Here’s a bit of pop music trivia that may win you’re a drink or two at your corner bar.
Name a musician who has worked with Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Tony Bennett and Michael Jackson.
The answer is San Jose-born, Eastman-educated trombonist Michael Davis, who will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday May 3, at the Imperial Ballroom of the Hotel Syracuse.
Fresh from his appearance with the Rolling Stones in the new Martin Scorsese documentary, “XXXXXXXXX,” Davis will perform a set of his original compositions with the CNY Jazz Orchestra, conducted by another talented trombonist, Brett Zvacek.
CNYJO double-disc
“Because of his star power, the Imperial Ballroom should be a blowout full house,” said Larry Luttinger, executive director of the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation who’s also the orchestra’s drummer.
“Our band will be stretching out to include some hard-hitting funk and Latin styles in Michael’s set of all-original music,” Luttinger said.
During Saturday’s opening set the CNY Jazz Orchestra will perform tracks from its debut double-disc, “Then, Now & Again.”
The Jazz Arts Foundation will also use the final concert of its 12th winter season to honor Joe Riposo with the CNY Jazz Educator of the Year award.
Riposo recognized
A native Syracusan, Riposo is a world-class saxophonist and clarinetist, author, arranger and composer. He’s presently serving as director of Jazz studies at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music.
But Davis will be the primary focus of attention Saturday at the Hotel Syracuse, 500 S. Warren St.
“Michael Davis is not only the most influential jazz trombonist in the world,” Luttinger said. “He’s also the most versatile.”
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts agrees.
“In this ‘bone-dry’ era,” Watts said, “It is essential to have Michael Davis around.”
Tickets are on sale now at the OnCenter Box Office for $19.50, $23.50 and $26.50, with a $5 donor/student discount (435-2121). Saturday night’s concert will be preceded at 3 p.m. by an educational clinic conducted by Davis in the Imperial Ballroom. The clinic is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in the newly re-opened hotel parking garage.
For info, visit Cnyjazz.org.
