You better watch out.
You better not cry.
You better not pout.
I’m telling you why.
Mary Fettig’s coming to town.
Yes, I’m being a little giddy and perhaps a little silly, but hear me out.
We are lucky here that Denmark not only produces world class musicians, but it also brings them in to interact with musicians and audiences. The visits inspire new ideas and generate a lot of exciting and memorable moments.
Jazzhus Montmartre has had a long history of such interactions stemming back to the early ’60’s featuring Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, and so many more.
The tradition at Montmartre is still going strong. Whether the names are household or not, we know that if someone is coming in to play at Montmartre, they are probably pretty good.
Mary Fettig is coming to Denmark in a couple of weeks. Put the dates in your calendar, buy your tickets, and fasten your seat belts. She is going to take you on a musical adventure.
As a young musician, she was mentored by the great Phil Woods. While she was still in college, she was hired to play lead alto in the Stan Kenton big band. She is a favorite for folks like Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, Flora Purim, and Kevin Spacey. She has played on multiple movie soundtracks and TV shows. Oh yeah, and she’s a regular in the San Francisco Symphony.
Musically, you’ll be treated to a fun blend of jazz standards and pieces from her latest recording, Brazilian Footprints. (You can hear a couple of tracks here below.) Joining her will be Thomas Clausen (piano), Niclas Campagnol (drums), and me on bass. While she’s here, she’s also reaching out to our younger musicians and doing clinics around the area. (I can safely tell you she’s one of the best jazz educators I have ever worked with.)
Tiny correction…She played one of the tenor chairs. John Park took over lead alto about the same time she went on the band, or just after.
Thanks for the correction.