by Paul Klemperer

Indie label Leaning House has backed some impressive recordings in recent years, reminding jazz fans that Dallas has its own history of producing heavyweight players. The Leaning House roster includes soxophonist Wessell Anderson, described by the The New Yorker magazine as "Coltrane meets New Orleans"; drummer Donald Edwards; pianist Fred Sanders, who favored Austin with his presence for several years before making the move to New Orleans; drummer Earl Harvin; and saxmen Shelley Carrol and Marchel Ivery. Carrol will be appearing in Austin with the Roy Hargrove Quintet.

For SXSW, Leaning House will be presenting its showcase at the Elephant Room (310 Congress) on Friday, March 19. Fred Sanders kicks off the evening at 9:00pm, and it will be interesting to hear where he has gone musically since he left us last spring. Earl Harvin's trio follows at 10:30; drummers in particular should bring their notebooks and have their ears open. Marchel Ivery culminates the evening with a midnight set which should be a blockbuster. His big tone and deep bag of licks will remind listeners of such jazz landmarks as Dexter Gordon, Don Byas and Sonny Rollins.

The music will be great, of course, and the Leaning House showcase pushes forward the possibility that jazz artists recording on indie labels can have a national impact, maybe even toy with the idea of earning a livable wage (what a shocker!) in the course of pursuing creative music. But along with this the showcase implicitly promotes Texas as a focal point for jazz. The state has a long history of producing innovators in the jazz tradition and Leaning House is doing a good job of reminding us that the creative juices are still flowing strong here.

Also among the musical riches descending on Austin during this SXSW season, trumpeter Roy Hargrove will be holding a 5-day residency at the Mercury Lounge (503 E. 6th). Each night the walls will be bathed in great sound, as a variety of talented local acts warm up for the maestro. This extended appearance by Mr. Hargrove is the result of a joint production by the Blue Jazz Workshop and Mercury Productions. Although not part of the official SXSW showcases, the event promises to be a highlight of the SXSW week.

The first two nights, Monday and Tuesday, March 15 & 16, are being billed as the "Jazz Revolution II" and will include a variety of great local groups:

Monday's lineup:

7pm J.J. Johnson Trio

8:10pm Doug Hall Trio

9:20pm Juliana Sheffield/Kevin Lovejoy

10:50pm Ta Mere

12:20am Roy Hargrove

Tuesday's lineup:

7pm Glover Gill Trio

8:10pm T'chya Ahmet

9:20pm Blue Construct with DJ Phyfteen

10:50pm Big Game Hunter

12:20am Roy Hargrove

Joining Hargrove's group is Dallas saxophonist Shelley Carroll. For those familiar with his CD Shelley Carroll with Members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the pairing of Carroll with Hargrove should result in some very exciting music. Shows will continue at the Mercury through March 19.