Jazz at the Spring begins 2020 with bassist Tarik Shah and guitarist Mark Kleinhaut. Join of us for an evening with two masters of the tradition as they find fun and innovative pathways through the jazz repertoire.
When Tarik Shah and Mark Kleinhaut met on the bandstand in early 2019, they had an instant rapport. Over the ensuing month they enjoyed an ever-evolving musical conversation that dances around the balance between the jazz tradition, in which both players are deeply steeped, and unbridled exploration of uncharted territory. These players understand that the years of practicing their craft must fall away, surrendered in an instant, to the raw challenge of improvisation, the spontaneous creation, or essential spark that jazz musicians are drawn to....
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Jazz at the Spring begins 2020 with bassist Tarik Shah and guitarist Mark Kleinhaut. Join of us for an evening with two masters of the tradition as they find fun and innovative pathways through the jazz repertoire.
When Tarik Shah and Mark Kleinhaut met on the bandstand in early 2019, they had an instant rapport. Over the ensuing month they enjoyed an ever-evolving musical conversation that dances around the balance between the jazz tradition, in which both players are deeply steeped, and unbridled exploration of uncharted territory. These players understand that the years of practicing their craft must fall away, surrendered in an instant, to the raw challenge of improvisation, the spontaneous creation, or essential spark that jazz musicians are drawn to.
Jazz bassist Tarik Shah, affectionately known, as the Groove Master due to his lightening rod intensity and his acute awareness of the soul of a tune. He has performed with jazz legends such as: Ahmad Jamal, Dakota Staton, Vanessa Rubin, Ellis Marsalis, Barry Harris, Pharaoh Saunders and the late great inimitable songstress Betty Carter. Additionally, Shah honed his skills in both the jazz and Latin world with big bands such as the Duke Ellington Orchestra (performing for the inaugural ball of President Bill Clinton in 1992) and in small groups led by Red Rodney, Sir Roland Hanna, Abbey Lincoln, Harold Vick, Dr. Lonnie Smith and others. Tarik has explored and evolved a unique voice in the esoteric world of jazz bassists. He has the rare ability to discover new dimensions to the harmonics in any tune he is performing while remaining faithful to the timeless magic of its melody. Tarik Shah is a jazz optimist. He is a true believer in the triumph of beauty in a world where pessimistic thoughts hold sway. If, as some say, jazz is truly enjoying a new renaissance in the 21st century then the trail blazing solo work of Tarik Shah is an integral part of shaping jazz as a New World Music. Tarik remains a man who pioneers new horizons in the music and never forgets the groove.
Jazz guitarist Mark Kleinhaut is known for his elegant melodic improvisations, striking technical execution and responsive accompaniment. Mark feels that improvising, exploring sound and group dynamics with like-minded musicians is one of the most inspiring and magical experiences in jazz. Since moving to the Capital Region in 2012, he has enjoyed collaborating with the many fine musicians in the region and has been utilizing this ever-widening network to curate the eclectic Jazz at the Spring series. Mark has recorded over 60 compositions, released seven albums including a Jazzweek Top 20 disc with saxophonist Bobby Watson, and an album with trumpeter Tiger Okoshi. JazzTimes writer and author Bill Milkowski calls Kleinhaut, one of the truly brilliant guitarists on the jazz scene today.
Jazz at the Spring is held the last Thursday of each month at the Spring Street Gallery, Saratoga Springs, and is sponsored by Capital District Jazz, Ltd. (CDJ) a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization formed by practitioners and fans who love jazz music. American in origin, jazz reaches and draws from millions of performers and listeners around the globe who are inspired by its rich history, excited by its technical complexity, and moved by its emotional depth. The members of CDJ want to share their love of jazz with current and potential performers and enthusiasts throughout the "Capital District". CDJ's mission is to build and serve a wider audience for jazz through education; to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians; and to develop venues for these pursuits. CDJ supports All Ears: Jazz and Improvised Music Workshop, which is a fun hands-on way for students of all ages to learn about jazz.
CDJ is offering a number of free tickets for youth age 17 and under. If you are interested in obtaining a free ticket please inquire via email info@cdjazz.org.
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