Joan Griffith & Laura Caviani

Although cool autumn breezes may already be about on this last day of summer, Minnesota jazz musicians and educators Joan Griffith and Laura Caviani will keep things tropical with this concert to mark the release of their sparkling new CD, Sambanova (Pleasing Dog). It features seven lovely Griffith compositions plus a handful of covers, all soaked in the essence of Brazil. Guitarist/mandolinist Griffith and pianist Caviani, occasionally joined by Brazilian master percussionist Cyro Baptista, perform these intriguing tunes with a striking lyrical sense and a kind of elegant intimacy that suggests deep reflection, even on the livelier songs. Griffith and Caviani interact with great empathy, whether on moody baiãos, refined choros, dancing through fiery Carnaval frevos and jaunty sambas, or evoking the arid expanse of the northeastern interior with Griffith's haunting "Sertão." Joining Griffith and Caviani at the Artists' Quarter will be percussionist Gary Gauger, recorder player Clea Balhano, and wonderful singer Lucia Newell, another Midwesterner with a Brazilian soul.
Sun., Sept. 21, 7 p.m., 2008