"Loco" about Poco Loco!

Good Evening!

For months, I would receive emails and reminders about upcoming performances by the 10-piece Latin Jazz Band, Poco Loco. For months I would set the date on my calendar, and when the date finally arrived, some demand of life always found a creative way of wedging between me and the event.

But not on the night of February 10th, where they played at the Northside Tavern. What a fun band! This group is as festive and energetic as the name it bears. I was immediately captivated with their opener that night - the hard-driving tune "Caravan". Absolute KILLER solos from Tenor Saxophonist William Brian Hogg, Trumpeter Walt Azagba, and Alto Saxophonist Dan Barger. On this very cold evening in the dead of winter, I learned that you can count on the energy of Poco Loco to turn up the heat (trust me, its true). If you haven't heard them live, RUN - don't walk to their next event. Wanna learn more about them? Visit their website (http://www.pocolocomusica.com/), or join their group on facebook.

Go Loco for Poco Loco!

- jh

An Afternoon in Fairfield

Good Evening,

This afternoon, I saw an extraordinary performance by the Dan Karlsberg Sextet at the Fairfield Community Arts Center. The sextet consisted of Dan on Piano, Sandy Suskind on Flute & Alto Sax, Garin Webb on Tenor & Soprano Sax, Marc Fields on Trombone, Jim Anderson on Bass, and Anthony "T" Lee on Drums. This event was part of the Jazz Alive! series (visit them at http://www.jazzalive.info/). Now, you may have heard me talk about Dan Karlsberg and his creative arranging style on WCJS Showcase Spotlights. You may have even listened to my exclusive interview with Dan. But I must say that one doesn't really appreciate all the talk until they've had the opportunity to listen for themselves. At this event, I heard several tunes that were new (at least to me), and his artistic gift for writing, arranging, and playing rings loud and clear in every number, including originals like "Mission to Mars", "Molly's Mood", and "Ballad".

A big THANKS to Dan Karlsberg and his Sextet. If you missed this event, set the date on your calendar for March 21st. The Sextet will perform in the Reading Garden Lounge of the Main Branch Public Library downtown on Vine Street. The show starts at 2:00 - don't miss it! Cheers!

- jh

Congratulations John!

Congratulations are in order for Xavier University’s Director of Jazz Studies John DeFoor. Last Month, John was asked to direct the National Jazz Band for the Inauguration Ceremonies for President-Elect Barack Obama!

The National Jazz Band is an All-Star Band of college musicians from schools in the Washington, D.C. area. John is no stranger to this honor, as he has directed the bands for former President Clinton’s first and second terms.

Last year, John celebrated his 25th anniversary as Director of Jazz Studies at Xavier. He is a significant representation of the depth in Jazz knowledge, background, and aptitude that lives here in Cincinnati.

The Jazz Half was able to catch up with John last summer as the XU Jazz Ensemble started working on their studio project for their upcoming CD, "Make Me Smile".

Click the play button above to watch the interview. Again, congratulations John!

- jh