Music City's Authentic Jazz Club

Serving classic New Orleans prohibition cocktails, local brews, and New Orleans cuisine.
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS
Sundays-Thursdays: 5pm-7pm $7 Wells, $8 House Wines
Mondays: 9pm-Close $8 Cuba Libres, $12 Estrella & Shot of Lunazul Blanco
TONIGHT'S SHOWS
Vanderbilt Latin Jazz Ensemble
6:00pm-8:15pm, $10 at the door
Experience Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music’s award winning Latin Jazz Ensemble. Under the direction of Marc Widenhofer this group performs original music and Cuban classics in the Cuban and Salsa traditions.

Comprised of some of the finest improvising musicians at the Blair School, Vanderbilt’s Latin Jazz Ensemble was invited to perform at the 2023 JEN Conference and has made a recent trip to perform in Miami, FL.

These musicians are Nashville’s rising stars and the Young Lions of Music City!

Ezra Seelaus - Trumpet
Seth Hahn - Trombone
Jason Johnson - Alto Saxophone
Jacob Welch - Tenor Saxophone
Isaiah Cross - Piano
Gabriel Barnard - Bass
Nick Pacella - percussion
Miles Buchmann - percussion
Caius Sutliff - percussion

This show is all ages.
MILEStones: Tribute to Miles Davis
9:00pm-11:15pm, $15 at the door
MILEStones is a dynamic tribute band dedicated to celebrating the life and music of the legendary Miles Davis. Paying close attention to the two "great quintets", the band recreates the mood and genre-defying compositions that made Miles' music so distinct. Led by drummer Brian Czach, MILEStones is a quintet comprised of seasoned musicians who share a passion for jazz and it's lineage. MILEStones captures the essence of Davis's groundbreaking artistry, delivering performances that transport audiences back to the golden eras of jazz. Whether it's a faithful rendition or a fresh interpretation, MILEStones honors Miles Davis's enduring legacy with every note.

Originally from upstate New York, Brian has performed at most major jazz clubs including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Blue Note Tokyo. He has recorded several albums with jazz artist Tony DeSare, and recorded and/or performed with Donald Vega, Jaimee Paul, Reggie Wooten, Jimmy Castor & The Bunch and Tracy Lawrence, among many others. Brian currently plays drum set with the Nashville Symphony.

"With Czach as Musical Director... good jazz taste prevails" - Mike Weatherford, Las Vegas Review Journal

"A killer drummer who can play anything" - The Kats Report, Las Vegas Sun

Brian endorses Istanbul Agop cymbals, Canopus drums, Aquarian drum heads, Innovative Percussion drum sticks and brushes, Prologix drum pads, Creative Percussion, Porter & Davies drum thrones, and Humes & Berg cases.


UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Apr 3
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $14 at the door
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection

Every Thursday we honor our New Orleans and French roots and Rudy’s comes alive with a variety of small groups in the style of gypsy jazz swing. We bring you music inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with "Hot Club" gypsy jazz swing. Known for fierce tempos and effortless improvisation, our Hot Club Gypsy Thursdays are sure to entertain, inspire, and bring you back to some authentic "jazz manouche" with groups either led or curated by New Orleans LA native Brook Sutton.

There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
Rougarou 6-Piece New Orleans Brass Band
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $14 at the door
The French Quarter landed in the Gulch and it's a party on the 1st Thursday every month 9pm at Rudy's with the Rougaru 6-piece New Orleans brass band! Nashville's only dedicated brass band night for New Orleans music. The six-piece Rougarou Brass Band, led by Louisianian Brook Sutton on bass and New Orleans native Chris Walters on piano, and featuring some of the top brass and musicians in Nashville including Roy Agee on trombone, Andrew Carney on trumpet, Chris West on saxophone and Josh Hunt on drums, bringing a mix of traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras brass music and New Orleans funk, staples and favorites, drawing on influences such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Meters, Preservation Hall, Rebirth Brass Band, Dr. John, etc. This group will have you bopping in your seats, or on your feet!

Freezer Sazerac drink specials, red beans and rice, gumbo and shrimp po-boys and other New Orleans fare! Service industry workers show any documentation or evidence online of your employer at the door for our 1/2 price SIN door ticket discount and 1/2 price draft beer!
Apr 4
Dallas Starke Celebrates Billie Holiday
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $18 at the door
Celebrate the music and life of the legendary American jazz vocalist Billie Holiday with Dallas Starke and her quartet.

