Hello, all, and welcome back to this regular column here at Music City Review. Here, we will update you with the most can’t-miss jazz events happening in Music City, so you can be sure to catch all your favorites, as well as discover new ones along the way. Get out there and support your local musicians and keep Music City thriving!

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This Month’s Highlights

I’d like to begin by highlighting right up top some of the more unique events happening this month that I think you’ll be interested in. These include shows and acts that you won’t find as regular appearances.

The Duke Ellington Orchestra – Friday, March 1 (TODAY!) – 7:30 PM

The Nashville Symphony hosts the Duke Ellington Orchestra at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This year the Orchestra, founded by Ellington himself, celebrates its 100^th anniversary. This performance will no doubt be incredible as the Orchestra continues to carry on the legacy of possibly the most prolific and influential songwriter of the 20^th Century. Tickets can be purchased through the Nashville Symphony website.

Maurice “Mobetta” Brown – Sunday, March 10 – 7:30 PM

City Winery Nashville presents on the Main Stage a stellar performance by Grammy-nominated trumpeter and artist Maurice “Mobetta” Brown. An eclectic artist who seamlessly fuses contemporary jazz, blues-rock and hip-hop, Brown is sure to both please and surprise listeners of a wide variety of genres. Brown has won awards for his trumpet playing, and been nominated for a Grammy for his music, and has toured with some of the biggest names in jazz and popular music. The lineup includes Brown on trumpet, Isaiah Sharkey on guitar, Robert “Sput” Searight on drums, Joe Cleveland on bass, and Dominique Xavier Taplin on keys. Don’t miss this incredible show! Tickets can be purchased through City Winery.

Creek featuring Kristen Warren & Ryan Devlin – Friday, March 15 & Saturday, March 16 – 11:00 PM

A pair of special performances at Rudy’s brings together musicians and artists from Florida and Boston. Creek is a jazz-fusion group from Central Florida which blends together traditional jazz and swing music with the more modern sounds of rock, funk and soul. The band will perform with vocalist Kristen Warren, a traveling singer-songwriter from Melbourne, FL, who performs classical jazz standards as well as her own original music, and Ryan Devlin, an award-winning up-and-coming saxophonist who has toured the country performing in famous jazz clubs like Smalls in New York City. Cover is $12 at the door.

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Rudy’s Jazz Room

We of course must begin with Nashville’s premier jazz club, with its cozy, intimate setting. I’ll start with some of the unique highlights for this month, then follow up with the great regular acts performing. Prices listed are the same as a cover at the door or with advanced tickets, which can be purchased through Rudy’s website.

Rudy’s Highlights

Below are the performances for this month that I’ve picked out as the real can’t-miss shows, some featuring touring artists from out of state, others featuring local artists giving specialized, unique performances.

Naama Quartet – Saturday, March 2 – Two Sets, 5:30 PM & 8:00 PM

New York City jazz vocalist Naama graces the Rudy’s stage for two sets with her Quartet, in support of her fourth album, just released in January, which tells the story of a relationship from beginning to breakup through carefully selected Jazz Standards. Cree McCree of Downbeat Magazine said, “Naama’s voice evokes a honeyed warmth…swoops up and plummets down onto a lovestruck madness… her voice drifts onto a pillow of dreams.” You won’t want to miss this performance. Cover is $16.

Ellie Martin Quartet – Saturday, March 9 – 8:00 PM

Toledo-based vocalist Ellie Martin makes her Rudy’s debut as she celebrates the release of her debut album, Verdant, which features all original music that blends classic jazz with pop, Latin, and singer-songwriter styles. Martin holds a PhD in Jazz Studies, and has performed at numerous jazz festivals around the country. Her Quartet features Matt Endahl (piano), Kurt Krahnke (bass), and Olman Piedra (drums). Cover is $22.

