Sat 4/6 @ 8PM
Chicago-based acoustic bassist/composer/arranger Joe Policastro left his native Cincinnati to earn his masters degree in jazz studies at Chicago’s DePaul University. The city’s vibrant community of jazz scene kept him there, with its many opportunities to collaborate with a large, diverse group of players.
He was also able to form his own ongoing ensemble, the Joe Policastro Trio, with guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery, which incorporates rock, soul, funk, Brazilian and free jazz influences. That group released three albums of his distinctive arrangements of pop, soul and rock tunes: 2013’s West Side Story Suite for Jazz Trio, 2016’s Pops! and 2017’s Screen Sounds.
His new album, Nothing Belongs Here, breaks the mold, spotlighting the band’s own originals, while working in a few covers with distinctive takes on Bruce Springsteens’ “I’m on Fire,” Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place,” and Santo & Johnny’s “The Wandering Sea.”
The group will bring its new music to Nighttown where it will perform on the club’s heated back patio. They’ll also be bringing a special guest, saxophone player Jon Irabagon, to join them on several numbers. Tickets are $15.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106