Arts & Entertainment

NYT Cites 'Exciting Firsts' for Summer Jazz Series in Katonah

John Scofield's Shades of Jazz series kicks off its seventh summer Wednesday night at the Katonah Museum of Art.

This summer Katonah's own John Scofield takes the stage in the summer 'Shades of Jazz' series he is curating for the seventh year—a series which features "Saturday Night Live" saxophonist Lenny Pickett and award-winning "multi-ethnic" peformer, Cyrille Aimée.

Scofield's duets with the performers plus the fact that he will be headlining the Aug. 1 concert with his own trio gives this series "exciting firsts," says the New York Times.

"Guitarist John Scofield has built a reputation for pushing programming boundaries — a reputation that stands to grow this year," writes Phillip Lutz.

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Scofield—whose work has included collaborations with Chet Baker, Charles Mingus, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell and Miles Davis, among others—has produced 40 albums and continues to tour worldwide.

His latest work, which he told the Times says is grouped under the working title “The Return of Persephone,” includes pieces that are "'lyrical and positive, strong on melody without sacrificing the rhythmic grooves for which he is known."

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Read the full New York Times review of the jazz series here.

What to know before you go:

Music lovers of all ages are invited to pack blankets, chairs, and picnic dinners and head to the Museum’s Sculpture Garden for summer evenings of great music under the stars.

Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking. Tickets are $10 for KMA members and $20 for non-members. Admission includes complimentary beer and wine. For more information and to reserve tickets, call (914) 232-9555, ext. 0, or visit The

June 13: Cyrille Aimée: Vocals and guitar

Improvisational jazz takes a unique turn with the driving force of Cyrille Aimée's vocals. Aimée's culturally rich background informs her upbeat fusion of Gallic, Latin American, Brazilian, and American jazz styles. Click here to purchase tickets.

August 1: John Scofield Trio

With distinctive sound and stylistic diversity, John Scofield's musical collaborations dance between post-bop, funk-edged jazz, soul, and R&B. This summer his trio will feature the talents of Bill Stewart and Benjamin Street. Click here to purchase tickets.

August 15: Lenny Pickett with the Borneo Horns

A saxophonist, flutist, and clarinetist, Lenny Pickett has a brilliant mastery of acoustic instruments. Pickett was a leader of the Tower of Power in the 1970s and, since 1995, has served as the musical director for the Saturday Night Live band. Click here to purchase tickets.

In the event of rain, performances will be moved to the Katonah Village Library located on 26 Bedford Road.

Support provided by Blue Note Jazz Club, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, , The Rodgers Family Foundation, Susan and John Scofield, Sylvia Smolensky and Steven Silberstang, and .

 


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