The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, is presenting two world-renowned jazz musicians this weekend, not be missed!
Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m. the Jazz Loft welcomes flutist and saxophonist Lew Tabackin. Critics say: “Tabackin's flute voice is about as individual as humanly possible; he simply does not sound like anyone else.”
Tabackin’s style has been described as “electrifying flute playing is at once virtuosic, primordial, cross-cultural, and passionate. His distinctive tenor sax style includes the use of wide intervals, abrupt changes of mood and tempo, and purposeful fervor, all in the service of showing the full range of possibilities of his instrument - melodically, rhythmically, and dynamically. Without copying or emulating jazz greats of the past, Tabackin has absorbed elements into his style, ultimately creating his own sound and aura.”
On Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m., it’s Bakithi Kumalo, who is well-known for his work on Paul Simon’s Graceland album. Kumalo has worked with Herbie Hancock, Randy Brecker and Cyndi Lauper. Kumalo will be playing with his South African All-Stars band.
Kumalo's musical career has been characterized by a series of serendipitous events, ranging from his debut gig as a precocious seven-year-old filling in for the bassist in his uncle's band to his enlistment into Paul Simon's group during the recording sessions of the pop star's landmark Graceland album in 1985.
Kumalo's work on Graceland opened the doors for him to pursue other avenues, including recent recordings with Herbie Hancock, Randy Brecker and Cyndi Lauper. Plus, he hooked up with former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, who took the bassist on tour with him. "Mickey was great," Kumalo says. "There was no audition. He told me to pack up my bass and not to worry about learning the music because that would happen on the road. It was a great time."