New York’s all-female jazz ensemble delivered a rare, awe-inspiring set Thursday night at St. Cecilia Music Center. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Impressive Night: The award-winning Artemis on stage at St. Cecilia. (Photo/Bryan Esler Photo)
A treacherous snowstorm Thursday evening couldn’t stop a theater full of music lovers from filling St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids for an impressive evening of live jazz delivered by the six-piece supergroup Artemis.
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New York’s all-female jazz ensemble named after the Greek goddess known as the protector of young women and goddess of the hunt lit up the stage from the get-go, playing an awe-inspiring set of wide-ranging tones and tempos.
From veteran St. Cecilia patrons to students from local high school and university jazz classes, all of those in attendance were in for a rare treat.
The band — pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, alto saxophonist/flutist Alexa Tarantino, bassist Noriko Ueda and drummer Allison Miller — performed tracks from the group’s recent debut album, as well as favorites by other jazz artists.
The show — part of St. Cecilia’s jazz series — even included a few sneak peeks into their upcoming second album, due for release later on this spring.
The special origins of their host venue was not lost on band director and pianist Renee Rosnes.
“This theater was founded by nine women. Did you know that?” Rosnes asked the crowd. “Well, I hope they are smiling down on us now.”
Next Up at St. Cecilia: Josh Ritter performs on March 2 as part of the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series. Tickets available online here.
PHOTO GALLERY: Artemis at St. Cecilia Music Center
Photos by Bryan Esler Photo
