The Hutchinson-Andrew Trio will play at the Beat Niq on March 21

The jazz world always talks about its great instrumentalists. We hear about the horn players, the tenor sax guys and the monsters of the keyboard. How often do you hear about the jazz vocalists?

One of Calgary’s best jazz vocalists, Cindy Macleod plays Kit’s Underground Jazz for three gigs — March 13, 20 and 27. Expect more than just vocals when you see Macleod, though. Great voice aside, she’s a writer as well as a festival organizer for Calgary’s Midwinter Bluesfest. She’s backed at Kit’s by Brian Buchanan (piano), Simon Fisk (bass) and Kjell Gjertsen (drums).

Buchanan, Fisk and Gjertsen are some of the best instrumentalists in town, but if you’re looking for more, plan to be at the University of Calgary’s University Theatre or Beat Niq at the end of the month. At either venue, you can catch some of the youngest and best jazz players in town. Gerry Hebert plays tenor, alto and soprano sax, and is the artistic director at Beat Niq. Hebert’s Quartet is releasing The Beat Sessions Vol.II — Constructive Interference. The current quartet — featuring Aaron Young (guitar), Simon Fisk (bass) and Jon May (drums) — plays University Theatre, U of C on March 28.

That same night, Beat Niq hosts the Dino Dominelli Quartet, featuring Sandro Dominelli on drums, Dino on tenor, Wayne Feschuk on piano and Rubim De Toledo on bass. Dino draws from influences as varied as Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock and Chris Potter.

If Sandro Dominelli’s name sounds familiar, it should. He leads his own group, he’s collaborated with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and he’s one of the hottest jazz drummers in Alberta. Sandro is playing Beat Niq the week before the month-end gig, this time with the Hutchinson-Andrew Trio, featuring Kodi Hutchinson on bass, Chris Andrew on piano and a guest performance by legendary tenor saxman Ralph Bowen. This is a guy who has worked with Horace Silver, Johnny Griffin, Michael Brecker and Freddie Hubbard, and has been a staple in the New York jazz scene for over 20 years. Pair that with the Hutchinson-Andrew mix of swing, Latin and acoustic jazz on March 21 and you have a true must-see.