Jazz has been a growing force on the Richmond music scene for a while now, and the establishment in recent years of regular homes for it around town have only helped with that. One big one is Jazz Wednesdays, a weekly free event at The Vagabond, which is located downtown, right by The National.
This weekly celebration of local jazz, curated by the fine folks at RVA Jazz, takes place downstairs in The Vagabond’s basement, known as The Rabbit Hole. It offers an intimate setting and dim atmosphere, exactly what you’d hope for from an evening visit to a hip jazz club.
This past Wednesday featured a performance from the Chet Frierson Quartet, who pleased the audience with their upbeat, powerful sounds. Between the harmonic keyboard and saxophone, and the bass and drums filling the room with warm rhythms, each member contributed exceptional transitions within the set.
The room was filled with regulars who have come to appreciate the free weekly jazz nights. The music was excellent, but didn’t dominate the atmosphere enough to interfere with the audience’s ability to relax and enjoy their mid-week evening. They provided great support for the members as each song was concluded.
This week’s Jazz Wednesday program will find up-and-coming local singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Calvin Presents joined by a quartet that features several musicians who are notable talents in their own right, including members of Butcher Brown. They’ll be recreating Calvin’s latest EP, Dream, in a more jazz-inflected form — exactly the sort of unique musical evening that Jazz Wednesdays excel at presenting.
Written by Aviance Hawkes and Marilyn Drew Necci. Photography by Aviance Hawkes.
Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond
