Published: Tuesday, March 01, 2011, 6:22 AM
By Alex W. Rodriguez
For The Star-Ledger
MAKE-UP DATE
Montclair-based pianist and composer Diane Moser celebrates the 14th anniversary of Moser?s Composers ? the big band that has performed the music of local jazz writers across New Jersey since 1997 ? with shows at Trumpets Jazz Club, 6 Depot Square, Montclair, tomorrow at 8 and 10 p.m.
The shows were originally scheduled to take place in January, but were postponed by a blizzard.
This will be the first time the band has had the opportunity to perform since its monthly shows from 2003 to 2009. Featuring her own compositions and music by resident composers Ed Xiques, Rob Middleton, Erick Storckman, Matt Haviland, Jim Cifelli and Rob Henke, the band is one of the New Jersey jazz scene?s most enduring projects. $15; call (973) 744-2600 or visit trumpetsjazz.com.
SURPRISES IN STORE
Paul Motian, a longtime regular at the legendary New York jazz venue the Village Vanguard since his days with the Bill Evans trio in the early 1960s, leads an intergenerational trio during his residency there this week. As he approaches his 80th birthday later this month, Motian will be joined by bassist Larry Grenadier, 45, and pianist Ethan Iverson, 38.
Iverson, best known for his work with the genre-bending piano trio the Bad Plus, has been known to take advantage of every opportunity to perform with elder drum masters. Last year, he co-led a project with Billy Higgins and organized a memorable series of performances at Smalls with Albert ?Tootie? Heath.
As with those projects, this trio will work its way through the jazz repertoire guided by their elder statesman?s unique approach to the drum set. Because of Motian?s notoriously eccentric drumming style, expect this week to be especially full of surprises.
The trio plays six nights this week, starting tonight at 9 and 11 at the Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Ave. South, New York. $25; call (212) 255-4037 or visit villagevanguard.com.
WALTON TRIO
Jazz piano master Cedar Walton has made his mark on the music both through his inventive improvisation and his frequently recorded original compositions. He broke onto the jazz scene more than 50 years ago when he joined Wayne Shorter and Freddie Hubbard in Art Blakey?s Jazz Messengers.
The 77-year-old brings his well-honed skill to the Jazz Vespers series at Bethany Baptist Church, 275 W. Market St., Newark, Saturday at 6 p.m., in a classic piano trio format. Call (973) 623-8161 or visit bethany-newark.org.
DANCE-JAZZ FUSION
Going back to their earliest roots in minstrelsy and vaudeville, jazz and tap dance share many stylistic similarities. Tap superstar and Newark native Savion Glover brings that long-held affinity into the 21st century with his pounding, grooving choreography, which he brings to Prudential Hall at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, Friday at 8 p.m.
Since establishing himself as an artistic wunderkind, Glover ? the youngest person to receive a full scholarship from the Newark Community School of the Arts ? has gone on to almost single-handedly reinvent the tap dance genre, insisting on bringing it closer to its African-American roots. He already has enjoyed a long and successful career and continues as one of the busiest and most ambitious performers on the scene today.
His new show, ?Solo in Time,? will feature him alongside guest tappers, musicians and a flamenco singer. $23 to $92; call (888) 466-5722 or visit njpac.org
Alex W. Rodriguez: alex.w.rodriguez@gmail.com
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