Jazz at the Arsenal Center

On Monday, Feb. 6, the George Russell Jr., Trio brings its special brand of jazz to Watertown. The performance is the first in a series of performances at the Arsenal Center. The JAZZ at the Arsenal series features some of the best jazz ensembles in the Boston area, many headed up by the Berklee College of Music’s world-renowned faculty.

Inspirational jazz pianist George W. Russell, Jr., a professor of Harmony at Berklee, will lead a groove-oriented jazz trio that includes Winston McCow on bass and Sean Skeete on drums. Over the years, Russell has shared the stage with jazz notables such as Bob Moses, Stan Strickland, and Semenya McCord. The trio will also be joined by guest vocalist Lynette "Angel" Gittens, who has performed with artists such as Michael Bublé and John Robinson.

According to Russell, “I try to inspire and encourage with the music that I compose. A lot of my repertoire and style comes from the gospel genre, flavored with the harmonies and rhythms of jazz, rhythm and blues.”

In honor of Black History Month, the audience will be treated to Martin Luther King’s favorite song “Precious Lord.” Russell says the trio will also play “Hope” by the Yellowjackets and a version of John Coltrane’s “Love Supreme.”

The JAZZ at the Arsenal series runs through May with monthly performances. On March 19 it’s the Winnie Dahlgren Sextet featuring vibes, sax and rhythm section; Mark Shilansky’s Join the Club Sextet performs on April 9; and on May 21, a 9-piece guitar ensemble, the Be-Bop Guitars meet Maggie Scott, takes the stage.

Monday night’s performance will be held in the Black Box Theater at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $18; $15 for students, seniors, and Arsenal members, plus fees.  For tickets or for more information, call 617-923-8487 or visit the Arsenal Center for the Arts website.