Valentine's Weekend with Ravita Jazz Group
Ravita Jazz returns to An die Musik Live, bringing jazz lovers top shelf East Coast players in a spirited program meant to heat things up and chase away the winter doldrums! In addition to songs from the group’s 2023 release Oriana, they’ll offer romantic covers and pay homage to legendary jazz artists born in February: pianist Bill Evans and saxophonist Stan Getz.
Group leader and bassist Phil Ravita is enthused with the rhythmic and harmonic complexity of Bill Evans compositions which he calls “interesting to hear and challenging to perform.” The group looks forward to covering “Waltz for Debbie.” It was initially composed as an instrumental in 1956 and they’ll play it as such. Look for intriguing piano and bass solos when the song moves into a bebop style in 4-4 time. The group will also play the instrumental “Peri’s Scope.” Composed in 1960, the fast-paced piece has rapidly occurring changes associated with the style, providing a stimulating contrast to what’s heard in “Waltz for Debbie.”
Offering music associated with Stan Getz in February could not be more timely. Besides being the artist’s birthday month, it’s when Carnival is celebrated in Rio de Janeiro. Getz, of course, played a prominent role in popularizing Brazilian music In the U.S., and these songs add some romance to the set list. Look forward to “The Girl from Ipanema” written In 1962 by Antonia Carlos Jobim (lyrics written In Portuguese by Vinicius de Moraes and in English by Norman Gimbel). It was recorded by Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz on the album Getz- Gilberto which won multiple Grammy Awards in1965. The group will also cover the ever popular “Desafinado” from the same album.
Ravita Jazz includes pianist Greg Small, drummer Nuc Vega and vocalist Deirdre Jennings. Jennings entered the group as a guest vocalist in 2023 and has since proven herself to be a gifted vocalist with a dynamic stage presence. She’ll be featured on the contemplative classic, “The Very Thought of You” with words and music written by Ray Noble In 1934, the song was given new life by Nancy Wilson and Natalie Cole. Jennings will perform another very romantic piece, “Unforgettable. The words and music of the sentimental ballad were written by Irving Gordon in 1951. Listeners will also be treated to “Sepia” and “Peace and Love” by Phil Ravita from the group’s own album, Oriana.
In-person seats: $20 / $10 students
Attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.
Streaming passes: $10
The link will be sent out 15 minutes before the show and will remain active thru Feb. 24
Donations Welcome!
