In 1966, four great jazz violinists—Stephane Grappelli, Svend Assmussen, Stuff Smith and Jean-Luc Ponty—came together for what would become a historically significant performance that solidified the instrument’s place in the emerging jazz fusion genre. This performance, the recording of which was entitled “The Violin Summit,” came to mind when local musician Ivan Strunin was brainstorming ways to play a gig with fellow violinist Leah Calvert at a party one night. Violinists Keiko Ishibashi and Adam Poulin also came to mind as Strunin considered the historic quartet, and the four settled on the idea of recreating the seminal performance. With backing from Jeff Reilly on drums, Tommy Sauter on bass and Greg Satterthwaite on keys, the four violinists will put their own spin on “The Violin Summit” and add in some other recognizable tunes.
WHO: The Violin Summit Project
WHEN: Saturday, June 7, 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show)
WHERE: 40 Watt Club
HOW MUCH: $15 (adv.), $20
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