Creek featuring Kristen Warren & Ryan Devlin – Friday, March 15 & Saturday, March 16 – 11:00 PM (Detailed Above)

John Fumo’s Entropy – Album Release & Tribute to Miles & Herbie – Wednesday, March 20 – 9:00 PM

A recent Nashville transplant, John Fumo relocated here after a long and successful career in Los Angeles recording and composing, as well as touring with big names like Neil Diamon, Neil Young, Brian Setzer, and many others. Now he releases a new album, and celebrates by giving a special performance featuring original music as well as covers of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock’s jazz fusion era, 1969-75. Fumo has been a lover of Davis’s music for as long as he can remember, so these tunes are coming from one who certainly knows how to pay tribute to the legend. Cover is $15.

Jerome Degey & Friends – Friday, March 22 – 11:00 PM

Now a Nashville resident, Paris-born guitarist Jerome Degey offers a unique style of music. With a family heritage that is both French and Afro-Caribbean, added to a long immersion in Brazilian culture, the music of these places blends with the influences he has picked up living in the States, producing a beautiful mixture of cultures in his music. Degey has performed with a number of notable artists from across the world. Cover is $10.

Rudy’s Regulars

Don Aliquo – Multiple Performances

One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Aliquo will be performing a number of times this month with several different groups, detailed below.

                Don Aliquo Trio – Three Performances

                               Saturday, March 2 – 11:00 PM ($10 Cover)
                               Saturday, March 16 – 5:30 PM ($15 Cover)
                               Saturday, March 23 – 11:00 PM ($10 Cover)

                Don Aliquo and the Feel Good Trio – Friday, March 8 – 8:00 PM ($20 Cover)

                Don Aliquo Quartet – Sunday, March 10 – 6:00 PM ($15 Cover)

Pat Coil – Multiple Performances

Accomplished pianist Pat Coil will give two performances this month, each with a unique group. The first is with his trio, consisting of Jacob Jezioro on bass and Luke Woodie on drums, and the group will perform a classic piano trio set. The second is with a unique group Coil has formed, known as “Pat Coil’s Music for Humans.” The group consists of Jovan Quallo (tenor sax), Brian Allen (bass), Hunter Strasser (guitar), and Wes Little (drums).

                Pat Coil Trio – Saturday, March 23 – 5:30 PM ($15 Cover)

                Pat Coil’s Music for Humans – Friday, March 29 – 8:00 PM ($21 Cover)

Re-Evolution – Monday, March 4 & Monday, March 18 – 6:00 PM ($12 Cover)

This five-piece band is heavily influenced by classic jazz cutting-edge artists like Thelonius Monk, Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and more. The band consists of Brian Cornish on saxophone, Regi Wooten on bass, Daryl Johnson on drums, Adam Charney on guitar and Alex Murphy on piano.

Regi Wooten & Friends – Wednesday, March 6 & Wednesday, March 27 – 9:00 PM ($15 Cover)

Coming from a distinctly talented musical family, Regi Wooten is one of the most innovative and dynamic musicians on the scene today, pushing the boundaries of the traditional genres. Equally at home playing Hendrix as Wes Montgomery, Wooten assembles a group of some of Nashville’s best musicians to offer a night steeped in funk, jazz, soul, blues and rock.

MILEStones: Tribute to Miles Davis – Wednesday, March 13 – 9:00 PM ($15 Cover)

With a focus on the two “great quintets” Miles Davis led in the 1950’s and 60’s, MILEStones is a Nashville-based ensemble that pays homage to the jazz legend by utilizing the exact arrangements and instrumentation Davis used on his famous recordings.

Stephanie Adlington – Friday, March 22 – 8:00 PM ($20 Cover)

Another frequent visitor to the Rudy’s stage, award-winning vocalist, songwriter and vocal coach Stephanie Adlington is known as the “Siren of the South,” with an “unrivaled” take on the Great American Songbook.

Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos – Every Monday – 9:00 PM ($13 Cover)

A favorite on the Nashville Latin and jazz scene, multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez presents an electric night of salsa, along with his band consisting of Rodriguez (bass/vocals), Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Jesus Agreda (Timbales), Lorenzo Molina Ruiz (Trumpet), and Manuel ‘Manotas’ Ramierez (multi-Percussion).

