Coming this Month:
The Jazz Beat, February, 2025
This Month’s Highlights
Here are the performances this month that I have picked out as really special, ones you won’t be able to catch any day of the week. They span across Nashville’s many great jazz venues and offer something of interest for everyone.
Coffin, Carlock, Allen, Echem & Walters – Saturday, February 1 – 5:30 PM ($15) (Rudy’s)
They may sport a rather uninventive name, but rest assured these are some of Nashville’s finest improvisers and musicians, all of whom have performed and toured extensively. Jeff Coffin on saxophone, Keith Carlock on drums, Brain Allen on bass, Emmanuel Echem on trumpet, and Chris Walters on piano. You won’t want to miss this one!
Ralph T. Lofton: The Timeless Gospel Music of the Hammond Organ – Saturday, February 1 – 7:30 PM ($35) (NJW)
Prolific performer and recording artist Ralph T. Lofton is one of the most highly respected names in Gospel music. He has performed or recorded with a litany of high-profile artists, including Whitney Houston, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, and many more. Despite this illustrious career, this NJW performance will only be his second as leader, following his successful debut last year. His band includes Jay White (bass), Lance Lucas (keys), Ricky ‘Tank’ Daughtridge (drums), and TJ Fuller (guitar).
Stephanie Adlington Presents: Valentine’s Day “Our Love Is Here to SLAY” (multiple performances) – Thursday, February 13 – 6:00 PM & 9:00 PM ($30) & Friday, February 14 – 6:00 PM & 9:00 PM ($40) (Rudy’s)
The Siren of the South presents a special Valentine’s Day performance, with four opportunities to catch the show. Featuring sultry ballads of love and murder, this show is sure to have something for everyone, whether you love or hate the holiday. This will make for the perfect date night!
“2 Bones 1 Show” w/ Desmond Ng & Roy Agee – Saturday, February 15 – 5:30 PM ($16) (Rudy’s)
Two of Nashville’s most in-demand trombonists join together for a special trombone-centric show. Both of these names have performed with some of music’s biggest names, including Dan and Shay, Frankie Valli, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Esperanza Spalding, and many more.
The Look Aways “Silhouette” Album Release Show – Thursday, February 20 – 6:00 PM ($23)
Contemporary jazz outfit The Look Aways release their debut album. This modern quartet blends the rich traditions of jazz with avant-garde explorations. This release show will also feature songsmith Ziona Riley and her band, as well as complimentary beverages.
Jazz Piano Concert Series – Kenny Werner – Thursday, February 20 – 7:30 PM (McAfee Concert Hall)
Jazz legend Kenny Werner appears at Belmont. Known not only for his stellar playing but also for his book Effortless Mastery, Werner has been an inspiration to thousands of jazz students over the years, and this concert promises to be one for the books.
Deborah Silver “Silver Linings” – Thursday, February 20 – 8:00 PM ($35) (Analog at Hutton)
Jazz singer Deborah Silver comes to the Analog stage. Her show mixes timeless tunes from the Great American Songbook with jazz-tinged renditions of classic rock tunes from her upcoming album Basie Rocks!, set to be released this year. This album was produced by Rolling Stones drummer Steve Jordan, and features guest artist performances from Trombone Shorty, Arturo Sandoval, and Peter Frampton.
Analog at Hutton Hotel
Analog Soul (multiple shows) – Sundays, February 2, 9, & 16 – 7:00 PM (Free GA / $20 reserved seating)
The Analog continues its Analog Soul series, featuring some of the city’s most promising emerging talent who are redefining soul music. All shows feature Will Davenport and select other artists. These shows are 21+.
Deborah Silver “Silver Linings” – detailed above
Arrington Vineyards
Jazz in the Pavilion Tent Series
This month Arrington will be hosting their jazz concerts at the Pavilion Tent rather than the regular Hillside Stage. Food will be available from Simply Living Life. All shows are from 2:30 – 5:30 PM, below is the schedule of bands.
Friday, February 7 – Reed Pittman
Saturday, February 8 – Andrew Carney & the Essentials
Sunday, February 9 – Reed Pittman
Friday, February 14 – The Lilliston Effect
Saturday, February 15 – Andrew Carney & the Essentials
Sunday, February 16 – Reed Pittman Band
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.
Main Stage
Jazzmeia Horn – Saturday, February 1 – 7:30 PM ($40-55)
Named by her jazz-loving grandmother, Jazzmeia Horn was practically born to sing jazz. Horn has won multiple jazz competitions, has multiple full-length albums to her name, and has continued to tour nationally and internationally since the release of her first album in 2017.
