The party continues on November 21st (2:00 pm -4:00 pm) at the Jungle Theater in South Minneapolis with additional support from the Twin Cities Hot Club and vocalist Arne Fogel. Yet even in such esteemed company, it is Nancy’s voice, personal interpretations, tune selection, even original lyrics that make this project an exceptional debut.

Album Info

Rather than a maiden voyage, In the Indigo sails more like a luxury cruise ship, sometimes floating gently in tropical currents, sometimes churning through turbulent waters, but always on course. Guided more by intuition than by the paths of her elders, her muses, or others’ expectations, Nancy offers a mix of standards, less familiar covers, original lyrics and arrangements, a bold outing for this small-town Minnesota native.

Even her standards (like “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “Blue Skies”) soar above “standard” treatment as Nancy changes the pace, the space, the rhythm, mood—maybe slower, more sultry, more pensive. Regardless of origin, these songs belong to Nancy Harms alone, a set that exudes a sweet confidence that comes from self appraisal and commitment to both art and craft.

The album might be a debut release, but it holds all the trademarks of a veteran’s accomplishment – just enough music that will be familiar, yet offered with fresh interpretations; covers that deserve more attention, particularly when presented with such care and passion; new material that intrigues; supporting musicians and arrangements that honor and enhance the focal point—a voice that delivers with subtle power and insight, a voice that promises an exciting journey in the years ahead.

Artist Info

Originally from Minnesota – where she sang in school,church choirs, classical music programs, and jazz bands, Nancy Harms has always been singing. After graduation from Concordia College in Moorhead, she taught elementary music in Milaca, MN, before making the move to the Twin Cities a few years ago.

Soon she formed the Nancy Harms Trio and was booking gigs at such area venues as Rossi’s, The Times, Fine Line, and Dakota, building an enthusiastic following across the metro, catching the ear of such area luminaries as Arne Fogel, who noted:

“She is a remarkably instinctive musician. She has never been afraid to ask
questions, to harvest the experience and lessons imparted by the people who
came before her. Yet, despite her eagerness to learn from others and apply
the lessons, she also has a very well-defined sense of ’self’ and how she wants
to express her personality, her music, her appearance, etc. It’s a very harmonic
balance between the ‘eager student’ and the self-determined artist who has
definite ideas about where she wants to go…Nancy’s going to be a big presence
on the jazz scene.”

More Artist Info

Performance Details & Locations:

November 19th, 2009
(7:00 pm -11:00 pm)
Cover is $5
(call for reservations)

Dakota Jazz Club
1010 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 332-1010
www.dakotacooks.com

Related posts:

1. New Years Jazz In The Twin Cities: A perfect set list for jazz performances
2. Dakota Jazz Club In Minneapolis
3. The Times Bar and Cafe In Minneapolis

Background

Known for his legendary compositions that reflect experiments with time signatures, Dave Brubeck probably became most famous with the release of his 1959 album, Time Out. The album includes Desmond’s “Take Five,” which became Brubeck’s signature tune, as well as the pianist’s most popular composition, “Blue Rhondo a la Turk,” an experiment in 9/8 time based on Mozart’s “Rondo alla Turca.”

Pulling together the members which would form the famous Dave Brubeck Quartet back in the early 50’s, Brubeck and the group toured internationally through much of the 60s and released a series of famed recordings on Columbia. He subsequently performed with Gerry Mulligan and in quartet with his three sons before forming his current touring quartet.

Dave Brubeck’s still-growing list of honors includes election to the Down Beat Hall of Fame, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, National Medal of the Arts, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1996), NEA Jazz Master (2000), the 2007 BBC Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival.

More Artist Info

Performance Details

Schedule:
November 2nd (7:00 pm)
November 3rd-4th (7:00 pm, 9:30 pm)
(Check availability for tickets online or by phone)

Location:
Dakota Jazz Club
1010 Nicollet
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 332-1010
www.dakotacooks.com

Related posts:

1. Brubeck Inspires 12-Year-Old Boy: They performed Take 5 together at the Litchfield Jazz Festival
2. Dakota Jazz Club Welcomes 3 Greats: Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke & Lenny White On Stage Together
3. Vocalist Sophie Milman To Visit The Dakota October 26th-27th

Sophie Milman makes her third appearance in two years at the Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis on October 26th-27th, 2009 as part of her current Midwest tour. Shows are at 7:00 pm & 9:30 both nights, and tickets start at $17.

Touring with her band laid the foundation for her second, Juno-winning release, Make Someone Happy (Linus Entertainment). For one who had been singing professionally for only a few years, she engaged in a fair amount of interpretative (if subtle) liberties with the music. Arrangements, handled by Cameron Wallis who doubled on tenor sax and clarinet on some tracks, covered the gamut from stylish swing to 30s hot club to more pop flavors.

Sophie Milman starts her fall US tour in San Diego (October 24th at Anthropology) before arriving in the Twin Cities for two nights at the Dakota, October 26-27. Even if you don’t “take love easy,” you’ll find plenty to love from a savvy singer who always can make many someones happy.

Artist Info

Performance Details:

October 26th-27th, 2009
(7:00 pm, 9:30 pm)
$17-$30

Dakota Jazz Club
1010 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 332-1010
www.dakotacooks.com

Related posts:

1. Jazz Vocalist Sophie Milman To Perform At The Dakota
2. Sophie Milman To Perform At Orange County Performing Arts Center
3. Dakota Jazz Club Welcomes 3 Greats: Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke & Lenny White On Stage Together