All That Jazz

Happy Awards Season! Film and music fans can expect several weeks of hype and black-tie/tight dress shows to while away the winter months. First music prize of the year is the Golden Globe’s Best Film Score, which went to Michael Giacchino, for “Up.†I haven’t heard this yet, but I am a fan of his understated, moody and sinister tracks for “Lost,†and the high spirits of “The Incredibles,†and “Ratatouille.†Bravo!

  Among the classical crossover albums, is the Quartet San Francisco’s sizzling interpretations of Dave Brubeck, “QSF Plays Brubeck.†Connecticut resident Brubeck, a recent honoree at the Kennedy Center awards, is still going strong at 90. He and his quartet will do a benefit performance for the Stamford Center for the Arts at the Palace Theatre on April 29. Tickets for the Gala include cocktails and start at $150 at www.scalive.org or 203-325-4466.

   The snow will be melting soon in Norfolk when two hot jazz programs come to town. Jazz guitarist Al Di Meola’s World Sinfonia tour arrives at Infinity Hall in Norfolk on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. His career took off in 1974 when he joined Chick Corea’s band, “Return to Forever,†and he has been a whirlwind of recordings and live gigs all over the world ever since. Many online clips (YouTube and aldimeola.com) demonstrate the scope of his stylistic range, from wild gypsy and flamenco flavors to hard-driving jazz-rock fusion. Tickets are $45/$55/$70 at infinityhall.com or 1-866-666-6306.

   Around the corner on Fri. Feb. 5, at 8:00 p.m., the Norfolk Library presents the sounds of The Hot Club of San Francisco, an ensemble of accomplished and versatile musicians celebrating the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s pioneering Hot Club de France. The ensemble borrows the all-string instrumentation of violin, bass and guitars from the original Hot Club, but breathes new life into the music with innovative arrangements of classic tunes and original compositions from the group’s superb lead guitarist Paul Mehling. Please call the Library for reservations at 860 542-5075.

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