Farmington Civic Center will host three unique jazz artists Nov. 15 as part of Blue Note Records’ 80th Anniversary Tour.
Kandace Springs, James Francies and James Carter are all headliners in their own right, and will perform their own music in solo sets before combining to perform a classic Blue Note song, Song for My Father, at the end of the show. Each artist brings their own style of jazz to the show, creating an eclectic and unique mix of jazz styles.
The concert is part of the Music and Comedy Series hosted by the Farmington Civic Center. Civic Center Supervisor Randy West aims to increase community interest and participation in events with bigger names and higher-profile performances. Getting well-known shows and artists to Farmington has been challenging in the past. West’s long career in entertainment, paired with his knowledge of the industry, has helped him bring in more recognizable names and shows.
When asked about getting touring acts to Farmington, West said it was key to look for gaps in tour schedules that make Farmington an attractive stopover, such as an between stops like Dallas and Phoenix. Offering the right price is also important, but as they work to build the program, West said profit is less of a factor than gaining the community’s support and interest.
West has also been in the industry long enough to know which artists and shows have a strong track record and will garner interest from the local community. Having been aware of Blue Note Records and the quality of its artists for a long time, West felt confident he would put on a performance the community would get excited about.
“Jazz is like barbecue,” West said, “there are different styles from different areas of the county.” The mix of artists performing in this concert each have their own sound and a variety of styles. Francies, New York City-based pianist and composer, will open the concert with his energetic keyboard style. Detroit saxophonist Carter will follow with his imaginative soul jazz style.
Closing out the solo sets will be Nashville singer and pianist Springs, who grew up in the industry and often attended studio sessions as a child with her father, Scat Springs. She started learning the piano around age 10 and was later encouraged to begin singing by her father. Her career received a surprising boost when an online video of her singing Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me” caught the interest of Prince in 2014.
Springs said the tour has been going well so far and she’s excited to share her music with Farmington alongside her all-female band, which includes drummer Taylor Moore and bassist Aneesa Strings. Having an all-female band was important to her upcoming album “The Women Who Raised Me,” which is a tribute the great female singers who have inspired her and will be released on International Women’s Day, March 6, 2020.
West described the combination of styles and sounds or the three artists as “a kaleidoscopic view of jazz” that will culminate in the jam session finale.
Adding to the jazz-filled night, The San Juan Jazz Society will host a post-concert afterglow for concert attendees, musicians and jazz enthusiasts. The event will feature a jam session, hors d’oeuvres by Chef Marc and a cash bar hosted by Clancy’s Pub. Entry to the afterglow is $10.
If you go
What:
Blue Note Records 80th Birthday Celebration.
When:
7:30-9 p.m. Nov. 15.
Where:
Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington St., Farmington.
Cost:
$28.
Tickets:
.
Details:
Call (505) 599-1148.
