Photos/Writer: Rudy Lu
Artemis is a multi generational band of virtuosos. It has had many personnel changes since its formation. The fact that is all female is incidental to the excellence of its sound. They graced the Freihofer main stage in 2021. They were a septet which included a vocalist and a 3 piece horn section. The present band has slimmed down with a 2 piece horn section. Pianist Rene Rosnes is the founder of this band. Trumpeter Rene Rosnes, bassist Noriko Oeda, drummer Allison Miller were all carryovers from the past configuration with saxophonist Nicole Glover being the newest member of the band,
The band courageously played a single set of covers interpreted in their own way and original compositions. All have yet to be recorded by this band. Being a jazz audience wanting something different yet familiar, the audience enthusiastically followed.
Opening with Herbie Hancock’s peaceful and gentle “Dolphin’s Dance/ Ingrid Jensen on trumpet was first to solo with some electronic effects, with Nicole Glover soloing next playing it straight demonstrating her mastery of the instrument.
Keeping with the theme of oceans, the band transitioned to Rosne’s composition “Galapagos” from her solo album “Written in the Rocks” which celebrates evolution. Very enthusiastic with Allison showing her mastery of the drums without overpowering the band.
Glover’s mellow “Petrichor” followed. This transitioned to a truly surprising cover of “What the World Needs Now”, that 60’s Burt Bachrach hit by Dionne Warwick. What is remembered by this aging boomer as a somewhat schmaltzy song was made interesting with this band’s take.
Thelonius Monk’s “Hackensack” was next. A Monk tune with all the Monk quirks and discordance with Rosnes adding stride piano phrases to make this her own.
Jensen’s original “Sights Unseen” was unquestionably hard bop with all the expected tempo shifts. This transitioned to “Little Cranberry”, a tune by Miller about a vacation on a Maine Island. She ended this happy tune by playing with her hands.
Wayne Shorter’s composition. “Footprints” followed. This composition which is literally part of the jazz student curriculum was brimming with all the experience of these players to give their own take on the tune.
The encore was Billy Strayhorn’s ” A Flower is a Lovesome Thing”, a truly delicate song with a delicate interpretation. Glover shining on saxophone as she was for the whole set.
The next concert in the series is on October 18th, pianist Bill O’Connell leading a quartet special guest Craig Handy. The mighty Billy Hart is on drums and Santi DiBriano on bass. Hope to see you there,\.
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