Don't Miss Jazz Favorite Nat Reeves at the Red Door March 7

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 7:30 p.m., Music at the Red Door will present the Nat Reeves Quartet and the St. John's Choirs in "Choral Music and Jazz at the Red Door" at St John's Episcopal Church, 679 Farmington Avenue (near Prospect), in West Hartford. No tickets are required; a $20 donation is suggested.

"People who might not think of a church as a likely place to enjoy a jazz concert will love hearing the Nat Reeves Quartet and the voices of our youth and adult choirs together in the generous acoustic at St. John's," said Scott Lamlein, Artistic Director of Music at the Red Door and Director of Music and Organist for St. John's.

The March 7 event will offer listeners a variety of sound textures and moods, with the musicians of the Nat Reeves Quartet – Nat Reeves, bass; Rick Germanson, piano; Kirk Woodard, drums; and Josh Bruneau, trumpet and flugelhorn – performing jazz standards and selections from the Great American Songbook in various configurations.

Noted for his "artful articulation, time, tone, taste and irrepressible sense of swing and fluid invention," bassist and bandleader Nat Reeves has performed in the world's major jazz venues and festivals and is featured on more than sixty recordings. In addition to his busy performing schedule, he is Associate Professor of Music at the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music and its Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz.

The March 7 program also features a performance of "A Little Jazz Mass" by Bob Chilcott, who was first known as a member of the King's Singers, and more recently has gained prominence as a prolific composer, arranger, and conductor of choral music. "A Little Jazz Mass," a jazz-infused, virtuosic setting of the traditional Latin Missa Brevis text, has become a modern classic of the choral repertoire, exemplifying what one reviewer described as the essence of Chilcott's music: "Spiritually uplifting, highly accessible, and imbued with catchy melodies and rich, colorful harmonic textures." (MusicWeb International)

"The 'Little Jazz Mass' has become one of Chilcott's most popular works, not only in worship services, but in concert performances," added Lamlein. "Each movement evokes a distinct jazz style – blues, ragtime, smooth jazz, and more. As one reviewer said, 'The Kyrie has real groove, the Gloria swings, the Sanctus sits right back, the Benedictus hums along and the Agnus Dei draws inspiration from the Blues.' It's great fun and a tremendous inspiration all at the same time."

Each year, Music at the Red Door presents dozens of musical and cultural events, including celebrity organ recitals and the Pipes Alive! organ series; choral and chamber music concerts; guest choirs and ensembles; and special events such as the annual Lessons and Carols service and an annual choral concert, Choral Music for the Soul. Visit reddoormusic.org for event details and more information.

The concert is free, with donations accepted; the suggested donation is $20, with checks payable to Music at the Red Door. A reception will follow in Hubbard Hall.

IF YOU GO:

What: The Nat Reeves Jazz Quartet and the St. John's Choirs in concert

When: Saturday, March 7, 2020, 7:30 p.m. A reception follows in Hubbard Hall.

Where: St John's Episcopal Church, 679 Farmington Avenue (near Prospect), West Hartford

Accessible: Yes

Admission: Free admission, no tickets required. Suggested donation: $20. Checks payable to Music at the Red Door. Arrive early to get a good seat!

More Info: https://www.reddoormusic.org/e... or concerts@reddoormusic.org