Norman Brown (2 shows) – Sunday, February 2 – 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM ($48-55)
Any guitarist that George Benson says is “one of the greatest and most articulate guitarists out there” gets a big nod from me. Brown has collaborated extensively with Benson as well as other greats like Brian McKnight, Miki Howard, Jeff Lorber, and many others. One of the busiest touring artists on the scene today, Brown’s next album, his fourteenth, will be released in March.
The Lounge
Stanley Jordan – Wednesday, February 5 – 7:00 PM ($30-40)
Guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan visit’s the Winery’s Lounge. In a career that has spanned four decades, Jordan has made a name for himself as a pioneer of a special guitar technique he calls “touch technique,” essentially a highly advanced form of two-hand tapping. Trained first as a pianist, Jordan wanted to add greater harmonic versatility to the guitar, leading to this unique innovation. Any guitarist will want to catch this show.
Monica Ramey – Saturday, February 22 – 7:00 PM ($20 advance / $25 day-of)
Nashville-based singer Monica Ramey has gained high praise from some of Nashville’s most prolific jazz musicians, including Beegie Adair, Jeff Coffin, Rod McGaha, Lori Mechem, and many others. She is perhaps best known for her longstanding partnership with Adair, with whom she played sold-out shows across the country, including New York’s Birdland Jazz Club.
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
Ralph T. Lofton: The Timeless Gospel Music of the Hammond Organ – detailed above
Thea Danos: Isn’t It Romantic? – Friday, February 7 – 7:30 PM ($35)
One of Nashville’s most celebrated jazz vocalists Thea Danos gives special performance who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early, presenting music that delves into the multifaceted experiences of love. Her band includes Nashville top talent Alex Murphy on piano, Jack Aylor on bass, and Ryan Brasley on drums.
Joe Gross: “Free At Last” Album Release Party – Saturday, February 8 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Known throughout his forty-year career for his ability to connect with audiences through upbeat and inspiring performances, trumpeter and flugelhornist Joe Gross now celebrates the release of his new album “Free At Last,” which he describes as a “labor of love” and dedicates to the many people who have supported him throughout his long career. His band includes Pat Coil on piano, Roy Vogt on bass, and Danny Gottlieb on drums.
Steve Pardo Quartet – Saturday, February 15 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Acclaimed video game composer Steve Pardo brings his quartet to the Cave for a rather unique performance. Just off his latest release, DOS, both a musical release and video game, Pardo and his band will present an interactive live performance, in which audience members can play the game and the band will improvise and react in real time to the player’s choices. All audience members will receive a free physical copy of the album as well as a free digital download of the game.
Mike Hicks – Friday, February 21 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Award-winning artist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Hicks returns as bandleader for the first time in more than a year, presenting an evening of his original music. Hicks has performed or recorded with artists like Buddy Guy, Rascal Flats, Keb’ Mo’, and many others.
Gtar Phil Trio: Live Album Recording – Friday, February 28 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Fresh off a high-energy debut at the NJW not too long ago, Gtar Phil and his trio are back from a highly-anticipated live album recording in the Cave.
Rudy’s Jazz Room
And now we move on to 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. Please note that some shows are one dollar cheaper if you purchase advance tickets. I have listed the door price for all shows.
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.
Coffin, Carlock, Allen, Echem & Walters – detailed above
The Wooten Brothers – Saturday, February 1 – 8:00 PM ($15)
The immense talents of the Wooten family converge on one stage for a night at Rudy’s. All four brothers have had highly successful careers in their own rights, recording and performing with some of the industry’s biggest names. Regi on guitar/vocals, Roy on drums/vocals, Joseph on keyboards/vocals, and Victor on bass/vocals, the family is a self-contained band.
RECOVERY – LA Wildfire Benefit Concert w/ Blair School of Music Blue Note Combo – Wednesday, February 5 – 6:00 PM ($15)
Vanderbilt’s student Blue Note Combo presents a special concert benefiting musicians recovering from the LA wildfires, and specifically bassist John Clayton who lost his home and everything in it in the fires. All proceeds will be split 50/50 between MusiCares and John Clayton. If you would like to donate but are unable to attend the show, you can do so at this link.
Coffin, Coil, Carlock & Allen – Thursday, February 6 – 9:00 PM ($18)
Remember all that stuff I said about the other Jeff Coffin outfit this month? Well same goes for this arrangement, with Pat Coil on piano instead of Chris Walters.
