The twosome came to New Haven to share the magic of their first album together since meeting over 33 years ago. Their first Grammy nominated release together titled 24/7 features ten killer soul-jazz tracks.

The sold out audience was over the top loving the great interaction between Albright & Brown, the many, many hot & soulful hits they both shared over the years – this was a great way to start the series of four Spring concerts at the Lyman.

Enjoy the Music – Enjoy it Live

I’ve been playing trumpet since I was 9 years old. My daddy was a musician so I come from a musical family and we all played instruments of some kind.

I’ve been in the Hartford CT area since the mid 80’s. I was born in Bridgeport.

Of course my music is very important to me and the trumpet has been responsible for many great circumstances in my life. Of course, being a jazz musician has its challenges and twists and turns, but the trumpet keeps me grounded, focused and busy. I’m also a full time music teacher so there’s a lot of scheduling challenges.

I’m always working on booking gigs for my group. We’re always working on new material so we need gigs to see how these tunes come out live and in the moment. Anyone out there got any gigs, let me know.

I work with a lot of other groups, small ensembles and some big band things occasionally. I also do recording projects with other musicians.

Recently my group was featured at the Windsor Art Center and the crowd was great. We had a chance to play a lot of new stuff that we’ve been rehearsing.

I dig all the great trumpet players past and present. Lately I’ve been listening to the great Terrance Blanchard and Scotty Barnhart from Los Angeles.  Man, these guys play great, check them out.

My horns are custom made by Dave Monette and fit me like a glove. They have a versatile sound palate and are crazy expressive. A joy to play.”

To learn more about Ricky and to hear some os his jazz, click here, or visit rickyalfonso.com

Scullers Jazz Club has hosted some of the very best musical artists in the business including Harry Connick Jr., Chris Botti, Jamie Cullam, David Sanborn, Michael Buble, Arturo Sandoval, Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, and Dave Koz to name just a few.

Over the years Scullers Jazz Club has become well known for Jazz Packages and Programs designed to reflect the tastes and accommodate the needs of their diverse clientele.  Their famous “Dinner and Show Package” & “Jazz Overnighter Package” features the All-Suite Guest Accommodations of the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston that have made Scullers Jazz Club a destination of choice for the Boston community as well as Jazz enthusiasts throughout the country looking for the perfect Weekend Getaway.

Led by Jazz impresario Fred Taylor, Scullers Jazz Club has become a true Boston landmark. Offering spectacular views of the Boston skyline and the Charles River, Scullers serves as the perfect backdrop for World-Class Entertainment you won’t see anywhere else in Boston.

To see a schedule of events, plan a visit, or purchase tickets, you can visit Scullers Jazz Club’s website.  They are also on Facebook!

Cave a Vin. Photo by Mara Lavitt/New Haven Register

On Friday and Saturday nights, as well as some Thursdays, visitors to Cave a Vin are treated to live music.  Upcoming concerts include The Elliger Brothers, Nick DeMaria, and Airborne Jazz.

While enjoying live jazz, Cave a Vin guests can sample wines from the extensive wine list.  Most wines are available by the glass or by the bottle or, if you can’t decide what to order, in tasting flights.  The menu includes cheeses, tapas, soups and salads, paninis and sandwiches, and desserts.  All dishes are cooked to order and, whenever possible, prepared from locally sourced ingredients.

If an evening spent enjoying a cozy, classy atmosphere, delicious food, and great jazz is your idea of a good time, check out Cave a Vin.  You can see their upcoming schedule of events, menu, and wine list on their website.  You can also find Cave a Vin on Facebook.

Past concerts include artists such as Marc Antoine, Jessy J, and The Urban Jazz Coalition.  Sponsors such as Chef Jeff Esaw of Jeff’s Cuisine in South Norwalk, CT, Hyatt Place in Milford, CT and The Ridgefield Playhouse allow Neko Productions to continue to offer great shows for jazz fans in Studio 8’s popular, high-tech venue.  I’m sure 2013 will include some fantastic Sunday jazz in Milford!

To learn about upcoming shows, visit Neko Production’s website, where you can sign up for their email newsletter.  You can also find them on Facebook, view videos on YouTube, and follow them on Twitter.

