Tue Jul 22
Urban Renewal Big Band • "Messengers"
7PM / $15 - $30 | $3.50 Fees Get Tickets
Urban Renewal
The Urban Renewal Big Band returns to the world-famous Jazz Kitchen with an evening we call "Messengers." Art Blakey was a major force in modern jazz individually, but his greatest contribution may have been the cultivation and mentoring of many musicians who became modern jazz legends in their own right. In this program, we feature compositions by Blakey as well as those from his most influential messengers, such as Benny Golson, Lee Morgan, Bobby Timmons, Donald Byrd, Horace Silver, Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton and Freddie Huibbard. Please join us as Urban Renewal presents its take on these great modern jazz messengers.
The Urban Renewal Big Band has its roots in the Jimmy Coe Orchestra, which was a band dating from the 1960's, born of the Count Basie tradition performing modern jazz as well as popular music loved by generations. Members of that orchestra formed a “Who’s Who” of the golden age of Indiana Avenue.
Following Coe's death in 2004, trumpeter Cliff Ratliff and singer Larry Greene decided to form a band that would carry on the tradition of “urban jazz”, meaning a heavy concentration on a tight rhythm section, strong groove, and inspiring improvisation. Thus the Clifford Ratliff Big Band was formed.
Today, we aim to continue this tradition and have adopted the name Urban Renewal Big Band, a multi-generational and multi-cultural band. Cliff appears most nights in the trumpet section and Jimmie Coe Jr. continues as band manager. Unlike other big bands in the area, the Urban Renewal Big Band performs all its own arrangements, many penned by Rudy Finnell, for a performance that is unlike any others.
7PM / $15 - $30 | $3.50 Fees Get Tickets