FAMED CORNETIST WARREN VACHE RETURNS WITH TRIO TO WATCHUNG

Guitarist Joe Puma, Bassist Murray Wall Fill Out Group Warren Vache likes to play the Watchung Arts Center. He's 
not there often, though, because it is so difficult to find an opening in his schedule. The famed jazz cornetist is constantly on the road, touring with various shows, generally leading a star-studded band. So great is the demand that a relaxed concert in his New Jersey home is something of a rarity. 

Cornetist Warren Vache will return to the Watchung Arts Center on Friday evening, March 31, for an 8 PM performance. He's drafted guitar legend Joe Puma and popular bassist Murray Wall to fill out the trio. The room is intimate and the tab is only $12, including intermission refreshments.

"He is a daring improviser," writes esteemed critic Whitney Balliet. "There is nothing academic or precious about his playing. He is fresh and surprising." John S. Wilson of the New York Times adds that his playing "is as searchingly contemporary as it is rooted in tradition." 

Few contemporary jazz musicians have the name recognition and star quality of Warren Vache. Reviewers applaud his "warm tone, lyrical grace and romantic bent," marvel at "the sheer beauty of tone... unsurpassed by any other brass player," and observe that he "can sound quietly elegant or fiercely exciting." 

The rest of the trio is also noteworthy. Joe Puma is a legend on guitar, a versatile player with "a light, restrained 
sound and a jaunty playing style." He's worked the festivals, recorded with the best and even led a trio of his own. Murray Wall has played Watchung's Jazz Series many times before, the bassist of choice for nearly anyone putting together a group small enough that all the players are heard. His popularity with fellow musicians says a lot. 

Seats in the intimate Gallery may be reserved by calling (908) 753-0190, leaving a message on the voice mail if necessary. Tickets will be held for pickup at the door. 

The Jazz Series continues with "Django to Jobim," featuring guitarists Frank Vignola and Gene Bertoncini, on Friday evening, April 7. Detroit's Bob Seeley, acclaimed as today's greatest boogie-woogie piano player, will visit on May 12.