February Jazz at Pizzeria Lauretano

Sunday, Feb. 13 - Cool Struttin' 
We welcome back the inimitable Cool Struttin' on Sunday, Feb. 13 for what is becoming a swinging Valentine's tradition. The quartet's unique style and true feel for the swing era make them a pleasure to see live. The group features Pam Bujese on vocals with her husband Howie Bujese on violin, Doron Ben-Ami on guitar and Chris Bishop on bass.  

Wednesday, Feb. 16 - Dave Smith QuartetVibes player Dave Smith returns with a talented new quartet for an evening of straight-ahead contemporary jazz. Smith is head of percussion studies at WestConn, where he performs with the jazz faculty. He also plays with the New Haven Symphony as the principal percussionist, and has toured with the Paul Whiteman Band throughout the US and Italy. The band includes Josh Sette on piano, a graduate of the WestConn jazz program who has been busy gigging throughout Connecticut for several years. Steve Bulmer, the bass player, has been subbing on the show “Chicago” on Broadway. He is also performing throughout New York and Connecticut. Roger Post is a talented and sought-after drummer who performs frequently around the region.

Sunday, Feb. 20 -  Richard Brooks Trio Richard Brooks is an accomplished violinist trained in both classical and jazz.  His trio combines straight-ahead and modern jazz with classical flavor, plus some fresh originals. Brooks was co-founder of the jazz-classical fusion group Solstice which had a popular 10-year run.  He conducts both the Norwalk Youth Symphony Concert Orchestra and The Cheshire Symphony, and is an active freelance musician. Doug Hartline is a popular local guitarist who's sound has been described by critics as "buoyant, soulful, bright and positive." Hartline's memorable melodies reflect influences of Pat Metheny and Steely Dan, and he's worked in various formats including with jazz dancers and contemporary church services. From his days in the Westport Staples High band, bassist Dan Asher has gone on to perform at such legendary NYC venues as Birdland, the Blue Note and Smalls, performing jazz, R&B, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian. He's also a member of the Broadway Boys, a group that tours nationally with improvisational takes on Broadway repertoire.

There are free downloads of some of Richard's tunes plus a few unreleased and "live" pieces at: http://richardbrooks.bandcamp.com/

Sunday, Feb. 27 - Kelly Mittleman and Friends
Vocalist Kelly Mittleman sings a sassy, soulful mix of jazz, soul and R&B. The Redding, Conn. singer was a finalist of over 5000 entrants in the Today Show Superstar Contest, and won honorable mention in the 2009 International Songwriting Competition. Mittleman has two albums out: her debut "Kelly," produced by Nile Rodgers (Chic, Madonna, David Bowie) and her latest, "A New Reason," a soul-flavored jazz collection showcasing her sophisticated songwriting. A former award-winning correspondent for CBS and NPR, Mittleman has worked with Diana Ross and Nile Rodgers. She returns with her top-notch quartet of Bill Bickford, Bill Anderson and Roger Post. Hear songs at http://kellysings.net

Pizzeria Lauretano is located at 291 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, Conn., at the junction of Routes 53 and 302, one block from the Bethel Cinema.  The Sunday night music performances are from 6:00-8:00 p.m., when there is a cover charge (normally $7.50, unless otherwise noted, plus a $10 minimum). Wednesdays are 6:30-8:30 p.m. with no cover fee.  Reservations are strongly recommended by calling the restaurant at 203-792-1500.