recordings by some of those trailblazers, including pianist Kris Bowers, bassist Ben Williams and trumpeter Keyon Harrold. 8 p.m. Saturday (CST) at rafstl.org/listen/.
