Herbie Hancock replaces Wynton Marsalis

Jazz

Chuck Workman

Bassist/composer Lyman Medeiros celebrates his CD release at the Jazz Kitchen Friday, May 26.

Tuesday, the American Pianists Association announced that Grammy-winning, Jazz Hall of Fame pianist/composer Herbie Hancock will replace the ailing Wynton Marsalis at the 2006 Indy Jazz Fest. Hancock will perform Sunday, June 18 on the Jazz Central Stage at 7 p.m.

Lyman Medeiros returns

Indy-born jazz bassist Lyman Medeiros returns home to celebrate his debut record, The Funky Supervillain, at the Jazz Kitchen Friday, May 26.

Medeiros started his music career at Ben Davis High School and graduated from Ball State University. He didn’t get into jazz and the upright bass until he saw the Ray Brown Trio in concert in 1994.

After playing gigs around Indy with various groups and jamming at the Jazz Kitchen in the ’90s, Medeiros moved to Los Angeles in 2000. He made his presence known working with Plas Johnson and singer Patty Austin. Medeiros’ big break came when he joined the band of Steve Tyrell and still tours with him today.

This Wednesday morning, Medeiros backed Tyrell’s television appearance on NBC’s Today Show. In the summer of 2003, he toured with vocal sensation Michael Bublé around the world, taking him to Africa, Australia, Europe and Southeast Asia. He has performed on stage in major venues from New York’s Birdland and Bluenote to the Hollywood Bowl.

Medeiros admits he has a love for the American Songbook standards and working with vocalists. As a guest last Sunday on Ralph Adams’ Sounds of Jazz show on WICR-FM, Medeiros expressed concern about how the recording industry is marketing jazz. “Jazz has been relegated to being background music. Jazz needs to find more exposure through the Internet,” he stated.
Lyman Medeiros will perform with a trio featuring Rob Cook on B-3 organ and Jesse Neely on drums, exploring jazz, funk and R&B grooves at the Jazz Kitchen this Friday. Shows are at 7 and 9:30 p.m. with a $12 admission.
Lyman Medeiros’ CD, The Funky Supervillain, shows he is a very strong timekeeper with an impeccable feel for what is going on around him.

Jazz data

• Pianist/composer Mina Keohane brings her blend of jazz, rock and hip-hop sounds to the free Lunchtime Concerts on the Canal at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., May 26 from 11:30 to 1 p.m.

• The Matt Roberts Trio plus One will perform at the Bourbon Street Distillery, Indiana Avenue and Vermont Street, Saturday, May 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. No cover.

• Lutz Steakhouse, 3100 Westfield Road, in Noblesville: Wednesdays, Suzanne Paynard; Thursday, Dave Lowe, music 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Gregg Anderson; Saturday, Dave Lowe, music 7 to 11 p.m.

• Brix Bistro, 65 S. First St., Zionsville, features Daniel Young Tuesdays, Davis & Devitt Thursdays, music 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

• This week on the Saturday Evening Jazz Show on 88.7 WICR–FM, my guests will be a pair of diverse-style jazz saxophonists, Rob Dixon and Rob White. Both men have their debut CD releases coming out at the same time.