Studio 8 is also on Facebook and sometimes includes updates on Sunday Jazz in addition to their availability as a private venue for parties and events.

1. What genre of music do you perform?

I am a Jazz singer with 5 cds out on the Warner Jazz and Classics label. However I have also been in a few Broadway musicals. So I guess what I do that is different from the other Jazzers out there is bring a sense of show to my sets.

2.     When did you start performing?

I started singing with my father when I was quite young, 11. This gives me the musical background for what I do. I myself  started on my own “thing” when I was 24, that was 30 years ago.

3.     What city and state are you based out of?

I live in Both NYC and London, England. I call myself a NYLON… a NY, LONdoner.

4.     What about playing music makes you happy?

I love to perform and all the other things I do, and have been successful at, Stand Up, Acting, Writing, Broadway, all of these I enjoy, love even and they certainly pay the bills, but Jazz feeds my heart and soul.

5.     What are your hopes for your future in live music?

To have a sold out show in Hartford.

6.     What other acts/musicians do you regularly play with?

I have worked with everyone from Joan Jett to Goldie Hawn. It’s a big list. I regularly use Gil Goldstein for arrangements and you can find Seamus Blake and Brad Meldau on a lot of my stuff

7.     Are you currently working on any projects? If so, what are they?

I am currently in a brand new T.V. series, ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. We are filming as I write this. I have also been cast in a new musical, AMANDINE which will run at The Cherry Lane Theater in Jan. I am due to go into the studio to record my 6th Warner record, HOUSE OF DAVID delaria+bowie=jazz. The cd consist of Jazz covers of David Bowie tunes. Hopefully out this Spring.

8.     What has been your favorite performance so far?

I have a couple that are fond memories for me. The first preview of ON THE TOWN in central park. After I sang my big number, I CAN COOK TOO, I had to run off the stage for a quick change. The quick change area was set up under the audience bleachers. I could hear them screaming and feel them stamping their feet. It was amazing. Then the tribute to Stephen Sondheim at Carnegie Hall where I stopped the show with my Jazz version of THE BALLAD OF SWEENEY TODD. It is an amazingly surreal experience to stop the show at Carnegie Hall.

9.     Who are some of your favorite musicians?

Favorite singer: Betty Carter, Favorite tenor player: John Coltrane, Favorite Alto player: Bird, Favorite Trumpet: Terrance Blanchard, Favorite Pianist: Errol Gardner. Oscar Peterson. Cedar Walton. Brad Meldau . Monk.

10.     What is your favorite instrument to play? Why?

tissue paper on a comb, because I can actually play that.

For those of us who are parents, there is no way for us to understand the pain that Jimmy and his wife Nelba are feeling at this time or are there any words we can say that will ease that pain. What we can offer is ours prayers that they are blessed with the strength and love to get them through the days ahead and keep their family safe and together.

Ana will always be with you, Jimmy & Nelba. Her gift to you is the love she had for all of you, her family that can never be taken away and will be with you all the days of your lives.

God Bless you and all those touched by this tragedy.

What genre of music do you perform?

I am often asked to categorize my music into a broad genre. My music is often grouped under the “jazz” medium but I try to bring in influences from funk, soul, rock, psychedelia, and jam. IYQ’s music is based heavily on improvisation and is stemmed in the tradition of jazz, but we are always pushing the limit to what is currently considered “jazz.”  

What about playing music makes you happy?

Who are some of your favorite musicians?

Jazz lovers absolutely shouldn’t miss the Fall Jazz Series at Firehouse 12.  Each performance takes place in an acoustically balanced, soundproofed recording studio that seats an audience of 75.  In this intimate environment, great music can be fully experienced and enjoyed with optimal sound  The Fall Jazz Series started on September 14 and runs through December 14.  Performances are on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. for $18 and at 10:00 p.m. for $12.  Upcoming acts include the Donny McCaslin Quartet and Jason Robinson’s Janus Ensemble.  The full Jazz Series calendar can be viewed here.

Firehouse 12′s full service bar is the perfect spot to relax with a drink before or after the show.  Visit their website to learn more or find them on Facebook.