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Provizer: Global reach of jazz makes its presence felt in Denver

Published February 10, 2006 at midnight

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Pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi left her home in Japan in 1956 to attend Boston's Berklee College (then School) of Music. In those days, the appearance of a talented, Manchurian-born player on the American jazz scene created quite a stir. Today, the stir is gone. After all, the globalization of jazz is now an everyday reality.

This week you can get a taste of that reality when composer/pianist Chie Imaizumi turns up at Dazzle, 930 Lincoln St., on Saturday and Sunday leading an impressive 12-piece ensemble. Imaizumi's journey brought her from Japan to Berklee in 2001; by 2004, she was doing her thing at the North Sea Jazz Festival.

In Denver, that thing, presented by Greg Gisbert (who has worked with her) and Tom Burns of Capri Records, is supported by trumpeters Gisbert and Ron Miles, saxophonists Gary Smulyan, John Gunther and Peter Sommer, trombonist Alex Heitlinger, guitarist Mike Abbott, pianist Jeff Jenkins, bassist Mark Simon, drummer Paul Romaine, percussionist Manavihare Fiaindratovo and vocalist Jeremy Ragsdale.

Smulyan (a monster player from the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra), Manavihare and Ragsdale are the musicians coming to town with her for the music at Dazzle and a followup recording of the ensemble for the area-based Capri label.

The music starts at 7 and 9 p.m. on Saturday and at 7 p.m. on Sunday ($10, 303-839-5100). It should be something way beyond the ordinary.

CELEBRATE: Meanwhile, tonight finds Summit Jazz celebrating Mardi Gras at the Seawell Ballroom in the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

The 7 p.m. concert, which repeats at 7 p.m. Saturday as well, honors the musicians and the music of the Crescent City, with singer Topsy Chapman (an original cast member of the Broadway show One Mo' Time), clarinetist Evan Christopher, trumpeter Duke Heitger, pianist John Sheridan, bassist Richard Moten and drummer Doug Belote.

Five of the six musicians on stage for the event have been directly affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Tickets are $44 with special rates for students, groups and first time Summit Jazz attendees (303-670-8471).

MORE N.O.: Speaking of New Orleans and Katrina, pianist/singer Henry Butler, who was swept by the storm from the Big Easy to Boulder, performs at 10 p.m. Saturday at Milk, 1037 Broadway (Call 303-534-0222 for more information).

Thursday the New Orleans sounds continue with Dr. John roaring into Cervantes, 2637 Welton St., at 9 p.m. ($30, 303-297-1772), while the Rebirth Brass Band shouts at Boulder's Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., at the same time (donation at the door for the New Orleans Musician Fund, 303-443-3299). MORE MUSIC: Returning to Saturday night, saxophonist Keith Oxman brings his sextet, with guest trombonist Curtis Fuller, to Temple Sinai, 3509 S. Glencoe St., for an 8 p.m. concert. In addition to the music, the night provides champagne and desserts ($75, 303-759-1827).

I heard the band (its new CD, Dues in Progress, is out on Capri) this past weekend. It's a full-course meal, with the famed trombonist's classic playing, pianist Chip Stephens' very serious piano work and Oxman's strong tenor saxophone.

This week, of course, also offers Valentine's Day. To mark that occasion on Tuesday, singer Ilona Knopfler comes to town with trumpeter Nate Birkey for a night of romance at Dazzle. The French-born singer has garnered strong reviews for her 2005 Mack Avenue CD, Live the Life, on which she is surrounded by noted jazz artists.

Birkey, who was born in Colorado, met Knopfler in New York this past year and the two have shared a stage on several occasions. This is the trumpeter's third annual Valentine's Day event back near his hometown of Evergreen.

For his Dazzle date, Birkey has pianist Jenkins, drummer Romaine and bassist Ken Walker in tow. The music with Knopfler is at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. ($12).

Also on Tuesday, the popular, crossover band Dotsero is at Jazz at Jack's, 1553 Platte St., laying down the romance at 9 p.m. ($15, 303-433-1000). Singer Tina Phillips and pianist Geoff Cleveland do the same at 7:30 p.m. at Piscos, 1120 E. Sixth Ave. (303-777-8222).