Homefield Credit Union Jazz Series at Sorrento Milford

Milford’s Home-Grown Jazz Trio with Jim Russo on Tenor Saxophone and John Russo on Trumpet

The American jazz tradition is no stranger to brothers taking the stage together.  New Orleans boasts pianist Ellis Marsalis’s three sons: trumpeter Wynton, tenor saxophonist Brandford, and trombonist Delfeayo. New Jersey produced guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and his sons, guitarist John and bassist Martin. Philadelphia hatched the Brecker brothers Michael and Randy, on tenor saxophone and trumpet. Tampa produced the Adderly brothers, Julian (“Cannonball”) and Nat, on alto saxophone and trumpet. Mississippi produced the Jones brothers: trumpeter Thad, pianist Hank, and drummer Elvin. The list goes on.

In keeping with this tradition, central Massachusetts has yielded no shortage of jazz brothers.  In fact, the region may have punched above its weight.  Mark Zaleski - West Boylston native and featured artist in this year’s season finale - often shares the stage with his brother Glenn, a world-renowned pianist now based in Brooklyn. Last year’s season finale featured Jim Odgren on alto saxophone, brother of pianist Dick Odgren, longtime musical collaborator of the legendary Worcester-based trumpeter Emil Haddad, and former pianist for trumpeter Mike Metheny (brother of famed guitarist Pat Metheny). At the risk of stating the obvious, Milford’s Home-Grown Jazz Trio features Milford-grown jazz brothers Stephen and Greg Chaplin.

Then there are the Worcester-based Russo Brothers. Their approach is true to the roots of jazz and to the humble intimacy that defines this region’s tradition. Their music is unapologetically fun, engaging, whimsical, witty, approachable, sophisticated, and introspective - all at the same time. The Homefield Credit Union Jazz at the Sorrento’s season opener thus promises to be a refreshing, fun, and entertaining celebration of the American jazz tradition - two sets of brothers taking the stage together, tied together by their common thread - local legend Bob Tamagni behind the drum set. As to novelty, uniqueness, and the like, we will let others be the judge, but we will take the liberty of saying this performance should not be missed.

Order Tickets