Jody Nardone Trio – Friday, March 1 – 5:30 PM & Saturday, March 30 – 8:00 PM

Prominent Nashville pianist Jody Nardone brings his trio to Rudy’s for a classic jazz set. With a growing national reputation, Nardone seamlessly shifts from the “whispered beauty of Bill Evans to the percussive flights of McCoy Tyner.” (Michael McCall, Nashville Scene)

Geoff Pfeifer Quartet – Saturday, March 9 & Friday, March 29 – 11:00 PM ($10 cover)

Playing a mix of Wayne Shorter tunes and originals, Geoff Pfeifer brings gritty, edgy, genuine NYC-style jazz to Rudy’s stage with his Quartet.

Hot Club Gypsy Jazz – Every Thursday – 6:00 PM

Every Thursday night, Rudy’s honors its New Orleans and French roots by celebrating the vibrant music of Gypsy Jazz. These nights feature a variety of small groups either led or curated by New Orleans native Brook Sutton, all performing music in the style of the great Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. The bar will feature French Quarter-inspired cocktails as well as gumbo and beignets. Come out for as authentic a night as you can get without a trip to the French Quarter. Cover is $12 at the door or in advance.

Rudy’s Jazz Jam – Every Sunday – 9:00 PM

I couldn’t make a list of Rudy’s events without including a shout-out for the regular weekly Jazz Jam the club hosts every Sunday night. Whether you are a jazz musician and you want to jam with your fellow artists, or you just want to come and enjoy what the local talent has to offer, the Jazz Jam is a great way to end your weekend.

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The Nashville Jazz Workshop

Moving on to Music City’s other great jazz venue, the Jazz Cave at the NJW is a venue with world-class acoustics, which consistently ranks in Downbeat Magazine’s list of Great Jazz Venues in the world. Tickets can be purchased through the Workshop website.

Jazz Cave

Jeff Hamilton Trio – Saturday, March 2 – 7:30 PM

Virtuoso jazz drummer Jeff Hamilton brings his trio, consisting of Jon Hamar on bass and Tamir Hendelman on piano to the Jazz Cave. A frequent visitor to the Jazz Workshop, Hamilton is a legend among jazz drummers. His trio presents a hard-swinging jazz experience. Tickets are $50.

Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra – Sunday, March 10 – 7:30 PM

Ryan Middagh is a saxophonist, producer, composer, arranger, and Director of Jazz Studies at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. His Big Band ensemble consists of world-class musicians based in Nashville, including top-call studio musicians, touring artists, music educators, and fellow composers and arrangers. Endeavoring to prove that big band ensemble music is perfectly at home here in Music City, the Orchestra is sure to give a wonderful performance. Tickets are $40.

Joseph Wooten and the Hands of Soul – Saturday, March 16 – 7:30 PM

Joseph Wooten’s musical journey began alongside his brothers in the amazingly talented Wooten family, but he has no doubt staked out a distinct place for himself in the music industry. He has received three Grammy nominations and has performed and collaborated with a wide array of artists, including as longtime keyboardist and vocalist in the Steve Miller Band. Wooten and his band the Hands of Soul now offer an emotional and soulful performance in the Jazz Cave. Tickets are $35.

Singing for NJW – Saturday, March 23 – 7:30 PM

The Nashville Jazz Workshop presents an evening of captivating vocal melodies from artists Joe Freel, Liz Johnson, Sandra Dudley, Chris Watson, Monica Ramey and Crystal Miller along with the Lori Mechem Trio to support the fostering of a vibrant jazz community in Nashville. Tickets are $35.

