Coming in October!
The Jazz Beat (October 1-15)
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! We are always looking to promote great music that may not get the attention it deserves. Have an event you think should be included in the next issue? Email me at: [email protected]
An Evening with Mike Phillips
October 1, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm at The Main Stage at City Winery
October Highlight!
World renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips visits the Winery’s Main Stage. Phillips is the only musician in the world to have toured with the “Big Three” of American soul and pop music: Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. Prince himself praised Phillips’s playing, saying it “made him want to rise up to that level.” You won’t want to miss this show.
Andy Reiss Quintet
October 2, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Grammy-winning guitarist Andy Reiss leads a stellar quintet of some of Nashville’s top musicians, including Dan Hitchcock (saxophone), Roland Barber (trombone), Chris Autry (bass), and Larry Aberman (drums). Reiss, a member of the Time Jumpers, is a prolific recording session musician in Nashville, having recorded with greats like Slim Pickens, Pig Robbins, and Rebe McEntire, among others. His long career and life in music has given him a wide range of influences, from Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead to Charlie Christian and Joe Pass.
An Evening with Kandace Springs
October 2, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at The Main Stage at City Winery
R&B and Jazz singer Kandace Springs celebrates the release of her first album in three years, Run Your Race, released this year. The album is a tribute to her late father, the legendary Nashville soul singer Scat Springs. Springs’s previous album, released in 2020, was highly praised, garnering 5-star reviews in DownBeat and The New Yorker, among other publications.
Colleen Orender
October 2, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
The sultry jazz vocals of Colleen Orender return to Rudy’s, transforming the club into a smoldering Mississippi juke joint for the evening.
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz
October 3, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Jack Ruch Organ Trio
October 3, 2024 @ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Underdog
Guitarist Jack Ruch, organist Adam Wakefield, and drummer Nioshi Jackson make up this soul and blues trio. The music you’ll hear here makes up the core of jazz’s roots, so any jazz fan should feel right at home listening to this trio.
An Evening with Spyro Gyra
October 3, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at The Main Stage at City Winery
October Highlight!
Legendary jazz fusion band Spyro Gyra celebrates their 50th anniversary this year with a host of tour dates around the country and in Europe, including a stop here in Music City. Formed in Buffalo, NY in 1974, the band has created an enduring legacy as an incredible live band, having logged more than 10,000 shows on six continents.
“Miles & Wayne” Presented by Don Aliquo
October 3, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Don Aliquo presents a special performance of music by Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. This special show will feature a quintet led by Aliquo and featuring Jamey Simmons (trumpet), Pat Coil (piano), Jack Aylor (bass), and Jordan Perlson (drums).
Cliff Richmond & the CliffNotes
October 4, 2024 @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Guitarist and vocalist Cliff Richmond’s band always features some of Nashville’s top talent, and presents a great blend of soulful, swinging, and funky jazz.
Amanda Raye
October 4, 2024 @ 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Sambuca
Though her music stands out as a blend of soul and country, singer Amanda Raye has been noted for her jazz influences.
Pat Coil Presents a Tribute to Lyle Mays
October 4, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Jazz Cave
Renowned Nashville pianist Pat Coil presents a special tribute to his friend Lyle Mays, legendary keyboardist and composer, most known for his work with the Pat Metheny Group, for which he wrote most of the group’s music with Metheny himself, and won eleven Grammy’s as a result. Coil honors the legacy of this imminent talent with an all-star band which features Danny Gottlieb (drums), Beth Gottlieb (percussion), Don Aliquo (sax), and Brian Allen (bass).
Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead – ‘In Motion’ Album Release
October 4, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
October Highlight!
NYC-based drummer Jonathan Barber comes to Rudy’s with his band Vision Ahead, performing compositions from his newest album In Motion. At only 29 years of age, Barber has toured and recorded worldwide with artists such as Pat Metheny, Buster Williams, Terrace Martin, and more, as we as being voted the #1 Up-and-Coming Drummer of 2018 in Modern Drummer.
Jake Botts and Friends
October 4, 2024 @ 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Originally from San Francisco and studying in New York City, Jake Botts has now established himself as a core part of Music City’s freelance instrumentalist community. He is also an accomplished bandleader and songwriter. His band for this performance features Andrew Golden (trumpet), Adam McPhail (guitar), Alec Newman (electric bass), and Willie B. (drums).
Music in the Vines
October 5, 2024 @ 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards features concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. This performance features the Miles Damaso Group.
Don Aliquo Trio
October 5, 2024 @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Don Aliquo performs with his trio.
