The Avalon Theatre in Easton hosts the Avalon Jazz Experience this weekend, featuring performances by trumpeter Dominick Farinacci with TRIAD, pianist Marcus Roberts with Modern Jazz Generation and Jon Thomas and Firm Roots.
Farinacci was named the first Global Ambassador for Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2005 and his recent project TRIAD incorporates elements from a wide range of musical styles. The repertoire includes including tango compositions by Astor Piazolla, blues tunes by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, and the songs of Kurt Weill. His ensemble features an unusual instrumentation of trumpet, vibes and accordion with vocals by Shenel Johns.
Marcus Roberts became well known in the late 1980’s when he replaced Kenny Kirkland on piano in Wynton Marsalis’ band. A masterful pianist who has embraced the styles of ragtime and stride as well as modern jazz, Roberts is also an educator who currently teaches at Florida State University. Modern Jazz Generation is a 12 member ensemble that features the Marcus Roberts trio at its center and is built on the idea of mentorship. Watch a short clip of the band performing here.
Pianist Jon Thomas is the youngest of the three artists who will be featured at the Avalon Theatre. A graduate of The New School and Julliard, Thomas spent four years hosting bi-weekly sessions at Small’s Jazz Club in Greenwich Village. A skillful bebop player with tinges of gospel in his playing, Thomas will be joined by vocalist Imani Rouselle.