Dallas Starke will enchant you with her rich, melancholy vocals and her aura of grace and style that embodies iconic jazz and blues singers of bygone eras. A staple of the Nashville jazz scene for two decades, Dallas was recently nominated for 2024 Best Female Jazz Vocalist by the National Industry of Music Awards. One of Music City’s true gems, she will capture your heart and keep you holding on for the next note. Share in the the epic life and legacy of Billie Holiday as Dallas and her fantastic band pay tribute through story and song to one of the great jazz vocalists of all time.
Jerome Degey Quartet
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $20 at the door
Guitarist Jerome Degey leads his quartet playing a variety of jazz standards, eclectic impressions, melodic emotions and exotic grooves.

Jerome Degey is a platinum and gold producer, orchestrator, arranger, and guitarist based in Nashville. He is originally from Paris, France. With his French and Afro-Caribbean family heritage and Parisian upbringing, Jerome has developed a deep appreciation and talent for seamlessly blending global influences into his work, making him one of his generation's most sought-after musicians and producers. Most recently, Jerome produced, orchestrated, arranged, and mixed Max Abrams' new album, Samba Americana. This expansive project features sophisticated philharmonic orchestrations and intricate rhythms, highlighting his ability to fuse jazz with Latin and world music.

In addition to his production and arranging work, Jerome is a passionate performer. He fronts the world jazz band Caravan Tales, a project that blends jazz with world music. He also leads his own Jazz Quartet, where his virtuosity as a guitarist and composer shines. He performs regularly in Nashville with prominent players such as Marcus Finnie and Teymur Phell or legends like Danny Gottlieb, Duffy Jackson, and Chester Thompson.

Throughout his expansive career, Jerome has collaborated with a remarkable array of renowned artists from across the globe, spanning numerous genres, including Jonathan Edwards, Mick Hucknall (Simply Red), Murray Head, Spyro Gyra's Jay Beckenstein and Tom Shuman, Grace & the Victory Riders, Cunnie Williams, Duffy Jackson, Kenia, Les Étoiles, Rolando Faria, Eloisia, Monica Nogueira, Ishtar Alabina, Elissa Khoury, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Mangala Camara, Ayo, Martin Solveig, DJ Yass, Matt Pokora, Leslie, Matt Houston, Jerome ""Jay"" Sebag, Sofia Mestari, Teri Moise, Iva Fruhligova, Daniel Levy, Michel Delpech, Pascal Obispo, Yannick Noah, Bénabar, Irma and many others.
Daniel Kuk Trio
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Daniel Kuk is a young, up-and-coming pianist who has lived in Nashville for most of his life. Starting at a young age, music has always been a part of his life, and having a musical family led him to his love for playing a few different instruments. But the piano was his primary passion, along with his love for composing and arranging. Daniel played extensively in school and learn from some of the great local pianists, such as Rick Jackson, Pat Coil, Lori Mecham, Jon Cowherd, etc. He has also played with musicians such as Jeff Hamilton, Dave Potter, Don Aliquo, Joel Frahm, Tamir Helndelman, etc.

Daniel's influences come from great pianists such as Bud Powell, Bill Evans and Mccoy Tyner, and he plays a varied set of styles in his music, with many of his his own compositions and arrangements. Daniel plays around Nashville at various venues, featuring different iterations of his trio/quartet.

Daniel Kuk - piano
Jack Aylor - bass
Ryan Brasley - drums
Apr 5
Ted Ludwig Organ Trio
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 at the door
Acclaimed seven-string jazz guitarist Ted Ludwig with Charles Treadway on organ and Chris Brown on drums.

"Ludwig’s jazz is a carefully distilled product, like the finest Gin. He is rhythmically and metrically perfect. He is the definition of swing." - All About Jazz Magazine

"Ludwig has a soulful melodic style with a great harmonic palate and he can flat burn up the fingerboard with mindboggling technique!" - JAZZIZ magazine

"Ted Ludwig is one superb jazz guitarist. His fluid heartfelt melodic style coupled with a strong harmonic sophistication has made him a compelling and impressive jazz musician. As Ludwig’s fingers caress and dance across his 7-string guitar, the New Orleans native delivers a passion and precision that is jazz guitar playing at its most engaging and accessible best" - Offbeat Magazine

Guitarist Ted Ludwig has been a part of the jazz scene in New Orleans since 1997. Throughout that time period, he has performed for numerous club performances, festivals, and recordings. He has released 4 albums as a leader and many more as a versatile sideman and co leader.

Ted earned his Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the University of New Orleans Jazz Studies Program, under the direction of the legendary pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. He received an ASCAP award, the Louis Armstrong award, and the Overture to the Cultural Season award for his outstanding musicianship and creativity. Inspired by the recordings of Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and Wes Montgomery, Ludwig soon became one of the most sought after guitarists in the New Orleans jazz scene, working professionally as a soloist, and accompanist.

