52nd City

Hamiet @ Mad Art and on KDHX

Last night, Amanda Doyle and I were pleased to have world-class baritone sax player and bandleader Hamiet Bluiett on "The Wire," which you can now listen to via online streaming at kdhx.org. We had him on to discuss his participation in this weekend's TriFactor show at the Mad Art Gallery, which will see him team up with violinist Billy Bang and percussionist Kahil El-Zabar.

Having seen Blueitt in conncert three different times over the last year-and-change, it's no secret that every show can be wildly divergent one from the one prior, depending on the group, the venue and the audience. Playing with Ernest Dawkins' group from Chicago at the Mad Art, his set went into some remarkable places, taking the audience on a crazy, two-set ride. Though I thought was prepared for what to come, I felt like I was going to come right outta my shoes and I wasn't the only one to feel a special dose of power coming from stage that night.

There will be two seperate seatings at the Mad Art this Saturday, including an early show at 8 p.m. and a 10:30 closer. Which to see, which to see? After all, the first show might accomodate taking in more events during a packed holiday weekend. The second, meanwhile, might see the three take off on some really hot directions in improv. As anyone who's seen him play will attest, there's a near-guarantee that this is an evening not to miss.

And if you get a chance to stream the show, as well, do so. Talking to someone with this kind of creative mind is not something that rolls around every week. It was a treat to interview him and the only regret was that we didn't have more time to delve into his deep history in St. Louis music and beyond.