The Jazz Beat — April 2025
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: JazzBeat@musiccityreview.com
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.
Lyle Brewer – Sunday, April 6 – 7:00 PM (Layman Drug Company) ($33)
Boston-based guitarist Lyle Brewer writes original solo guitar music, a style I always love to see more of on the scene. When he’s not teaching at Berklee College, he’s traveling the country to perform his solo guitar show. Catch him live at one of Nashville’s premier recording studios, Layman Drug Company.
Jon Cowherd Masterclass – The Art of Spontaneity – Saturday, April 12 – 2:00 PM ($50) (NJW)
Prominent Nashville pianist Jon Cowherd will give a masterclass at the Workshop, focusing on what makes jazz so unique: its spontaneity. Cowherd will give students a behind-the-scenes look at his personal creative process, both in composition and improvisation. It will be a one-hour presentation followed by a Q&A.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Saturday, April 12 – 8:00 PM (Vanderbilt – Ingram Hall) ($40+)
Blair Music School welcomes this iconic swing and jazz ensemble, who have been touring for over three decades, on a mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music. Their music has been featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows, and they have played sold out shows across the country and appeared with some of our finest orchestras.
Rhythm & Rhyme: A Jazz & Poetry Fusion – Saturday, April 19 – 3:00 PM (Nashville Public Library – Hadley Park) (Free)
At this special NPL event, Poet Laureate Cameron L. Mitchell will give a performance of some of his powerful spoken word pieces, focusing on how we experience culture through poetry. The performance will also be accompanied by jazz from the musician Black Sax. Together, they will showcase the rhythms and melodies of a number of different cultures.
Jeff Coffin & The Nu Gurus: EP Release Show – Saturday, April 19 – 8:00 PM ($30) (Rudy’s)
All-star Nashville saxophonist Jeff Coffin has joined forces with some more of Nashville’s top jazz talent to form a quintet that pushes the boundaries of genre and style. The band features Emmanuel Echem on trumpet, Jordan Perlson on drums, David Rodgers on keys, and Jay White on electric bass and vocals. This special show is to celebrate the releases of their new EP.
The Nth Power – Saturday, April 19 – 8:00 PM ($20) (Analog)
Known for their electric live performances, trio The Nth Power blends soul, funk, blues, and other genres to deliver energetic sets. Individually, the members have performed or collaborated with artists like Snarky Puppy, Beyoncé, Maceo Parker, and more.
Rudresh Mahanthappa Hero Trio – Saturday, April 26 – 8:00 PM ($23) (Rudy’s)
With over 15 albums of original music to his name, Rudresh Mahanthappa has been widely hailed as one of the top saxophonists in the industry today. Pitchfork praised him as “jaw-dropping” and “one of the finest saxophonists going.” But after having spent his career producing his own music, Mahanthappa now presents a project focused solely on the work of others, showcasing the music of his heroes and influences, from Charlie Parker to John Coltrane and more. This trio will feature Francois Moutin on bass and Rudy Royston on drums.
Santana – Tuesday, April 29 – 8:00 PM (The Pinnacle)
Legendary Latin-rock/fusion band Santana, led by the equally legendary Carlos Santa, comes to Nashville’s newest venue. Tickets will go fast for this, so make sure you act quick!
Lettuce w/ the Nashville Symphony – Wednesday, April 30 – 7:30 PM (Schermerhorn Symphony Center)
Genre-defying band Lettuce performs a special concert with the Nashville Symphony, conducted by Enrico Lopez-Yañez. The band’s music spans the range of genres, with a basis in funk and layers of jazz, hip-hop, rock, psychedelia and more layered on top. Fully orchestrated, their music should prove even more unique and this is an experience that would be of interest to anyone in this scene.
