The Music City Review

Nashville-based vocalist Colleen Orender is a “sultry jazz dream with pop sensibilities,” blending effortlessly the classic sounds of jazz with modern pop.  

Guitarist Ellisa Sun is an original artist combining elements of R&B, soul, jazz, and bossa nova in her music, some of which has been featured in major TV shows like “LA’s Finest,” “Dollface,” and “Kung Fu.” Her debut full-length albumRead More

Highly acclaimed New Orleans seven-string guitarist Ted Ludwig performs with his quartet.  

Another Ladies of Jazz show at Rudy’s, featuring an excellent lineup of Nashville women, including Wendy Burns, jazz flutist and vocalist, and Roz Clark-Thompson, a highly acclaimed jazz vocalist who performed the Tony Award winning role of “Aunt Em andRead More

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.  

All-star Nashville pianist Bruce Dudley presents a special concert featuring the music of legendary trumpeter and composer Thad Jones. The show will be in quartet format, featuring Don Aliquo on sax, Rob Linton on bass, and Ryan Brasley on drums.Read More

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.  

Renowned Nashville pianist Pat Coil will perform this month with his special act Music for Humans, which will feature Jovan Quallo on saxophone, Hunter Strasser on guitar, Brian Allen on bass, and Wes Little on drums.  

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 andRead More

Singing a mixture of R&B, Soul, and Jazz, vocalist Chrisette Michele is a Grammy winning artist. At this show you’ll hear some of the singer’s brand new music, as well as some of her classic tunes like “A Couple ofRead More

The jazz faculty of MTSU come to the Cave to present an evening of swinging music. The combo will be led by Jazz Program head Jamey Simmons on trumpet and flugelhorn and will feature Don Aliquo on saxophone, Desmond NgRead More

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”.  

Prominent Nashville pianist and Rudy’s regular Pat Coil leads a quintet for a special tribute to Lyle Mays, with whom Coil had a personal and professional relationship. Along with Pat Metheny himself, Mays was the other powerhouse that drove theRead More

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. This quartet will feature DonRead More

This Miles tribute act returns to Rudy’s, now under the leadership of drummer Brian Czach. The quintet is made up of some of Nashville’s top jazz talent, and pays special attention to the two “great quintets” Davis led in theRead More

Prolific composer, bandleader, bassist and producer Derrick Hodge has been featured on some of music’s most iconic albums and composed or arranged an extensive catalog of music, including film and television scores. He has been awarded two Grammy’s and namedRead More

January Highlight! I always feel I should mention this band because I really love their energy. Led by saxophonist Cam Gallagher, the band is comprised of young and energetic musicians bringing jazz and funk music to the everyday Nashville scene.Read More

January Highlight! Though this is a supporting act (for Hippo Campus’s tour), I thought I would mention this artist as I really enjoy her mixture of jazz into her pop-oriented music. You’ll hear the influences of classic jazz vocal performancesRead More

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, includingRead More

January Highlight! Jazz fusion electro-progressive band Sungazer describe themselves as “Animals as Leaders meets Nerve meets Xenakis.” A highly original and experimental group, I think any fan of modern jazz and fusion music would be interested in this show.

January Highlight! Highly acclaimed NYC-based trombonist Altin Sencalar remains in high demand across the country as a performer, educator, and composer. He has shared the stage with such names as Christian McBride, Michael Bublé, The Four Tops, David Sanborn, andRead More

Saxophonist and composer Najee graces the Main Stage. Najee’s career has now spanned more than three decades, and has featured Gold-selling records.

February Highlight! 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 onRead More