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
Jody Nardone Trio
5:30pm-7:15pm, $16 in advance, $17 at the door
"Thanks to a dynamic style that can shift from the whispered beauty of Bill Evans to the percussive flights of McCoy Tyner, Nardone has emerged as one of Nashville's preeminent jazz pianists. His reputation is also blowing up nationwide, where he is receiving raves in Downbeat and Jazziz for his role in the Crimson Jazz Trio, a Nashville-to-L.A. combo led by former King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace and former Vital Information bassist Tim Landers."

-Michael McCall, Nashville Scene
Bruce Dudley Quintet w/ Sandra Dudley, Don Aliquo, Rob Linton & Ryan Brasley
8:00pm-10:15pm, $22 at the door
Pianist Bruce Dudley with vocalist Sandra Dudley, saxophonist Don Aliquo, bassist Rob Linton and drummer Ryan Brasley.

Bruce Dudley is a Steinway Concert Artist and has been performing jazz piano for over 40 years on concert stages, in clubs, and private residences throughout North and South America. He specializes in the Great American Songbook, as well as in the rich history of American jazz styles, from Ragtime and Stride to Modernism, Post Modernism, and performance of original music. In addition to his work as a solo artist, he leads a trio, quartet, and larger ensembles, with horns and/or strings, while also enlisting the award winning voice of his wife, Sandra Dudley. An active educator, Dudley has presented clinics across Canada, the United States, and in Colombia, South America. His recordings as a leader include DPSW Quartet - Live at the Cave (2019), The Solo Sessions (2012), Mostly Monk (2010), and Semblance (1997). Dudley has also performed with artists Aretha Franklin, Crystal Gayle, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Herb Ellis, Randy Brecker, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Ink Spots, and has played keyboards for over 35 touring Broadway shows, including Beautiful, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, among others. Bruce Dudley has published articles for Downbeat magazine and presented scholarly research at conferences in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. His book 25 Piano Etudes in Idiomatic Styles was published in 2021 by Keuka Waters Music. Dudley is Associate Professor of Music at Belmont University. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Technology from New York University.

"As the leader, Dudley set the evening’s tone with a supple, rich blend of assertive melodic statements, delightful accompaniment, first-rate phrasing, counterpoint and harmonizing." Ron Wynn - ArtsNash

"Dudley, whose fluent lines jet around the keyboard, absorbing motifs into the stream, without a split second of hesitation, at any point of rhythm in the bar, are stunning to listen to…" HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD

"Dudley plays the piano with such grace and authority that he has quietly become the pianists that other pianists go to hear." HOUSTON POST

Jazz vocalist Sandra Dudley is a versatile, award-winning singer that has entertained audiences in clubs and concerts for more than three decades. Sandra has sung with numerous small groups, big bands, orchestras, and studio orchestras, including the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, the Eastman Studio Orchestra, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, and more, performing with artists such as husband, Bruce Dudley, Fred Hersch, Lori Mechem, Duffy Jackson, Bobby Militello, Marvin Stamm, Dave Catney, Barney Kessel, Jeff Hamilton, and many others.

Besides being a seasoned jazz artist, Sandra is an educator as well, having served on the faculty of Belmont University teaching commercial voice and jazz for over 25 years. She has presented lecture/performances on great jazz vocalists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Carmen McRae, singing the songs they popularized. She has appeared on many nationally recognized albums, including her own album Close To You, a duo album with pianist Lori Mechem called All of My Life, a tribute album of Alan and Marilyn Bergman, and with the dynamic vocal quartet Third Coast Vocals on their album 3CV. She can also be heard singing on The Jazz Orchestra of the Delta’s Big Band Reflections of Cole Porter.

Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as possessing 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. 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 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.

Rob Linton is a versatile bassist from Charlotte, North Carolina. Linton has had the privilege of performing and touring with Eric Reed, Greg Tardy, Dave Potter and Retro Groove, and Variego3. He has also performed with other standout musicians including Don Aliquo, Miguel Alvarado, Taber Gable, Kenneth Brown, Jack Roben, Jonathan Barber, Stacey Dillard, Will Boyd, Mark Boling, Troy Conn, Ocie Davis, and many others. Rob teaches jazz bass and jazz combos at Blair School of Music. Linton has also taught at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Gardner-Webb University, and The University of Tennessee. He was also the bass instructor for the Knoxville Jazz Workshop. Rob Linton holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a M.M. from the University of Tennessee.

Originating from Chicago, Illinois, drummer, percussionist, educator and composer Ryan Brasley has a career spanning over the last 15 years. Ryan began his musical journey in the Indie/ Alternative rock world as a founding member of The Giving Moon. During this time he had the opportunity to perform across the country working with artists such as Eddie Money, Edgar Winters, and producer Gary Hoey who oversaw the creation of the bands first album. As he grew older, Ryan discovered a passion for jazz and improvised music which lead him to pursue and complete a degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. During his education, Ryan had the privilege of studying under world renowned factually such as Rich Thompson, Gary Versace, Bill Dobbins, Harold Danko, and others. Over the course of his degree, Ryan not only had the chance to perform with world class artists but also had frequent opportunities to teach in the greater Rochester, NY community. Since moving to Nashville, TN in the last 3 years, Ryan has maintained and active schedule teaching from his private studio and freelancing, performing regularly with local artists such as Don Aliquo, Joel Frahm, Pat Coil, Jonathan Wires, as well as being a regular performer at Skulls Rainbow Room.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am, $10 at the door
The Geoff Pfeifer Quartet, gritty, edgy, the real deal NYC style jazz. Saxophonist Geoff Pfeifer brings some of Nashville's top jazz cats out, and you'll be sure to feel the energy. Playing a mix of original material and Wayne Shorter tunes.