Analog at Hutton Hotel
NJW & Analog Present: Ty Bailie B3 Trio w/ Special Guests – Friday, April 4 – 8:00 PM ($15-25)
In the first-ever Nashville Jazz Workshop – Analog partnership, B3 organist Ty Bailie and his trio perform with special guests. Highly regarded as a Hammond-organ extraordinaire, Bailie has performance and recording credits with legends such as Gladys Knight, Peter Frampton, Katy Perry, Kenny Burrell, and more.
Analog Jazz & NJW Present: Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet – Saturday, April 5 – 8:00 PM ($30-65)
The Analog continues its partnership with the NJW, this time to celebrate the centennial of one of the jazz’s greatest pianists, Oscar Peterson, prolific performer and recording artist, and winner of eight Grammy awards. To mark the occasion, the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet was formed and will perform with a rotating roster throughout 2025, highlighting the most important performances and recordings of Peterson’s long career.
Analog Soul (multiple shows) – Sundays, April 6, 20, & 27 – 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+.
Jazz Empowers 2025 Gala – Thursday, April 17 – 7:00 PM ($60-600)
The educational non-profit Jazz Empowers holds its annual gala at the Analog. The evening will feature a performance by the Jovan Quallo Quintet, as well as student performances and testimonials. Tickets include admission to the Gala, the live quartet performance, and a silent auction. Proceeds directly benefit the non-profit.
The Nth Power – 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.
Main Stage
Cedric Burnside – Thursday, April 3 – 7:30 PM ($25-40)
Son of blues drummer Calvin Jackson and grandson of legendary blues guitarist and singer R.L. Burnside, Cedric Burnside follows fittingly in the long tradition as a blues guitarist, drummer, and singer/songwriter. His latest album, Hill Country Love, released last year, is the follow-up to his Grammy-winning 2021 album I Be Trying.
The Aristocrats – Tuesday, April 15 – 8:00 PM ($35 advance / $40 day-of-show)
Jazz-rock/fusion icons The Aristocrats come to the Winery. The trio has made an acclaimed name for themselves over these last 12 years they’ve been active, touring consistently and releasing a number of studio albums.
The Fine Colombians – Thursday, April 17 – 7:30 PM ($30-45)
Hailing from my home town of Knoxville, Tennessee, the Fine Colombians are the premier Steely Dan tribute band. I know several of the members personally, and can guarantee that the level of musicianship in this band is extraordinary.
The Lounge
California Guitar Trio – Monday, April 28 – 7:00 PM ($30 advance / $35 day-of-show)
This pioneering trio has been genre-bending for well over two decades, combining their guitar talents to mix folk, rock, classical, jazz, and world music. They have released over 20 albums together and have toured the world, including with icons King Crimson.
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
Connye Florance – Friday, April 4 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Acclaimed Nashville vocalist Connye Florance comes to the Jazz Cave. Florance has won many accolades, including “Jazz Vocalist of the Year,” a NAMMY (Nashville Grammy) nomination for Album of the Year, Southern Artistry’s “Esteemed Southern Artist” award, and many more.
Jon Cowherd Masterclass – The Art of Spontaneity – detailed above
Pascal’s Triangle ft. Eddie Barbash – Friday, April 18 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Grammy-winning pianist and composer Pascal Le Boeuf leads his ensemble Pascal’s Triangle, frequently seen on the Rudy’s stage, and featuring special guest Eddie Barbash on saxophone. Le Boeuf is known for his boundary-pushing and visionary music, and Barbash is a highly acclaimed saxophonist known for his soulful, high-energy playing.
Alex Graham’s Psychedelic Doomsday Machine – Friday, April 25 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Alex Graham is one of Nashville’s preeminent alto saxophonists, composers, and educators leads his high-energy ensemble featuring some of Nashville’s most celebrated improvisers, including Marcus Finnie (drums), Emmanuel Echem (trumpet), David Rodgers (keys), and Brian Allen (bass).
