SUMMIT — The Billy Drummond Quartet, featuring Mulgrew Miller, Tim Ries, Francois Moutin, and Billy Drummond, and the Dan Rufolo Trio will perform at Christ Church, in Summit on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m. This special evening of jazz is presented by the Music & Fine Arts Committee of Christ Church Summit, and organized by Summit resident Jim Baxley, a member of the Board of Community Advisors at WBGO Jazz 88.3.
Tickets can be reserved at Christ Church Summit’s website ccsnj.org/jazz. Adults $25. Students $20. Seating limited. Christ Church Summit is on the corner of Springfield and New England Avenue, diagonally across from The Grand Summit Hotel.
The program commences at 7:30 p.m. with The Dan Rufolo Trio, considered among the top jazz combos in the early phase of their career. Playing with Dan Rufolo on piano will be Bill Thomas, on bass, and Arthur Vint, on drums. The trio recently completed its second CD, Laughter, on which it was joined by Rich Perry, on tenor sax, and Nathan Eklund, on trumpet. Dan is now extending his musical boundaries in the masters program at Manhattan’s School of Music.
Then, The Billy Drummond Quartet, brings together four premier jazz musicians at the height of their craft: Mulgrew Miller, Francois Moutin, Tim Ries and naturally Billy Drummond.
On drums, Billy Drummond, who is considered one of the most crisp, popping and sensitive drummers on the jazz scene today. Having taken up the drums at four, he was playing in bands at eight and teaching adults by 14. Being one of the most called for players of his generation, he has performed with the world’s greatest jazz musicians, including Sonny Rollins and Horace Silver. This fact is underscored by the over 250 CDs on which he has recorded. He teaches at both Juilliard and NYU, and just concluded a weeklong engagement at Birdland, in Manhattan. The cadence of Billy’s drumming is the driving engine behind this quartet.
On piano, Mulgrew Miller, who established himself as a living legend with performances at prestigious venues around the world, including the Kennedy Center where he recorded two CDs. Mulgrew’s childhood was filled with early musical experiences playing a range from gospel music in his church to R&B and blues at dances. He is now the Director of Jazz Studies at William Patterson College where he mentored Dan Rufolo.
On tenor sax, Tim Ries, who is known as a saxophonist of singular talent, a player’s player. When in the area, he is a frequent member of the Drummond Quartet and a leader in his own right. Although primarily a jazz player, Tim also tours with The Rolling Stones. Keith Richards has been quoted as saying that “Tim always has such a beautiful sound.” Ries arrives with music degrees from the University of North Texas and the University of Michigan.
On bass, Francois Moutin, who has bass chops are practically unparalleled; his facility in the highest register allows him to double melodies and sound almost like a guitar. Having earned a doctorate in physics at the age of 24, Francois chose to follow his passion in life as a professional musician. Recognized as one of the finest bass players in all of Europe, he moved his base to NYC in the late ‘90s, teaming up with countless Jazz Greats.
Christ Church (ChristChurchSummit.org) is an interdenominational, and open and affirming, congregation that is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches. Located at 561 Springfield Ave., Summit, the Christ Church faith community is engaged in numerous activities, including community service, adult education, children’s and youth activities, Bible study, regional and global outreach and cultural events.
All are welcome at the Church’s 9:30 family service (with Sunday school) and 11:15 jazz service, both taking place each Sunday morning.
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