The week's best Twin Cities jazz: Debbie Duncan at Dakota plus a New Orleans duo

By BRITT ROBSON

For the Minnesota Star Tribune
August 22, 2017 at 9:17PM
] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - January 31, 2016, Fridley, MN, Crooners, new music spot in Fridley focusing on their new Dunsmore Room w its Bosendorfer piano. concert. w Dan Chounaird on piano and singer Debbie Duncan.
Debbie Duncan will record a live album Thursday. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Twenty-four years ago, back when the Dakota was located in St. Paul's Bandana Square, vocalist Debbie Duncan created the first live recording in the history of the venue. As she tackles her second live recording at the venue, how has she aged vocally over the years? "My voice is lower — I'm a bass now," she replied. "And my phrasing is 80, 90 percent better than it used to be." (7 p.m. Thu., Dakota, Mpls.; $20, dakotacooks.com)

Skins and strings

Twin Cities musicians George Marich and Paul Metzger will play some duets at the Khyber this week. The variety of ways Marich can beat the skins on his drum kit and Metzger can strum the strings on a variety of instruments all but assures an entertaining evening of improvisation. (9 p.m. Thu., Khyber Pass, St. Paul; $5, khyberpasscafe.com)

Well versed

Collisions of poetry and jazz have become something of a tradition for the members of MILTD41 — including drummer Greg Schutte, Nathan Hanson on sax, trumpeter Steve Kenny and a pair of bassists, Chris Bates on arco and Will Jensen on electric. They swapped impressions with poets in 2014 and '16 and are set to do it again, with the poets yet to be announced. (7:30 p.m. Fri., Studio Z, St. Paul, $10, studiozstpaul.com)

Dynamic duo from New Orleans

Since settling in New Orleans in 2005, multithreat performer Aurora Nealand has flourished in a bevy of projects. A soprano saxophonist, vocalist and accordionist who plays traditional New Orleans jazz, rockabilly and avant-garde jazz, she has an easygoing flair and charisma. She heads north in a duo with Tom McDermott, a fluid and knowledgeable stride and boogie-woogie pianist. (7 p.m. Sun., Crooners, Fridley, $20-$45, croonersloungemn.com)

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BRITT ROBSON