Erik Blue
October 5, 2024 @ 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Sambuca
This band has been described as “the best live band in Nashville,” creating an upbeat atmosphere that keeps audiences on their feet.
Abigail Flowers Sings in Six Languages
October 5, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Jazz Cave
Speaking of ukuleles, vocalist and songwriter Abigail Flowers, a Lanikai Ukuleles sponsored artist, will perform in the Cave this month. A lover of languages, Flowers regularly sings in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, and even Hawaiian.
Bob McChesney Quintet
October 5, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Internationally recognized trombonist Bob McChesney leads a quintet of some of Nashville’s finest jazz talent, including Don Aliquo on saxophone, Pat Coil on piano, Jacob Jezioro on bass, and Josh Hunt on drums.
Alex Murphy Trio
October 5, 2024 @ 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Hailing from Chicago, pianist and keyboardist Alex Murphy brings his trio to Rudy’s. Murphy has performed at Chicago classics including the Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, and has been featured in the Chicago Jazz Festival.
Music in the Vines
October 6, 2024 @ 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards features concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. This performance features The Lilliston Effect.
Analog Soul
October 6, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Analog at Hutton Hotel
The Analog continues its Analog Soul series, featuring some of the city’s most promising emerging talent who are redefining soul music. This show features Will Davenport, Jon “DJ Smoke” Lucas, and Joslyn & The Sweet Compression. General Admission is free, while you can reserve seating for $20.
Bruce Dudley Trio
October 6, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Bruce Dudley is a Steinway Concert Artist who has over 40 years of experience performing jazz all throughout North and South America. He has recorded a number of albums as bandleader, as well as performed with big industry names like Aretha Franklin, Herb Ellis, and Crystal Gale. Both performances this month will be in trio format, the first featuring Roger Spencer on bass and Chris Brown on drums, and the second featuring Jim Ferguson on bass and Josh Hunt on drums.
Rudy’s Jazz Jam
October 6, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Sofia Goodman Trio
October 7, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Award-winning Nashville-based drummer and composer Sofia Goodman returns to the Rudy’s stage. Her music has been highly praised by publications like DownBeat magazine, as well as industry titans like Jeff Coffin. Her trio will feature Matthew Twaddle on piano and Leland Nelson on bass.
An Evening with Fred Wesley & the New JBs
October 7, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at The Main Stage at City Winery
Another legendary appearance at the Winery this month, renowned trombonist and bandleader Fred Wesley appears with his longtime band the New JBs. Together for more than 30 years, the band is a powerhouse of roots and funk music. Early in his career, Wesley played, directed, arranged, and composed for titans like Ike and Tina Turner and James Brown.
Jazz Small Groups (Belmont)
October 7, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Harton Recital Hall, Belmont University
Belmont School of Music’s jazz small groups perform, presenting a mix of jazz and popular music, from big band swing to modern jazz fusion.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos
October 7, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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).
Ben Graves
October 9, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
An incredibly eclectic and versatile musician, Ben Graves has performed music in genres from classical to jazz to hard rock, weaving all of this experience together into a unique style.
Dana Robbins Quintet
October 9, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Dana Robbins pays tribute to the Soul Jazz sound of the late 60’s and early 70’s, celebrating artists such as Les McCann, Eddie Harris, Jimmy Smith, and more. Robbins has either recorded or performed with many artists, including Keb’ Mo’, Aretha Franklin, Taj Mahal, Keith Urban, and more. Her band features David Santos (bass), Wes Little (drums), Phil Hughley (guitar), and Darius Mines (piano/B3 organ).
Calabria Foti & Bob McChesney “From Bebop to Broadway”
October 9, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Long-time husband and wife duo Foti, a Grammy-nominated vocal sensation, and McChesney, world-renowned trombone virtuoso, dazzle audiences with a unique blend of traditional jazz and beloved show tunes.
Leif Shires
October 10, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
Modern jazz trumpeter Leif Shires will perform once this month at Sambuca. Shires, who has performed with many artists including Tom Jones, the Secret Sisters, Kelly Lang, and many others, now presents a traditional, straight-ahead jazz sound that is sure to be a great accompaniment to a delicious meal.
Rory and Nalani Jazz Trio
October 10, 2024 @ 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Multi-instrumentalist virtuoso Rory Hoffman and bassist/vocalist Nalani offer a masterful contemporary interpretation of the Great American Songbook. A mix of heartfelt vocal duets and their virtuosic instrumental abilities guarantee a phenomenal performance.
Jerome Degey Trio
October 11, 2024 @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Degey is a Nashville-based guitarist originally from Paris, France. His family heritage also features Afro-Caribbean roots, and together with his longtime interest and study of Brazilian culture, these influences create a rather unique musical blend. His trio features Wes Little on drums and Charles Treadway on keys.
