In 2001, keyboardist Herbie Hancock, tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker, and trumpeter Roy Hargrove teamed up under the moniker New Directions to pay tribute to the music of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and their chemistry clicked so well they decided to keep the collaboration going. This time out, they’re setting their sights on an even broader range of composers from more recent history, namely Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and, appropriately enough, Hancock himself. That lineup suggests funk and soul will be in the house along with jazz, and we’re certain that Mr. “Rockit” will make it especially groovy. Bassist Scott Colley and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington round out this talent-drenched quintet. 84 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-624-2345; www.northrop.umn.edu
Leave a Reply