Of all the logos in the world, a reliable mark of quality is the little blue oval that has graced the cover of jazz albums on Blue Note Records for 70 years. Under the confident banner “The Finest in Jazz Since 1939,” Blue Note has served as the home base for Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Lee Morgan and nearly every other famous name associated with jazz.
This month the River City Jazz Coalition and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge will fęte the famed label’s birthday at the Manship Theatre with an all-star revue featuring Bill Charlap, Ravi Coltrane—yes, that Coltrane—Peter Bernstein, Nicholas Peyton, Steve Wilson, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash. This is a rare opportunity to witness jazz played by its top performers paying homage to those who came before them and paving the way for the next generation of great Blue Note artists. Venerable Baton Rouge jazz DJ and member of the coalition, Zia Tammami excitedly calls the event “the young lions of jazz coming to town.” Dick LaPalm, record promoter and former executive of Chess Records, even commended Tammami for his efforts and those of the local coalition. “The things you guys are doing in a city the size of Baton Rouge are remarkable.”
Two shows will be at the Manship Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Call 344-0334 or visit manshiptheatre.org for ticket information.