He has performed with notable contemporaries such as; Ellis Marsalis, Peter Bernstein, Bob Dorough, Larry Coryell, Nathan East, Nicholas Payton, Howard Alden, Mundell Lowe, Rick Margitza, Julian Labro, Steve Masakowski, John Ellis, Tony Dagradi, Mike Pellera, Jason Marsalis, Ron Eschete’, Johnny Vidacovich, Herlin Riley, and many more.

In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Ludwig created his own eclectic Jazz Trio gaining instant accolades from critics and musicians alike for his astonishing virtuosity and prolific originality.

Since 2007, Ted has maintained a fruitful association with the Infrared Record Label. He has recorded, produced, and released four albums as a leader and has continuously performed on many other recordings as a co-leader and sideman. In 2016, Ludwig had the great opportunity to perform with orchestra an original Jazz Guitar Concerto entitled “Katrina”. The piece was composed by D.J. Sparr and commissioned by The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Ted received rave reviews for his performances of the concerto.
Don Aliquo Quartet w/ Bruce Dudley, Jack Aylor & Ryan Brassley
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $20 at the door
Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing”.

“Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition.

Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire.

Notable collaborations include a duo recording with eclectic pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label.

Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew.

Don is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.

He has played or recorded with many notable artists including Rufus Reid, Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Jim McNeely and Obed Calvaire. Don has been described as a "fluid and articulate player with a flow of always surprising ideas complete with a dexterous technique and an incredibly smooth tenor sound." His most recent cd release (The Innocence of Spring) was recorded live with pianist Michael Jefry Stevens at Hinton Hall on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University where Aliquo is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies.

Rounding out the rhythm section is pianist Bruce Dudley, Jack Aylor on bass and Ryan Brassley on drums.
Jonathan Wires Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
A stellar lineup with Jonathan Wires on bass, Miguel Alvarado on saxophone, Jonathan Rogerson on guitar and Josh Hunt on drums. 

Bassist, composer, and educator Jonathan Wires is originally from New Hampshire, and received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Memphis. In 2011, he pursued a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from Middle Tennessee State University, which brought him to Nashville, TN. In addition to performing and composing, Jonathan has been an active educator at both Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and Nashville State Community College. Under Jeff Coffin's Ear Up label, Jonathan released his first recording entitled "Weaving" which features Jeff Coffin, Matt Endahl, and Joshua Hunt with guest appearances by Lindsey Miller, Don Aliquo, James Westfall, and Jamey Simmons.
Apr 6
Sully's Swingin' Sunday Supper
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Join us for Sully's Swingin' Sunday Supper, where one of Music City's top jazz and instrumental bassists Jimmy Sullivan leads a swingin' band with different special guest artists and Rudy's serves up a unique and delectable supper special just for the show!

Harmonic adaptability and rhythmic flexibility are the key attributes of any first-rate bassist. Though a native-born Virginian, Jimmy Sullivan has ascended to the top ranks of Music City's rhythm section comrades, proving himself a versatile and imaginative bassist on multiple occasions. He's excelled in numerous idiomatic sessions, though jazz remains a priority and key musical love. Still, he's flourished while working, recording and/or performing with such top country, rock and pop stars as Lee Ann Womack, Mark Collie, Ashley Campbell, and Mandy Barnett among others.

Sullivan grew up in Reston, Virginia. Despite not having any musicians in the family, Sullivan still became enamored with music at an early age. Teaching himself to play by ear, his early apprentice came as both a singer and instrumentalist. He performed in a choir while also playing piano and clarinet. But his primary instrument became bass at 15, where he began on electric. Soon came formal jazz studies at Northern Virginia Community college, where he obtained a two-year degree before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

He's now a regular performer at Rudy’s Jazz Room working regularly with Music City jazz stalwarts like Stephanie Adlington, Annie Sellick, PT Gazell and Andrew Carney as well as international artists such as Laila Biali, Nicole Zuraitis, Alexis Cole, Carol Welsman and Matt Panayides. He's become good friends and consistently shared the bandstand with world class musicians such as Joel Frahm, Andy Reiss, Jody Nardone, Pat Bergeson, Marcus Finnie and Jordan Perlson.

