JAZZ IN JULY
Since taking over as artistic director of the 92nd Street Y’s Jazz in July series two years ago, Bill Charlap has managed a smartly subtle renovation. Leaving intact the erudite yet welcoming tone established by Dick Hyman — his esteemed predecessor, fellow pianist, former mentor and distant cousin — Mr. Charlap has nudged the series gently but perceptibly toward effervescent modernity. His third season comprises a promising batch of concerts, beginning on Tuesday with a tribute to the music of Quincy Jones and Oliver Nelson, as performed by the venerable alto saxophonist Phil Woods and an eight-piece backing band. It’s an unusual choice but a sensible one: during his apprenticeship years, Mr. Woods worked with both Mr. Jones and Mr. Nelson, in big bands unfairly remembered more for their crisp commercial appeal than for their artistic merit. And Mr. Woods probably didn’t need to be coaxed into the idea. A few years ago he made an album called “This Is How I Feel About Quincy” (Jazzed Media), with Mr. Charlap on piano. At first glance it seems odd that Mr. Woods isn’t also appearing on Thursday’s concert, a tribute to Charlie Parker (his primary influence) and Dizzy Gillespie (another of his early employers). But that program, bearing the subhead “Bebop Today,” features musicians mostly born in the ’60s, like the tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, the alto saxophonist Jon Gordon and the trumpeter Jim Rotondi. And while the Jazz in July patronage still favors a more classic repertory — Wednesday’s concert, “Cole Porter: All Through the Night,” was the first in the series to sell out — Mr. Charlap places admirable faith in the engaging spirit of the music. The second installment of Jazz in July, from July 24 to 26, will spotlight another bebop stalwart, the octogenarian saxophonist James Moody; a generation-spanning, Grammy-winning Latin-jazz ensemble led by the pianist Eddie Palmieri and the trumpeter Brian Lynch; and a piano-centric evening with Billy Taylor, Barbara Carroll and Eric Reed. Judging by the support Mr. Charlap has drummed up in past seasons, tickets will probably go fast. (Tuesday through Thursday at 8 p.m., 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-415-5500, 92y.org; $50.) NATE CHINEN
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/13/ar...=1&oref=slogin
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