Even though this show by Washburn’s Sparrow Quartet isn’t likely to include much jazz per se, it’s likely that many jazz listeners would enjoy hearing this group anyway. The group, led by Sinophile and old-time folk singer/songwriter Abigail Washburn, features violinist Casey Driessen, cellist Ben Sollee, and banjo wizard Bela Fleck. I have heard Bela play in a few different contexts, and he is one of those musicians who inspires everyone who hears him. There’s plenty of information on Bela’s website about all the grammy awards he’s won, all the albums he’s recorded, and all the other amazing things he does, so I need not go into that here. However I will say that he’s worth hearing in whatever capacity he’s involved. The rest of the band is excellent too, both individually and collectively solid.
I got to hear the show they played at the Cotton Club around this time last year. The music was great, but there were a few slightly over-heckly audience members who made it harder to enjoy. Also it was a bit annoying how people had to make a big deal every time Bela played any little solo, while mostly disregarding solos by the other members. Made for a strange show sort of. But still great.
And actually Bela is no stranger to the jazz scene. I noticed on his site that he’s just finished recording an album with McCoy Tyner, Ron Carter and Jack Dejohnette. He writes (referring to what he did in September of this year):
Then I headed to New York to record with jazz great McCoy Tyner, Ron Carter and Jack DeJohnette for McCoy’s upcoming CD. It was an honor and a challenge as these musicians are all heroes for me and playing 5 string banjo in a ‘straight ahead’ jazz context is a new experience for me.
Well I can’t wait to hear that. He’s also been preparing to tour and make a duo CD with Chick Corea, another boundary-breaker.
The shows in Shanghai are Nov. 5 at the Cotton Club again, then Nov. 6 at JZ Club. They’re playing more shows before and after these two in Tibet, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Beijing. The latest info on the China part of their tour can be found on the YGTwo site.
photo credit: Jon Campbell
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