Jeff Hall – Saturday, April 26 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Vocalist/arranger Jeff Hall returns to Nashville. Once a faculty member of the Workshop himself, Hall returned to his native Baltimore in 2010, and in his career he has released three albums under his own name, and maintains a busy schedule writing, arranging, and performing with a number of different groups, both his own and those led by others.
Community Events
NJW & Analog Present: Ty Bailie B3 Trio w/ Special Guests – detailed above
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. With the new year there are many new faces and new combinations appearing at Rudy’s this month, so now is the perfect time to catch a great new show!
Vanderbilt Latin Jazz Ensemble – Wednesday, April 2 – 6:00 PM ($10)
Vanderbilt’s student Latin Jazz Ensemble takes the Rudy’s stage. Led by Marc Widenhofer, this group performs original music as well as Latin classics in the Cuban and Salsa traditions.
MILEStones: Tribute to Miles Davis – Wednesday, April 2 – 9:00 PM ($15)
The Miles Davis tribute ensemble returns to the Rudy’s stage. This quintet focuses on music from the “great quintets” that Miles led in the 50’s and 60’s.
Rougarou 6-Piece New Orleans Brass Band – Thursday, April 3 – 9:00 PM ($14)
Continuing its repeating “SINdustry night” series on the first Thursday of the month, this New Orleans-style brass band returns to Rudy’s to showcase the club’s Cajun roots. Led by New Orleans native Chris Walters on piano, this band offers as authentic a brass band experience you can find without traveling to the French Quarter. Service industry workers with some form of proof of their employment will receive half off the door price and half price draft been.
Dallas Starke Celebrates Billie Holiday – Friday, April 4 – 5:30 PM ($18)
A staple of the Nashville jazz scene for over two decades, vocalist Dallas Starke brings a special tribute concert to pay homage to one of jazz’s most beloved vocalists, Billie Holiday. Starke was recently nominated for the 2024 Best Female Jazz Vocalist by the National Industry of Music Awards. She will be backed by her quartet for this concert.
Jerome Degey Quartet – Friday, April 4 – 8:00 PM ($20)
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.
Daniel Kuk Trio – Friday, April 4 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Daniel Kuk is a young up-and-coming pianist who, as you can tell from other lineups listed in this newsletter, is already making waves in the scene and proving himself in-demand. He has lived in Nashville most of his life, and started studying music at a very early age. His major influences include Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, and Bud Powell. His trio will feature Jack Aylor on bass and Ryan Brasley on drums.
Ted Ludwig Organ Trio – Saturday, April 5 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Acclaimed seven-string jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig brings one of jazz’s classic trio formats to Rudy’s. The organ trio is one of my personal favorite lineups for a jazz ensemble, and Ludwig has brought the best with him, with Charles Treadway on organ and Chris Brown on drums.
Joshua Constantine Quartet – Monday, April 7 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Saxophonist Constantine is a former member of Grammy-nominated UNT One O’Clock Lab Band, and student of world-renowned saxophonist Brad Leali. Currently an active performer and educator in Nashville, Constantine tends to pay homage to the classic giants of jazz, honoring composers and performers like John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Wayne Shorter, and more. His band features Sam Smith (bass), Michael Green (drums), and Dan La Maestra (piano).
Blue Matter Project ft. Robert Baglione – Wednesday, April 9 – 9:00 PM ($12)
This band offers modern interpretations of straight-ahead and contemporary electric and pop jazz standards. Led by guitarist Robert Baglione, who has performed extensively with names like Michael Henderson, CeCe Peniston, Billy Dickens, and more, the band also features Anthony Belfiglio (keys), Brian Cornish (sax), Leland Nelson (upright bass), and Isaac Velasquez (drums).
Alex Murphy: Exploring the Piano Trio – Thursday, April 10 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Pianist Alex Murphy brings his trio for the first installment of his Exploring the Piano Trio series, focusing on the tradition of this group format specifically.
