Conrad Herwig in The Blue Note

It seemed only fitting to not only include a return visit from Conrad Herwig, the now three-time “Best Latin Jazz Record” GRAMMY®-nominated trombonist, and his powerhouse septet as part of our 15th Anniversary Season celebration, but also to serve up a great concert to close out the year. What’s more, with Cuban native percussionist Pedro Martinez on the scene as part of the band, why not have this show serve as the Dr. Carlos Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert.
Herwig’s Latin Side All-Star Band is a high-energy ensemble – no check that; rather it is an ebullient group that is tight-knit and filled with professionals who take serious pride in their work. It’s a co-op and an exceedingly well-run organization that also happens to be a true all-star band. Separately and collectively each of its seven members is at the top of his game....

read more

It seemed only fitting to not only include a return visit from Conrad Herwig, the now three-time “Best Latin Jazz Record” GRAMMY®-nominated trombonist, and his powerhouse septet as part of our 15th Anniversary Season celebration, but also to serve up a great concert to close out the year. What’s more, with Cuban native percussionist Pedro Martinez on the scene as part of the band, why not have this show serve as the Dr. Carlos Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert.
Herwig’s Latin Side All-Star Band is a high-energy ensemble – no check that; rather it is an ebullient group that is tight-knit and filled with professionals who take serious pride in their work. It’s a co-op and an exceedingly well-run organization that also happens to be a true all-star band. Separately and collectively each of its seven members is at the top of his game.
On their third Jazz Series visit Latin Side arrives primed, having recently headlined festivals around the world and performed in venues such as Chicago’s Symphony Center. On this trip the septet will revisit some of its earlier arrangements of Miles Davis and John Coltrane repertoire, and also insert arrangements of compositions written by icons Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, the group’s most recent “target.”
Whether you’re the most knowledgeable jazz fan or simply a fan of Latin music who happens to be new to jazz Conrad Herwig’s Latin Side All-Star Band will knock you out!

About the Dr. Carlos Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert…
The late Carlos Perez-Mesa and his wife Laura Perez-Mesa have been “patron of arts” to all in Central Missouri. Not surprisingly they were among the earliest – and most ardent – “We Always Swing” Jazz Series supporters. As his friends and associates knew, Carlos, the pathologist, loved not only medicine but the arts and humanities. Music from his native Cuba was especially a favorite. During its seasonal fare the Jazz Series has regularly included the presentation of Latin Jazz artists incorporating an array of styles from an array of countries. On several of these occasions we have enjoyed the opportunity to present Cuban-native artists.
So, when Carlos succumbed to cancer in 2000 it only seemed appropriate that we approach Laura about the Jazz Series “hosting” a memorial concert – on roughly an annual basis – in her late husband’s honor. She embraced the idea – and it took hold. On occasion, admittedly, we have taken some liberties with the concept but there’s always been a Cuban tie-in. That said, during this celebrated 15th Anniversary Season we are extremely pleased to welcome back Conrad Herwig., now a three-time Latin Jazz GRAMMY®-nominee. The acclaimed trombonist returns to lead his supremely gifted Latin Side All-Star Band, a septet that counts among its regular members Cuban native and top-tier percussionist Pedro Martinez.

show less