Resonant Motion, in partnership with the Russell Library, is happy to be presenting (on the internet) the sixth season of Jazz Up Close. This year’s edition of Jazz Up Close (from afar) is themed “Layers of Collaboration” and each event will focus on multiple artists who co-lead groups and/or perform in one another’s ensembles. People who tune in can expect the usual mix of high-quality music (in this instance in the form of prerecorded, socially distanced, collaborative videos) and engaging real-time conversation including the artists’ thoughts on topics and questions viewers pose to them.   

For our second event, Erica von Kleist (saxophone and flute) and DeWitt Fleming, Jr. (percussion and tap dance) will debut several new original compositions accompanied by bassist Henry Lugo and pianist and series curator Noah Baerman, as well as sharing pre-pandemic performance footage of their Sax & Taps project, which recently released its debut album, Intersplosion, recorded live at Dizzy’s Club in New York City.

Originally from Washington, D.C, DeWitt Fleming, Jr. has collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, and Wycliffe Gordon. As a performer DeWitt has appeared in numerous Off-Broadway productions, several commercials and as a touring member of Riverdance. His rhythmic and improvisational abilities have made him a versatile asset in the jazz world, Broadway, and film. He has also developed his own brand of DeW It Right Tap Mics for tap shoes which are currently being used by companies around the country.

A native of Connecticut, Erica von Kleist moved to Whitefish, Montana after developing an extensive career in New York, having toured and recorded with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Chris Potter and Rufus Reid among others. As a saxophonist, flautist and piccoloist, Erica regularly ventures from her home in Montana to perform and teach woodwinds and jazz theory, most recently as a clinician for the Carnegie Hall, Juilliard School, UNC Greensboro, and Drake University.

This year's series is presented with the support of the Middletown Commission on the Arts, the Friends of the Russell Library, and Resonant Motion's donors.