Phil DeGreg Trio – Friday, April 11 – 5:30 PM ($14)
A longtime presence on the Cincinnati jazz scene, pianist Phil DeGreg leads a trio with Jacob Jezioro on bass and Larry Aberman on drums. DeGreg has toured the world with groups like Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd, and performs regularly in Brazil.
ACE Horns – Friday, April 11 – 8:00 PM ($23)
This trio of horn players returns to Rudy’s with their original group. Roy Agee (trombone), Evan Cobb (sax), and Emmanuel Echem (trumpet) worked together as touring and session musicians for many years before forming their own group, presented here. The trio is backed up by a rhythm section featuring Jon Cowherd, Akil Thompson, and Marcus Finnie.
Wendy Burns’ “Sentimental Journey” – A Tribute to Doris Day – Sunday, April 13 – 6:00 PM ($18)
Prominent Nashville vocalist Wendy Burns presents a special tribute concert to one of jazz’s most beloved singers, Doris Day. The show will be an exploration of Day’s career, featuring Burns’s favorite Day songs backed by an incredible band featuring Luca Chiappara on bass, Melvin Macias on piano, Bryan Brock on drums, Aaron Lessard on guitar, and a special guest appearance by vocalist Rique, paying tribute to Frank Sinatra.
Nate Spratford and Ordinary People – Monday, April 14 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Alto saxophonist Nate Spratford leads his band Ordinary People, which takes inspiration from the idea that, no matter our differences, we are all human beings and face the same struggles and challenges, and this idea is expressed in their music. Spratford relocated to Nashville from the Chicago area to study with Jeff Coffin at Vanderbilt, and quickly made waves in the community as a great young improviser. His band features David Williford on tenor sax, Daniel Kuk on piano, Ian Nussdorfer on bass, and Christian Kyle Burgs on drums.
The MF Art of Listening – Wednesday, April 16 – 9:00 PM ($15)
This highly improvisational group makes its return to Rudy’s, led by drummer Marcus Finnie, who has assembled a highly talented group of musicians to create this unique experience. Finnie himself has toured the world with a host of artists, including Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Donna Summer, Billy Preston, and many more.
Andrew Golden Presents: Golden Hour – Thursday, April 17 – 9:00 PM ($18)
Led by trumpeter Andrew Golden, Golden Hour is an exploration of the lines between jazz, funk, and electronic soul. The group boasts far-flung influences, and this eclectic mix comes out in their music. An incredible player himself, Golden has assembled some of the industries finest to join him in this project. Keyboardist Kevin Gastonguay (Cory Wong), bassist Alec Newnam (Margo Price), and drummer Nate Felty (Zach Top) comprise the band.
Andy Reiss Quintet – Friday, April 18 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Grammy-winning guitarist Andy Reiss leads a stellar quintet of some of Nashville’s top musicians, including Roland Barber (trombone), Dan Hitchcock (reeds), Jacob Jezioro (bass), and Chris Brown (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.
Rory and Nalani Jazz Trio – Friday, April 18 – 8:00 PM ($20)
Nashville guitar and multi-instrument virtuoso Rory Hoffman (piano, guitar, saxophone and vocals) teams with another multi-talented performer Nalani (bass and vocals) for a wonderful jazz trio set. Both performers have had extensive performing careers and won numerous awards. Their combination is sure to be a treat.
Alex Murphy Trio – Friday, April 18 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Chicago native pianist Alex Murphy brings his trio back to Rudy’s. He has performed extensively both in Chicago and Nashville, and has shared the stage with greats such as Bobby Broom, Chester Thompson, Joel Frahm, among many others.
Jeff Coffin & The Nu Gurus: EP Release Show – detailed above
Sofia Goodman Trio – Saturday, April 19 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Award-winning Nashville drummer and composer Sofia Goodman leads her trio featuring Matt Twaddle on piano and Leland Nelson on bass. Goodman’s sophomore album, Secrets of the Shore, won Best Jazz Album of 2023 by the Nashville Scene, and she has performed with greats such as Roland Barber and Pascal Le Boeuf. Her next album will be out later this year. Goodman has released three albums, and her group has performed throughout the US and Canada, including a headlining spot at USM Jazz & Blues Festival.