Dave Potter and Retro Groove Album Release Show – Friday, February 7 – 8:00 PM ($22)
Stellar drummer Dave Potter brings his quartet to Rudy’s to celebrate the release of his third album as leader, “Retro Groove 2,” dropping February 7. The album features clever arrangements of 80’s classics by Whitney Houston, Rush, The Isley Brothers, and more. His quartet features Miguel Alvarado on sax, Angelo Versace on piano, and Rob Linton on bass.
Jacob Jezioro Trio (2 shows) – Friday, February 7 – 11:00 PM & Saturday, February 15 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Popular Nashville bassist Jacob Jezioro offers two performances as leader this month. His trio features David Williford on sax and John Westbwerry on drums.
5-Year Anniversary of Brian Brown’s “Journey” – Saturday, February 8 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Nashville native and celebrated rapper Brian Brown offers a concert to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the release of his album “Journey,” which reflects on resilience, adaptation, and personal growth. Bringing the album to life like never before, Brown will be backed by Alex Murphy and his trio and offer reimagined arrangements and live improvisations.
Sarah Jane Nelson – Wednesday, February 12 – 6:00 PM ($18)
Vocalist Sarah Jane Nelson combines influences from country, jazz, blues, and musical theater for a unique voice that has earned her descriptions as a “knock-‘em dead singer,” “sultry jazz goddess,” and “a first rate singer”.
Stephanie Adlington Presents: Valentine’s Day “Our Love Is Here to SLAY” (multiple performances) – detailed above
“2 Bones 1 Show” w/ Desmond Ng & Roy Agee – detailed above
Pascal’s Triangle “Music of Radiohead” – Thursday, February 20 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Three-time Grammy-nominated composer, jazz pianist, and electronic artist Pascal Le Beoeuf presents a unique performance with his trio, featuring Ethan Jodziewicz on bass and Jordan Perlson on drums. The trio will explore the music of English rock band Radiohead.
Bob Harsen Quartet – Saturday, February 22 – 8:00 PM ($20)
Drummer Bob Harsen returns to Rudy’s with his quartet. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Harsen has recorded or performed with names like Tiger Okoshi, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Randy Brecker, and others.
Ladies of Jazz – Sunday, February 23 – 6:00 PM ($18)
Another Ladies of Jazz show at Rudy’s, featuring an excellent lineup of Nashville women, including Wendy Burns, jazz flutist and vocalist, and fellow vocalists Brooke Bryant and Johnnie Baltimore.
Kelli Cox Trio – Wednesday, February 26 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Standout Nashville pianist Kelli Cox returns to Rudy’s with her trio, featuring Jonathan Wires on bass and Chris Brown on drums. Cox has been preforming professionally since she was fifteen, and has made herself a Nashville staple.
Rebecca Carlson – Thursday, February 27 – 9:00 PM ($14)
Jazz and blues vocalist Rebecca Carlson has made a name for herself across the country, taking stints based in New York City, Tucson, Los Angeles, and now Nashville. An extensive touring and recording career has made her quite an in-demand performer.
Ryan Devlin’s “Side Step” – Friday, February 28 – 8:00 PM ($22)
Boston-based saxophonist and educator Ryan Devlin returns to the Rudy’s stage with his band Side Step. The band features Jordan Learner on saxophone, Ian Ashby on bass, and Ryan Barski on drums.
Rudy’s Regulars
Don Aliquo (multiple performances)
One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Aliquo will be leading performances several times this month, both in trio and quartet format.
Don Aliquo Quartet ft. Michael Jefry Stevens – Saturday, February 1 – 11:00 PM ($15)
Don Aliquo Quartet – Saturday, February 15 – 8:00 PM ($22)
Don Aliquo Trio – Fridays, February 21 & 28 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Sully’s Swingin’ Sunday Supper – Sundays, February 2 & 16 – 6:00 PM ($12)
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.
Viktor Krauss – Friday, February 7 – 5:30 PM ($12)
Viktor Krauss is a bassist that has called Nashville home since 1992, and has over 600 credits to his name as either bassist, composer, or producer.
Jody Nardone Trio – Saturday, February 8 – 8:00 PM ($22)
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)
Bizz Bigsby – Wednesday, February 19 – 6:00 PM ($15)
Nashville native Bizz Bigsby shares his very personal music which tells the story of his life, influenced by everyone from Bill Withers to George Jones to James Taylor.
Cliff Richmond & the CliffNotes – Friday, February 21 – 5:30 PM ($14)
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.
