Mon Jan 6
Ravita Jazz presents, funk and blues delivered by some of the DMV’s finest players. Saxophonist Lionel Lyles joins the band for this special performance. Highlights include Charlie Parker’s “Yardbird Suite” and Hank Mobley’s “This I Dig of You” and listeners will get a sneak preview of the band’s newest recording project. Entitled Alice Blue, the upcoming CD. The Blues Alley audience can get a taste of it from Ravita originals such as funk tunes “Golden Sky” and “Almost Blue.” Based on the blues, the latter tune takes Interesting melodic and chordal twists and turns, and these guys do it justice.
One of the Mid-Atlantic’s most versatile and sought after bassists, Phil Ravita leads Ravita Jazz and appears with many other jazz and classical ensembles and orchestras. He is also a college professor and host of a weekly radio program on WMTB 89.9 FM. Tune in Mondays at 8 PM EST.
He has shared the stage with such jazz greats as Jimmy Heath, Bobby Shew, Claudio Roditi and Ruby Glover, appearing in countless clubs, concert halls and festivals. He can be heard on numerous recordings. He won critical acclaim for his work with Grasso-Ravita Jazz Ensemble on the group’s highly praised 2021 recording Jagged Spaces.
In April 2023 he released Oriana with his band, Ravita Jazz.
On faculty of Mount Saint Mary’s University, Prince Georges Community College, Caroll Community College,Harford Community College and the College of Southern Maryland, Ravita is a popular clinician.
He holds a master’s degree in jazz performance from University of Maryland, College Park (2011) and earned a doctorate in music education from Boston University in 2020.
Dr. Ravita is a Maryland State Arts Council Touring Artist.
Phil Ravita uses Aguilar Bass Amplifiers and REMIC Microphones