Jimmy Sullivan's now acclaimed not only in Nashville but throughout the region and state as a topflight player. He's already won one Nashville Music Industry Award as Best Jazz Instrumentalist in 2018, and others are sure to follow. But most importantly, Jimmy Sullivan's ferocity on the bandstand, and joy and love of playing music are infectious, and anyone who sees and hears him will immediately discover it as well as the inspiring and motivational power of great performance.
Rudy's Jazz Jam
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $12 at the door
Rudy's hosts the official pro jazz jam. Come out and experience some of music city's best as they take the stage with Nashville's next generation of jazz performers! You will hear a variety of young, old, new and undiscovered players showing what they can do on stage. Part of the jazz tradition and what jazz embodies is the unknown and spontaneous exploration of new musical territory with new musicians sitting in live on stage; you never know who or what to expect other than the unexpected!

We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.
Apr 7
The Joshua Constantine Quartet
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Joshua Constantine is a tenor saxophonist from Birmingham Alabama. Joshua is a former member of the prestigious and Grammy-nominated UNT One O’Clock Lab Band®, and student of world-renowned saxophonist Brad Leali. Along with his musical success, Joshua has gained a considerable following on social media and Youtube with his cover of “Just the Two of Us” reaching over 3 Million views! Joshua is currently an active performer and professor in the Nashville music scene.

Striving to honor the history of jazz music, Joshua intends to provide Rudy’s Jazz Room with an enriching and spiritual experience by playing the works of great composers such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington. In his efforts to invest in the future of jazz, Joshua intends to perform his very own original compositions.

Joshua Constantine - Tenor Saxophone
Sam Smith - Bass
Michael Green - Drums
Dan La Maestra - Piano
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
A Nashville favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene and electric night of Salsa dancing! Multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez, one of Nashville's leading percussionists, bassists and favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene, plays the sounds of salsa, bachata and percussion-driven rhythms with some of the most seasoned veterans in the Nashville Latin music scene. Giovanni Rodríguez timbales/vocals, Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Yosvany Cordero (conga/bongo), Michael S. Morton (flute/vocals), Isoel Villarrubia (bass).

For this show general admission tickets are available for standing and sitting in the front section of the room near the stage with the dance floor. Tickets for bar seats and tables are available as well. General admission tickets for the front section are not guaranteed to have seats as we will have a large part of the front section seating cleared for the dance floor. General admission tickets will have standing room as well as limited seating. Only our tables and bar seats will have guaranteed seating for this show.
Apr 9
Viktor Krauss
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Eclectic composer bassist Viktor Krauss was born in Champaign, IL, in 1969. His youth was spent listening to soundtracks and instrumental music, eventually leading him to the piano and trumpet. After witnessing the power and ominous presence of the double bass at a middle school concert, he found his true calling. Krauss has been a presence in Nashville Tennessee since 1992 with nearly 600 album credits as either a bassist, composer/songwriter or producer. Starting with 1996's "Nashville", Krauss began a long tenure with Jazz great Bill Frisell. Other albums with Frisell include "Gone, Just Like a Train", "Good Dog, Happy Man", "East/West" and "Disfarmer." Other artists over his recording and touring career have included Lyle Lovett, James Taylor, Tom Jones, Shawn Colvin, Sheryl Crow, Carly Simon and Jerry Douglas. Since 2022, Viktor has been seen on tour with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss as a multi-instrumentalist (electric guitar, piano).

In 2004, Krauss recorded his solo debut of his original compositions, Far From Enough featuring an all-star band consisting of Frisell, Jerry Douglas, Steve Jordan, and sister Alison (peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard® Contemporary Jazz Chart). Krauss' second album, II , which featured core band guitarist Dean Parks and drummer Matt Chamberlain emerged three years later. Last year, new duo recording of original material with lever harpist extraordinaire Maeve Gilchrist "Vignette". Primarily instrumental music, Viktor cites that this music could be described as "a soundtrack without a movie with nods to 'jazz and classic rock'." In 2006, Viktor was awarded a fellowship for the prestigious Film Composers' Lab at the Sundance Institute and his film composing credits include music for directors Ken Burns and the late Robert Altman. Viktor's original compositions from his solo recordings are used daily as musical "bumpers" for National Public Radio between programs.
Blue Matter Project featuring Robert Baglione
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $12 at the door
The Blue Matter Project is an interpretation of straight ahead contemporary electric and pop jazz standards.

Renowned figure in both the local and international music scenes, guitarist Robert Baglione hails from Chicago, but now resides in Tennessee. He has played/performed with Michael Henderson (bassist with Miles Davis Bitches Brew and R&B/soul/pop vocalist), R&B vocalist CeCe Peniston, bassist Billy Dickens, bassist Victor Wooten, bassist O’Teil Burbridge, 70’s horn band Chase, to name a few.

Joining Robert in the band is Anthony Belfiglio on keys, Brian Cornish on saxophone, Leland Nelson on upright Bass and Isaac Velasquez on drums.