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Community Events – Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The Duke Ellington Orchestra – Friday, March 1 – 7:30 PM (Detailed Above)

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City Winery Nashville

Nashville’s City Winery is a beautiful venue that consistently features top-talent acts that span genres from Jazz to Americana to Hip Hop. The below performances showcase a mix of several genres, but will certainly be of interest to any jazz audience. Enjoy these concerts accompanied by a stellar selection of wine and delicious bites.

Sofiane Pamart – Tuesday, March 5 – 8:00 PM

Though technically a Classical pianist, Sofiane Pamart has found success with listeners of many genres. One of the top-10 Most-Streamed classical artists, Pamart has enjoyed an accomplished career. Main Stage. Tickets start at $20.

California Guitar Trio – Friday, March 8 – 7:00 PM

Composed of guitarists Bert Lams and Paul Richards and Chapman Stick player Paul Griesgraber, the California Guitar Trio is another group that transcends a single genre. This unique group endeavors to explore the intersection between rock, jazz, classical, and many world genres. This adventurous spirit has earned the group a close personal connection with its audiences. The Lounge. Advanced GA tickets are $30, day-of GA is $35.

Maurice “Mobetta” Brown – Sunday, March 10 – 7:30 PM (Detailed Above)

Kyla Jade Sings Aretha – Monday, March 25 – 7:30 PM

Recording artist and The Voice finalist Kyla Jade presents an evening celebrating and honoring the Queen of Soul. Main stage. Tickets start at $30.

An Evening with Pierre Bensusan – Friday, March 29 – 7:00 PM

Another performance that is not strictly jazz but will be of interest is Pierre Bensusan, a French-Algerian acoustic guitarist who plays exclusively in DADGAD tuning. With a Sephardic Jewish family lineage tracing from Spain, Spanish Morocco, and French Algeria, Bensusan’s music has been described as Celtic, folk, world music, New Age, and chamber jazz. The Lounge. Advanced GA tickets are $25, and day-of GA is $30.

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Cheekwood Estates

Piano in the Mansion – Performances March 2, 3, 9, & 10 – 12:00-2:00 PM

On the dates above the superb and meticulously preserved Steinway piano at Cheekwood Estates will be graced by the talents of renowned and celebrated pianist Chris Walters. A New Orleans native, Walters has lived in Nashville since 1989, and in that time has enjoyed a storied career, recording and performing with a number of artists, including The Jeff Coffin Mu’tet, JD Souther, and The Peter Mayer Group.  The already stunning beauty of Cheekwood Estates will be elevated even more by the soothing melodies Walters provides.

This performance is accessible with “Gardens + Mansion” tickets and Cheekwood Estates.

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Universities

There is one special guest concert happening in the Nashville-area university scene, detailed below:

Belmont University

Tamir Hendelmen – Sunday, March 24 – 2:00 PM

World-renowned jazz pianist Tamir Hendelmen will perform in Belmont’s McAfee Concert Hall. Known for his vibrant performances and his stellar arrangements, Hendelmen has toured the globe with artists such as Natalie Cole, Barbara Streisand, and Tierney Sutton.

I wanted to make a brief note just to highlight the performances of the University Big Bands. These ensembles tend to feature the cream of the crop of student talent, so I thought it would be worth mentioning.

Middle Tennessee State University

These ensembles will perform in MTSU’s Hinton Hall:

Jazz Ensemble I – Wednesday, March 13 – 7:30 PM

Jazz Ensemble II – Tuesday, March 18 – 7:30 PM

Vanderbilt University

This concert will take place in Vanderbilt’s Steve & Judy Turner Recital Hall:

Vanderbilt Jazz Orchestra – Monday, March 4 – 8:00 PM

This event is free but requires tickets for admission, which you can reserve through the Vanderbilt Music School’s website.

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Other Notables

Funk Night Nashville – Exit/In – Friday, March 1 – 9:00 PM

A night of deep funk music featuring The Deep Fried Five, Remsteele, and the Funk Night Nashville DJs. GA tickets are $22.

Earl Erb Jazz Trio – Springwater Supper Club & Lounge – Friday, March 1 – 5:00 PM

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