JAZZ DRUMMER TARIQ GARDNER AND HIS VERSATILE GROUP THE EVENING STAR, PERFORMS TO SOLD-OUT CROWD AT CLIFF BELL’S

Bandleader & Drummer Tariq Gardner

The jazz drummer Tariq Gardner leads a multi-faceted band called The Evening Star, known for its hard-to-classify style. The Evening Star’s setlist seamlessly blends jazz, funk, and world music, creating an eclectic sound that defies easy categorization. If a classification is warranted, The Evening Star could be called a marvelous, tightly knit group—and that cohesion was clear Saturday evening at Cliff Bell’s in downtown Detroit. From the very first number, the musicians locked into each other's musical psyches, effortlessly moving through tempo changes and improvisational bursts from saxophonist Stephen Grady, Jr. It was the kind of performance where the band’s energy drew in the crowd. The setlist highlighted a diverse range of musical influences, featuring songs from Stevie Wonder, Slum Village, and originals by bandmates pianist Leroy Micken and guitarist Caelin Amin, displaying their creative voices. Although the setlist lacked cohesion, the band more than made up for it with their chemistry and Gardner’s leadership. He guided the group through dynamic shifts, knowing when to lounge in the pocket and when to encourage the musicians out of their comfort zones. As an admirer of Stephen Grady Jr, I was floored by his expressive solos marked by daring phrasing. His improvising felt noticeably freer than in recent performances—he played with greater boldness, and he took more improvisational risks, unexpected melodic twists, and turns. At times, he can be an improvisational conservative, but Gardner has a knack for erasing his bandmates' comfort zones. Watching Gardner push Grady was like witnessing Elvin Jones ignite John Coltrane. The band’s centerpiece and crowd favorite was vocalist Coleman Ward, who did an excellent job, given that Cliff Bell’s acoustics are necessarily vocalist-friendly. Anyway, Coleman, the consummate entertainer, made the best of things by walking through the club while singing. The capacity crowd ate up every lyric. Mentored by master jazz drummers Gaylynn McKinney and Djallo Djakate, Gardner has quickly matured into a versatile and skilled drummer across all genres. My only criticism of Gardner is that he sometimes plays with too much reckless abandon, and while listening to him last night, I briefly wondered if the Detroit jazz community might eventually see him move into the funk genre. Apart from that, Gardner has a talented group that defies easy classification and adeptly moves among different popular genres

 

VOCALIST NAIMA SHAMBORGUER WARMS HEARTS AT THE BLUE LLAMA

 

Vocalist Naima Shamborguer

The jazz vocalist Naima Shamborguer's voice wraps around you like an expensive quilt. I experienced that firsthand Sunday evening, listening to her perform standard songs from the American songbook at the Blue Llama in Ann Arbor, MI. At times, the warmth of her voice made me want to climb on the bandstand and snuggle up next to her. At her concerts, you’ll experience pure singing that draws you in and makes you feel instantly connected to her. Her knack for conveying vulnerability, beauty, and strength in a single phrase is remarkable. One thing you won’t encounter, thankfully, is a bunch of gratuitous scatting; unlike many of her peers, who rely heavily on that. Shamborguer is always the consummate professional, understanding her audience pays good money to experience the fullness of her gift. Unfortunately, she doesn’t perform around the state as often as she should. However, she has an impressive discography, so if you can’t experience her live as often as you’d like, at least you have the wonderful albums that she’s released, like “Naima,” “Round Midnight,” and “A Blossom Sings” to quench your desire to hear her singing. She opened her hour-long set Sunday with the classic “Autumn Leaves,” moved gracefully to a heartwarming version of “Song for My Father,” then showed the depth of her gift on Geri Allen’s “Unconditional Love.” Shamborguer sang the notes just as Allen originally conceived them. The highlight of the set was Shamborguer inviting two of her family members, vocalists Penny Wells and Michael Hanna, the late pianist Sir Roland Hanna’s son, on stage to sing with her on “Feelings.” The vocalists were of good form, adding rib-sticking nuances to Morris Albert’s classic. The downside was that they only performed that number. Not that Shamborguer needs any help serving a marvelous set. Bassist Jaribu Shahid and pianist Sven Anderson backed her. Shamborguer voice melted over Anderson’s fingers. The set would’ve been incomplete without the inclusion of a reworking of Thelonious Monk’s “Rhythm-A-Ning.” One of her best albums is her interpretation of some of Monk’s signature compositions. The Monk gem was the song the trio had the most fun reinventing. Although Shamborguer’s setlist featured songs that have been performed for decades, her trio’s take made each seem fresh from the showroom floor.

JAZZ SAXOPHONIST WENDELL HARRISON CELEBRATED AT THE CARR CENTER

Saxophonist Wendell Harrison

Those familiar with jazz saxophonist Wendell Harrison's history know he wears many hats: the co-founder of the iconic band Tribe, composer of classics like “Dreams of a Love Supreme,” music educator at Metro Arts, mentor to generations of jazz musicians, and business executive behind independent jazz label, WenHa. His discography is populated with jewels like “Get Up Off Your Knees,”"Rush and Hustle,"  “Fly by Night,” and “Wait Broke the Wagon Down.” His Moma's Licking Sticks Clarinet Ensemble became one of the more acclaimed jazz ensembles regionally. In 2018, he received the highest honor given to a Michigan artist, the Kresge Eminent Artist award. Saturday night, key areas of his accomplishments and genius were highlighted during a two-hour tribute to him at the Carr Center. The center was packed with admirers, family, and young and accomplished musicians whom Harrison has influenced. The celebration offered musical performances, poetry, and testimonials. Saxophonist Stephen Grady Jr. and pianist Jacob Hart opened the evening with “Stablemates,” “Take the Coltrane,” and “Peace,” recreating much of the magic that Harrison and the late pianist Harold McKinney summoned up on their duet album “Something for Pops.” Grady, Jr. has a clean and uplifting tone, as well as a command of the tenor saxophone akin to Joe Henderson. Hart—who’s still a high schooler—has already made a name for himself, headlining top jazz clubs around Detroit. For a teen jazz pianist, he has an OG’s ability to efficiently groove and move through chord progressions. And he demonstrated that he’s a thoughtful accompanist. Grady, Jr, and Hart’s terrific opening set was augmented by poetry from wordsmiths Professor Gloria House and the pastor of the Shrine of the Black Madonna Church, and a short but soul-soothing number from pianist Pam Wise, trumpeter Ingrid Racine, and saxophonist Salim Washington. Harrison schooled him, and although he's now a world-renowned bandleader and music educator, he still considers Harrison to be his north star. After the great performances and anecdotes by bassist Ralphe Armstrong and Carr Center President Oliver Ragsdale, Harrison took the stage, obviously touched and appreciative of all the love lavished on him. Harrison discussed the origins of his organization, Rebirth, and its cultural impact in Detroit. He also shared stories about meeting his wife, the accomplished and woefully underpraised jazz pianist Pam Wise. Together, they performed a duet on her original piece, “Fly by Night.”  It was a pleasure listening to them swing lovingly and showing their fondness for each other and the music. The celebration ended with Harrison and Hart performing a blues. Here’s where I gained a deeper sense of Hart’s true potential, particularly in his ability to expose the marrow of the blues, as if he had vast life experience. The tribute’s only shortcoming was that none of Harrison’s signature compositions were performed. Still, it was a fitting celebration for a musician, educator, mentor, and business executive who’s been a cultural force in Detroit for decades.