Bruce Dudley Trio – Friday, April 25 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Bruce Dudley is an accomplished and acclaimed jazz pianist who is a Steinway Concert Artist and has been performing jazz for over forty years with many recording credits to his name, both as sideman and bandleader. This trio will feature renowned Nashville musicians Jim Ferguson on bass and Joshua Hunt on drums.
Aaron Lessard Group – Friday, April 25 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Nashville jazz/fusion guitarist Aaron Lessard will perform a mix of original compositions and covers with his ensemble. In Lessard’s music can be heard influences from Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield, and more.
Rudresh Mahanthappa Hero Trio – detailed above
Marc Payne Quartet – Wednesday, April 30 – 9:00 PM ($15)
One of Nashville’s most talented up-and-coming pianists Marc Payne will lead his trio. Payne has been praised for his diversity and wide knowledge of many jazz styles. He has spent his life in Nashville soaking up many different sounds and styles, and this diversity comes through in his masterful playing.
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 – Saturday, April 5 – 8:00 PM ($20) & Saturday, April 19 – 5:30 PM ($16)
The first of these quartet performances will feature Bruce Dudley (piano), Jack Aylor (bass), and Ryan Brassley (drums), while the second will feature Daniel Kuk (piano), Jack Aylor (bass), and Larry Aberman (drums).
Don Aliquo Trio – Friday, April 11 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Jonathan Wires Quartet – Saturday, April 5 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Nashville bassist Jonathan Wires returns as bandleader in a quartet setting.
Sully’s Swingin’ Sunday Supper – Sundays, April 6 & 20 – 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 – Wednesday, April 9 – 6:00 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 (2 shows) – Saturday, April 12 – 5:30 PM ($17) & Sunday, April 27 – 6:00 PM ($16)
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)
Pat Coil Trio (2 shows) – Saturday, April 12 – 8:00 PM ($21) & Saturday, April 26 – 5:30 PM ($15)
All-star Nashville pianist Pat Coil returns with two trio performances, though both of these will feature a special guest guitarist performing with the trio. 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. The first of these trio shows will feature Brian Allen (bass), Jordan Perlson (drums), and Ted Ludwig (guitar), while the second will feature Jacob Jezioro (bass), Danny Gottlieb (drums), and Pat Bergeson (guitar).
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet (2 shows) – Saturdays, April 12 & 26 – 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.
Bizz Bigsby – Wednesday, April 16 – 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.
Re-Evolution – Mondays, April 21 & 28 – 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.
Dana Robbins Quintet – Wednesday, April 23 – 6:00 PM ($12)
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).
Regi Wooten & Friends – Wednesday, April 23 – 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.
Rebecca Carlson – Thursday, April 24 – 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.
Stephanie Adlington – Friday, April 25 – 8:00 PM ($23)
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.
Cliff Richmond & The CliffNotes – Wednesday, April 30 – 6:00 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.
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).
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz – Every Thursday – 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 – 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.
The Underdog Nashville
Jack Ruch and Adam Wakefield Trio – Every Thursday– 7:00 PM ($10)
Jack Ruch returns this month with his organ trio, a classic jazz format.
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.
University Jazz
The university semester is well under way, which means student, faculty, and guest concerts for the public to enjoy.
Vanderbilt – Blair School of Music 
Blair Big Band – Thursday, April 3 – 8:00 PM ($10) (Ingram Hall)
Vanderbilt’s student Big Band, directed by Ryan Middagh. Tickets are free to Vanderbilt community.
Blair Jazz Combos – Sunday, April 6 – 8:00 PM (Free w/ tickets required) (Turner Recital Hall)
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – 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!