Pat Coil Quartet – Friday, February 21 – 8:00 PM ($21)
All-star Nashville pianist Pat Coil returns with a special configuration of his quartet format, featuring Jim Ferguson (bass), Chris Brown (drums), and Dan Hitchcock (sax). As you all probably know by now, Coil is a highly in-demand pianist in Nashville and just about everywhere else, having toured extensively both nationally and internationally.
Bruce Dudley Trio – Saturday, February 22 – 5:30 PM ($16)
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. The trio will feature Jim Ferguson on bass and Josh Hunt on drums.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet – Saturday, February 22 – 11:00 PM ($10)
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.
Dana Robbins Quintet – Friday, February 28 – 5:30 PM ($15)
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).
Re-Evolution – Every Monday – 6:00 PM ($12)
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.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos – Every Monday – 9:00 PM ($15)
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 (timbales/vocals), Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Yosvany Cordero (congo/bongo), Michael S. Morton (flute/vocals), and Isoel Villarrubia (bass).
Regi Wooten & Friends – Every Wednesday – 9:00 PM ($15)
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.
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz – Every Thursday (except February 13) – 6:00 PM ($12)
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.
Rudy’s Jazz Jam – Every Sunday (except February 9) – 9:00 PM ($10)
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.
Vinyl Tap
Vinyl Tap is a great little spot in Music City, a combined bar, record store, and music venue. You can often find great new or unknown-to-you acts playing the Tap’s stage.
Parker James, Paul DeFigilia, & Anson Hohne – Thursday, February 13 – 7:00 PM (Free)
A vibraphone trio playing a mix of originals, jazz standards, and works from modern jazz composers.
Adam Meisterhans Trio – Wednesday, February 19 – 7:00 PM (Free)
Guitarist Adam Meisterhans leads his trio through instrumental tunes from a wide array of genres and eras.
Jack Silverman Quartet – Thursday, February 20 – 8:00 PM (Free)
The Jack Silverman Quartet blends classic jazz with a psychedelic rock twist.
Anson Hohne, Ben Rice, Craig – Thursday, February 27 – 7:00 PM (Free)
Anson Hohne returns with a different outfit, this time as a guitar trio. They will play a mix of originals, standards, and contemporary jazz.
The Underdog Nashville
The Guthrie Trapp Trio – Every Monday – 8:00 PM ($10)
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.
Jack Ruch and Adam Wakefield Trio – Thursday, February 6 – 7:00 PM ($10)
Jack Ruch returns this month with his organ trio, a classic jazz format.
University Jazz
As the academic semester winds down this month, naturally there is a plethora of student recitals at the city’s music schools. I’ve listed the ones of interest below.
Vanderbilt – Blair School of Music 
Blair Big Band: New Groove – Friday, February 7 – 8:00 PM (Ingram Hall)
The award-winning Blair Big Band presents a special collaborative concert. The performance will feature all-star faculty members from across Blair’s areas of study. Special appearances include Jeff Coffin on saxophone, Rod McGaha on trumpet, Pat Coil on piano, and many others.
Blair Jazz Combos – Sunday, February 23 – 8:00 PM (Turner Recital Hall)
Led by Professor Marc Widenhofer, the student small groups perform of an evening of music including jazz standards, new contemporary works, and original compositions by Blair students and faculty.
Belmont 
Faculty Jazz – Saturday, February 8 – 7:30 PM (Massey Concert Hall)
Belmont’s jazz faculty perform.
Jazz Small Group I & Jazz String Septet – Monday, February 10 – 7:30 PM (Harton Recital Hall)
One of Belmont’s Small Groups combines with the Jazz String Septet to combine classical traditions with jazz and other popular styles.
Jazz Piano Concert Series – Kenny Werner – detailed above
Regular Nashville Hangs
Bohemia After Dark: Live Jazz Band with Andrew Golden – Every Monday – 8:00 PM (Old Glory)
Tuesday Bluesday w/ Shantelle & The Juke Joint Band – Every Tuesday – 6:30 PM (Rawhides)
Weekly blues night with a different special guest each week.
Dinner & A Show – Live Jazz Band – Every Friday – 7:00 PM (Flamingo Cocktail Club)
Living Room Sessions – Every Friday & Saturday – 8:00 PM (W Nashville Hotel)
Regular weekly showcase featuring local indie, jazz, funk, and R&B bands.
Eastside Jam – Every Sunday – 9:00 PM (Inglewood Lounge)
This is not a traditional jazz jam playing standards, but rather an improv jam, but any jazz player or listener will still be interested!
Nightly Jazz at Skull’s Rainbow Room
Live Jazz at Skye Lounge – Every Friday & Saturday
- 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.
