(profile jazz artists Ali Ryerson & Joe Beck w/ upcoming performances, 4/4/97)

Jazz Artists Bring A Process Of Refinement To Local Venues

(with cuts)

BY ANDREA ZIMMERMANN

Serious musicians know live performances are invaluable to their development

as artists because it is a way they hone their creativity. Jazz flutist Ali

Ryerson and guitarist Joe Beck also know it's important to maintain momentum

between tours, so they are pleased to have booked performances at local

establishments before they head to Belgium on tour.

In Newtown, they will play at Cheffield's on April 10 from 8 to 11 pm; and at

the Olde Newtown Tavern on April 18, May 9 and 16, from 8:30 to 11:30 pm

(additional performances are listed below.)

"Music is such a part of your being - it's not just your job," said Brookfield

resident Ali Ryerson, who has been a jazz and classical flutist for almost 40

years. "Musicians need to play. You refine material - really perfect it - by

live performance. It's always nice for me to come back to Newtown. I have

friends from years ago [when I lived here], and people I know from my

performances at Sand Hill Plaza."

Ali and Joe met two decades ago, when both artists were living and working in

New York. But it wasn't until last May, when Ali went to hear Joe play in New

Milford, that they became reacquainted.

"I sat in and everything clicked," said Ali. From there, the two began to

rehearse and book gigs.

"We rehearse several times a week," said Ali. "When you collaborate to that

extent, you get away from just `sitting in' - jamming. We have a repertoire of

something quite polished."

Ali, who has released nine jazz albums, received her bachelor of arts in music

at Hartt School of Music, where she graduated cum laude. She studied under

Harold Bennett (first flute, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra), Julius

Baker (first flute, New York Philharmonic Orchestra), and John Wion (first

flute, New York City Opera Orchestra).

She has performed at Carnegie Hall's Centennial Celebration, the JVC Jazz

Festival in New York City, Monterey Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Nevers

Festival, and Belga Jazz Festival. She has appeared with Chico Hamilton, Danny

Gottlieb, Julius Baker, Maxine Sullivan, Harvie Swartz, and other well-known

artists. Her latest CD, Brasil: Quiet Devotion will be released in May by

Concord.

Joe Beck has performed in concert and records for a roster of great talent

including Miles Davis (Joe was his first guitarist), Duke Ellington, Buddy

Rich, Stan Getz, Paul Desmond, Paul Simon, James Brown, Steely Dan, and Blood,

Sweat and Tears. Since the early 1960s he has been signed as an

artist/composer/producer with MGM, Verve, CTI, Gryphon, Columbia Records, and

Polydor labels.

He was music director/arranger/producer for Frank Sinatra, Esther Phillips and

Gloria Gaynor. But what he would like is "to be remembered most for my playing

and my compositions for the guitar," he said. His recent CD, Friends , pairs

him with renowned session players.

Ali said she has always sought out different directions. "But finding

particular musicians that it really works with - creating a new sound - that

renews your enthusiasm," said Ali. And that is what has happened with Joe and

Ali.

The "new sound" created by the duo is, in part, due to Joe retuning his guitar

down one-fifth where the usual lowest string, E, becomes an A, eliminating the

need for a bass. The musicians are currently recording a jazz duo CD, "much

more highly arranged," which will be out sometime later this year.

There has been increased interest in bringing live music to Newtown, said Ali,

so the two artists hope to have a regular venue here. This seems likely

because the local restaurants have been very supportive, she said.

"It creates a setting for this duo to evolve and grow into something strong;

live performance is the key," she said. "And it is a great feeling for

musicians to have a group of the same people who follow you and are devoted

fans - it's an invaluable thing."

In addition to upcoming shows in Newtown, Ali Ryerson and Joe Beck will

perform together at Cannondale Gallery, Cannondale, on April 5, from 4 to 7

pm; at Violet's, Stamford, on April 15, 9 pm to midnight; at Silvermine

Tavern, Norwalk, on May 2, 9 pm to midnight; Cheney Hall in Hartford, on May

3, 9 to 10 pm; and Zanghi's, Westport, on May 4, 11 and 18, during brunch

hours.