Don Messina Quartet

Together and as individuals, the Don Messina Quartet seems to attract awards and highly favorable review ratings.  And no wonder.  Their repertoire is varied, running from Cole Porter and George Gershwin classics through adaptations of Charlie Parker and Lennie Tristano compositions.  Even some original tunes created by the guys themselves.  Something for every jazz fan.

The award-winning Don Messina Quartet plays for the Jazz Series at the Watchung Arts Center on Friday evening, March 15.  For three of them, this is a homecoming, having performed there twice before.  But they're especially pleased to have tenor sax player Jimmy Halperin with them for this appearance, since he will be introducing his new CD that night.

The music starts at 8 PM.  Tickets for two complete sets are only $12, yet light intermission refreshments are included.  Seats may be reserved by calling (908) 753-0190, leaving a message on the voice mail outside of office hours.  Tickets will be held at the door for payment upon arrival.

The underlying trio consists of Don Messina on bass, Bill Chattin on drums and Larry Bluth on piano.  They've been recognized by Stereo Review (4 stars), The Boston Globe ("one of the best CDs of the year"), All-Music Guide (4.5 stars) and the International Association for Jazz Education ("outstanding jazz recording").

Adding sax master Jimmy Halperin, a National Endowment of the Arts winner, gives the group a fuller sound.  Noted pianist Sal Mosca says that Halperin "has a head full of music.  Hands full of music.  A heart full of music.  His palette is cosmic."

 Halperin has recorded with Sal Mosca, but also Barry Harris, McCoy Tyner, even Stéphane Grappelli.  He even performs regularly in Europe, particularly Spain, Holland, Norway and France.  Last year he toured India for six weeks, and is scheduled to return to Amsterdam this spring.

Bluth, Messina and Chattin have played together for two decades, producing three highly praised CDs for Zinnia in recent years, and just finished their fourth.  Their music merited a two hour documentary hosted by the Institute for Jazz Studies at Rutgers University. 

Scotch Plains resident Don Messina, along with drummer Bill Chattin, have likewise played with Sal Mosca, but also Phil Woods, Lee Konitz, Stanley Turentine and other jazz notables.  But they're true jazz artists, never imitating their mentors or repeating what they've done before.  They're also spontaneous, so you never know where they may take you, but they "strive to create beautiful music... that swings."

The Watchung Arts Center has been called "one of the best jazz rooms in the state."  Its historic building is right on the Watchung Circle, just a mile from either Interstate 78 (exit 40) or Route 22 (Plainfield overpass).