Welcome to the Coronavirus Social Distancing Series Produced by Gregory Burrus Around Town. Put together to help our musicians and fans stay connected since we cant be there in person. Enjoy All. Tonight we are enjoying Jazz973 at Clements Place Jazz.
April 3rd in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month – we flash back to last year today Apr 3, 2019 – Jazz973 at Clements Place Presents Bob DeVos Bob Trio with Steve Johns and Kyle Koehler – just smoked the place up. It was awesome
Jazz973 Presents Bob DeVos Trio at Clements Place Jazz. . Really swinging night of music with the smooth intricate jazz and blues music with jazz guitarist Bob Devos whose playing style is similar to that of Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery. The Bob DeVos Organ Trio with Steve Johns on Drums and Kyle Koehler who rocked the organ all night long was simply fantastic. Playing a number of originals and standards we tapped and swayed to the music all night.
#jazz973 #clementsplacejazz #bobdevostrio #15washington #gregoryburrusaroundtown #jazzandblues
“Gorgeous, soulfully satisfying, an inventive delight. There is
potency to DeVos’ style with its broad sound, bluesy feel,
expressive single note runs and teeming tone” —AllaboutJazz
Bob Devos Guitar
With long, blues drenched lines; a warm, fat sound; and a horn like approach, the brilliant guitarist Bob DeVos has been proclaimed a living jazz legend. Hear why Bob has an enthusiastic following for his innovative work, first with a Who’s Who of jazz legends both in and out of the Hammond B3 Organ genre—including Richard “Groove” Holmes/Sonny Stitt; Jimmy McGriff/Hank Crawford, and Charles Earland—and for the past twenty years as a leader. With his signature mix of groove and sophistication, Bob’s many releases on Savant/HighNote ranked in the Top Five in national airplay and were on Top CDs of the Year lists.
Learn and hear more at www.bobdevosjazzguitar.com
For his Clements Place debut, DeVos reunites with two masters of the organ genre: Kyle Koehler on organ and Bob’s longtime collaborator Steve Johns on drums. Together, Bob, Kyle and Steve celebrate and bring forward the soul jazz tradition. The trio attracts both jazz aficionados and lovers of other musical genres; their appeal cuts across generational lines. So, come, tell friends and be prepared for an exciting night of great music, great playing, and great joy.
Steve Johns Drums
For over three decades, drummer Steve Johns has been a major presence on the jazz scene, collaborating with many of the music’s most renowned practitioners. Artists from all points on the musical spectrum have consistently sought him out because they know his musicianship, versatility, deep commitment to his craft, and enthusiasm will enrich any performance. Leaders such as Nat Adderley, Stanley Turrentine, Larry Coryell, Randy Brecker, Ronnie Cuber, Jimmy Owens, Dr. Billy Taylor, Benny Carter, Thomas Chapin and Sonny Fortune appreciated the fact that, no matter what the gig, from the world’s greatest concert stages to the smallest clubs, Steve brings the same total commitment, utmost professionalism, and pure joy at making music. He is also a total musician, who continues to expand his musical horizons by studying piano and trumpet.
Steve has appeared on over seventy albums by Leon Thomas, George Russell, Thomas Chapin, Dr. Billy Taylor, Houston Person, John McNeil, Sonny Fortune, Peter Leitch, Gary Smulyan, and Bob DeVos, among many others. In addition to his work as a sideman, Steve is also a member of the collective group Native Soul, and has been co-leader on recording projects by that group (One Mind, 2012, American Showplace, Soul Step, Talking Drum Records), as well as on an album with saxophonist Peter Brainin (No Saints, No Sinners, Playscape).
The consummate team player, Steve Johns has always managed to retain his own singular sound and distinctive musical persona while serving the common purpose of any group he is with. “One thing I love about jazz is having the freedom to express your own style,” he told once told Star-Ledger jazz writer Zan Stewart. “I knew from a young age you have to have your own voice.”
Kyle Koehler Organ
Curated by Gregory Burrus at Clements Place Jazz 15 Washington Street for the The Institute of Jazz Studies: Clement’s Place.
