Allison Miller's Boom Tic Boom, Blue Cranes
Recommended
This event is in the past
Sat., April 9, 8:30 p.m. 2016
Alberta Street Pub
King (Portland)
$15 - $20
Allison Miller's concert calendar is, like most in-demand jazz players', packed, and includes gigs backing Natalie Merchant, laying down grooves for Dr. Lonnie Smith to vamp over, and holding workshops teaching percussion and composition. But this year, her schedule is booked with performances by her band Boom Tic Boom, including tonight's stop in Portland. The modern jazz group is touring in support of a brilliant new album, Otis Was a Polar Bear, which showcases a playfulness and poignancy that makes great use of pianist Myra Melford's colorful playing and the haunting, scraping details added by Jenny Scheinman's violin. Through it all, Miller dances and splashes along on her trap kit, and adds melodic counterpoints via a tasteful use of xylophone and vibraphone. ROBERT HAM