Max Murray Trio (Jazz)
Saturday, September 18 – 8pm.
Stoltz Listening Room
Avalon Theatre, 2nd Floor
Easton, MD 21601
$20
Box Office: 410.822.7299
www.avalontheatre.com
www.charmcitytrio.com

Jazz fans from around the region should pencil in the Max Murray Trio on Saturday, 9/18 as they perform in the Avalon’s Stoltz Listening Room (or SLR). Blackman (piano), Murray (bass), and Russo (drums) have put out what DigStation calls, “a splendidly fresh modern jazz recording.” Titled Turning Point, more than half of the album consists of original material with the rest falling under a unique mix of Beatles, Brahms, and odd-metered renditions of standards. The recording also features briliant saxophonist Donny McCaslin.

Staples around the thriving Baltimore/Washington D.C. jazz scene for 20 years, this band is tight and the solos are at a very accomplished and individual level. This trio comes highly recommended for those tired of boring smooth jazz, and have enough of traditional swing.

As a member of Afro Bop Alliance, the trio’s leader Max Murray has received a Latin Grammy Award for the 2008 release, Carribbean Jazz Project – Afro Bop Alliance. Frank Russo is a Summit Records Recording Artist whose recordings have gained national recognition and praise from Downbeat, Jazztimes, and Modern Drummer. Pianist and composer Alan Blackman has performed at Blues Alley, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, and nearly all of the area’s Jazz Festivals both as a freelancer and with his other group, the Blackman/Barke Quartet.
The Stoltz Listening Room has limited seating (60) and it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance. The venue also offers a variety of handcrafted beers and fine wines.