No street-level city revitalization is complete without some jazz, and in fact the quality of that jazz may even be some kind of reliable index of the quality and stamina of the community revitalization. Good news, then, that Jazzstock – the local collective of players, promoters and advocates of America’s serious music – keeps the top-tier programming coming to Kingston at the Senate Garage, right in the heart of the Uptown action. Jazzstock was dealt a sucky hand when some kind of inscrutable, arcane state law regarding liquor and dangerous music stipulated that they cannot sell tickets at the door at this otherwise-ideal venue. You’d think someone could do something about that. But Jazzstock, which has many other venues at its disposal, has stuck with Uptown and is making it work. Get your tickets in advance.
On Thursday, May 24, Jazzstock welcomes trumpet/flugelhorn legend Warren Vache and the John Di Martino Trio to the Senate Garage at 7:30 p.m. Vache’s “played with” credits aren’t so shabby. Any list that begins with Benny Goodman…and goes on to include Rosemary Clooney, Benny Carter, Hank Jones, Gerry Mulligan and Woody Herman tells you something about the man’s history. John Di Martino is a consummate jazz pianist, arranger, composer and producer: the model of the modern working jazz musician, serious and versatile. His own trio dates as leader, including 2012’s bluesy, lucid and sophisticated Turnaround, speak to a musical identity you might call traditional – which, in jazz, implies profound mastery.
Remember the unfortunate ticket deal. I wish you could stumble upon this show, drawn in by the smoky jazz without the smoke, but you can’t. You have to plan. Tickets cost $25. They are available next door at Rhino Records, online at www.jazzstock.com or by calling (845) 802-0029. Wine is available at the event, as well as sandwiches, courtesy of Bread Alone. The Senate Garage is located at 4 North Front Street in Kingston.
Join the family! 