Choro Das Três
October 11, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Jazz Cave
October Highlight!
A sister-trio out of Sao Paolo, Brazil, the women of Choro Das Três are regarded as some of the best choro musicians in the world. Of the Meyer sisters, the band consists of Corina on flute/piccolo, Lia on 7-string guitar, and Elisa on mandolin, clarinet, banjo, piano, and accordion.
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
October 11, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
October Highlight!
Jonathan Scales is an innovative and progressive steel pannists, considered one of the best in the world. His challenging compositions redefine the traditional expectations of the instrument. The trio always features a lineup of world-class musicians.
Don Aliquo Trio
October 11, 2024 @ 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Don Aliquo performs with his trio.
Music in the Vines
October 12, 2024 @ 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards features concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. This performance features Andrew Carney and the Essentials.
Greg Tardy Quartet
October 12, 2024 @ 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
October Highlight!
Saxophone and woodwind virtuoso Greg Tardy returns to the Rudy’s stage for two consecutive sets. With a long and storied career performing in a wide array of musical styles, Tardy has been widely praised by publications like New York Magazine, the Washington Post, All About Jazz, and many others. For these performances he leads an all-star quartet featuring Dave Potter on drums, Margherita Fava on piano, and Rob Linton on bass.
Alex Hahn
October 12, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Jazz Cave
Alex Hahn is a Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator based in Southern California. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, and a 1st-Place Winner in the Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition. His latest album, Childhood Melodies, features original arrangements of music from his childhood.
Greg Tardy Quartet
October 12, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
October Highlight!
Saxophone and woodwind virtuoso Greg Tardy returns to the Rudy’s stage for two consecutive sets. With a long and storied career performing in a wide array of musical styles, Tardy has been widely praised by publications like New York Magazine, the Washington Post, All About Jazz, and many others. For these performances he leads an all-star quartet featuring Dave Potter on drums, Margherita Fava on piano, and Rob Linton on bass.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet
October 12, 2024 @ 11:00 pm to 11:30 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Music in the Vines
October 13, 2024 @ 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards features concerts of Jazz and Bluegrass every Saturday and Sunday. This performance features the Reed Pittman Band.
André Ward
October 13, 2024 @ 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Main Stage at City Winery
Chicago native and jazz saxophone great André Ward stops by the Winery for a brunch-time show. Ward has been touring and recording for more than 30 years with industry greats like Lalah Hathaway, Will Downing, and Freddie Jackson.
Sully’s Swingin’ Sunday Supper
October 13, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
Every other Sunday, Rudy’s features a Sunday dinner, with one of Music City’s top bassists Jimmy Sullivan leading a swingin’ jazz band featuring rotating special guests, for which a unique dinner special is served just for the show.
Arturo Sandoval
October 13, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at Schermerhorn Symphony Center
October Highlight!
Legendary Latin Jazz composer and trumpeter returns to the Schermerhorn with his phenomenal band. The Cuban-born multi-instrumentalist is a 10-time Grammy-winner and has received the Latin Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ben Graves
October 14, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Sambuca
An incredibly eclectic and versatile musician, Ben Graves has performed music in genres from classical to jazz to hard rock, weaving all of this experience together into a unique style.
Re-Evolution
October 14, 2024 @ 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rudy’s Jazz Room
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.
Bilal
October 14, 2024 @ 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at The Main Stage at City Winery
Philadelphia-based R&B/jazz/soul singer Bilal stops at the Winery on his current North American tour. Known for his intense live performances, Bilal’s music spans a wide array of genres. His extensive list of collaborations includes Kendric Lamar, Common, Beyoncé, Kimbra, Robert Glasper, The Roots, and many more.
The Guthrie Trapp Trio
October 14, 2024 @ 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at The Underdog
One of Nashville’s preeminent guitar talents will perform several times at the Underdog. More blues and country than jazz, Trapp’s intricate and highly technical guitar playing will surely interest those who love the technicality of jazz music. His trio features Jordan Perlson on drums and Tim Marks on bass.
- About the Author
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Wyatt Parks is a music industry professional and musical artist based in Nashville, TN. Originally from East Tennessee, he has played and performed music since the age of nine. He earned an Associates degree in Music from Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Industry with a Jazz Guitar focus from Middle Tennessee State University. Now living in Nashville with his two cats, he writes music as an independent artist, and occupies a vital role on the Digital Sales team at Naxos of America, a music distributor with a specialty in Classical and Jazz.
