I’m featuring Jay Hoggard in tonight’s Jazz a la Mode. The vibraphonist is performing this weekend in Middletown, CT, not far from the campus of Wesleyan University, where he’s been on the faculty for many years. Hoggard attended Wesleyan in the 70’s, and during that decade came to prominence as a member of the Anthony Davis Quartet, a group that also included bassist Mark Helias and the drumming legend Ed Blackwell, who was its senior member by at least 20 years. I saw them on a few occasions, including performances at the Studio Museum of Harlem and at Hampshire College.
As a leader, Hoggard’s music draws consistently on both modern jazz and the tradition of spirituals and gospel songs. He’s an exuberant performer, and his music is brimming with spirit. Here he is at Bushnell Park in Hartford introducing a tribute to Lionel Hampton that’s performed by his quartet and dancers from the Equilibrium Dance Ensemble.
And here he’s seen playing his original “Prayin’ Out Loud.”
Hoggard is at Scatz Restaurant and Jazz Lounge, 139 Main Street Ext., Middletown, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Click here for details, directions, and a menu.