Jonathan Kreisberg Trio 4/21/22 Sudler Hall at Yale

 The Yale Undergraduate Jazz Collective has done it again. A loose collection of jazz nerds assemble a spring festival to celebrate jazz. On this evening, guitar wizard Kreisberg along with drums and standup bass was the offering. Kreisberg’s bio showed him holding down guitar duties for the late great polychromatic-turbanned Dr. Lonnie Smith. Smith died last September so Kreisberg struck out on his own. Nice evening of mainly standards showcased the fluid style of the hollow body guitar. In the style of Wes Montgomery or George Benson, the trio played How Deep is the Ocean, a speedy Moonlight in Vermont, You and the Night and the Music, and Easy Living. Closed with and excellent version of My Favorite Things.

Les Filles de Illighadad w/ DJ Shaki 4/12/22 Cafe 9

 Delighted to see DJ Shaki aka Rick Omonte back in the show promoting game. For those locals too young to remember, before there was Manic Mark of Manic Productions, there was Rick of DJ Shaki presents. Rick presented countless interesting, usually world beat inflected shows around town. In addition to his duties as bass player in local psych legends Headroom, Rick is a dj who spun records as a warmup to this show.

Les Filles de Illighadad is a quartet of women from Niger who play the signature style of  “ desert blues” popularized by Tinawaren and Mdou Moctar. Guitars, chanting, and simple percussion lead to a hypnotic blend of world music transporting the listener to a bazaar on the edge of the Sahara. Dressed in their traditional garb, with one member performing in full face covering hijab, these women gave New Haven listeners a taste of their craft. An egalitarian affair, the members took turns leading the charge. I’m reminded of a snippet from a Mdou Moctar show where his handler explained that he had to make his own guitar and practice in secret for fear of religious reprisal. Imagine then, the artistic journey taken by four women in the same circumstances. Very enjoyable listen. I wished there was some interpreter to put the songs in context, but not surprised that these trailblazing musicians have the confidence to power across the globe on their own. Merci beaucoup.