Geoff Pfeifer, a Nashville based musician and composer, has been living and performing in Nashville since 2005. Geoff studied saxophone with Ted Nash and Ralph Lalama and composition with Mike Holober and Jim McNeely. He is a saxophonist and arranger with the R&B band Chubby and The Dots and plays the 2nd Tenor Saxophone chair in The Establishment Big Band. Geoff has shared the stage with David Liebman, Jim McNeeley, David Amram, Chico O’Farrill, Arturo O’Farrill, Frank Kimbrough, Ben Allison, Michael Blake among many other musicians.


UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
May 11
Ladies of Jazz
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $18 at the door
Join one of Nashville’s favorite shows Wendy Burns Music’s Ladies of Jazz Show. Wendy Burns Music's LADIES OF JAZZ SHOW... "It's a Nashville Show to See". Featuring an exciting lineup of talent, Rudy’s Jazz Room's "Ladies of Jazz" showcase presents Nashville's favorite female vocalists collaborating together, displaying a variety of original and distinct vocal talent, backed by some of Nashville’s best and well known musicians.

Wendy Burns
Nashville's 2022 Inducted member Academy of Local Musicians Hall of Fame and 2023 & 2024 Mississippi Music Foundations Best Female Jazz vocalists of the year.

Flute playing jazz vocalist Wendy Burns of Nashville TN has studied and performed songs from the 1940's Jazz Big Band era since the age of 9 years old. She has been described as having a unique voice that fits the era. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and has sessioned and performed with many of the Nashville classic country greats. With a deep passion for jazz standards, and as a hopeless romantic, Wendy believes there's beauty in staying true to the melodies as they were written. Her set list includes songs from the "Great American Songbook", jazz standards, and a number of her fabulous original pieces that reminisce of cherished jazz classics you've never heard. Wendy's influences are Judy Garland, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, The Andrew Sisters, and Helen Forrest, to name a few. You will also hear some of her original tunes in vaudeville fashion featuring "Grover" her ukulele.

"She expertly delivers jazz vocals in traditional speakeasy style and displays her exceptional talent on flute as well. She does an excellent job, a true entertainer, she holds her audience and has them laughing with her patter between songs." - Gary Cobb, Nashville Tn

"When singing the classics, I’ve always tried to sing the melodies as close to the original version as possible. I feel you can get closest to the composer's feelings by doing that and by staying within it that realm. To think that someone in a time long ago did their best to put their feelings and words of love on a sheet of paper so that generations ahead would hear it just as it was written is a golden key to a door of a time before. Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic and madly in love with the idea of living back in that time." - Wendy Burns

Jen Hoeft
Drummer Jen Hoeft loves songs, the tension and release of a simple melody and loves the sparkle of lights on the drum set. Hoeft has been in Nashville since 1992, working first with the Wooten Brothers and eventually playing on a couple of Victor Wooten’s solo records.. Go Girl Go on Yin-Yang, and The Sojourn of Arjuna on What Did He Say? Two incredible original projects stole her heart for the next five years; David Spear and the Darts, and an all-original jump swing band, Bada Bing Bada Boom. For the next two years, Jen toured with the BNA artists, The Warren Brothers, opening up for Faith Hill. The 2000 tour peaked with being the second female drummer to ever play on Austin City Limits, in its 25-year history! Jen did a European tour with the famous blues artist, Earl Gaines, and then a Canadian tour with Sony artist Tara Hart. And ten years playing with the "Best Big Band in the Land" Pat Patrick Band Swings and a few cool shows with John Wayne. Jen is now staying in town (mostly) to play and record with her own project, The Jenerators.

Teri Reid
Pianist and vocalist Teri Reid is one of Nashville Tennessee's best known and most critically acclaimed Solo Performers and Bandleaders. Teri is best known for her vast and eclectic range of material and her always impeccably professional performances. Named "Nashville's Best Piano Bar Player" three years in a row. Teri currently plays weekly at Ray Stevens CabaRay, and has played many private shows for a number of celebrities including Vince Gill's "The Vinny" Patron Party, Heart Gala Patron Party at the home of Amy Grant and Vince Gill, reception for Former Vice-President Al Gore at the home of Jon and Keith Meacham 2013, private birthday party for Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman at their home and an event for former president Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore. Teri has been a touring back-up singer with country legend Ronnie Milsap, and has played the Grand Ole Opry with Ronnie Milsap, Music City Showcase WSMV Nashville, American Magazine Show Nashville Network and numerous local venues including, Valentino's, Wine on the River, Taste of Music City, F. Scotts, the Frist Center for Vidual Arts, The Wild Horse Saloon, Nero's Grill, Wild Ginger, Mere Bulles, Hermitage Hotel, Sheraton Music City, the Wild Boar, Richland Country Club, Belle Meade Country Club, Hillwood Country Club, The Fifth Quarter as well as numerous other venues.
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.
May 12
Baily Johnstone Trio
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Bassist Baily Johnstone plays with Marlon Patton on drums and Alex Murphy on piano. The trio will perform compositions of Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Tadd Dameron as well as songs from the Great American Songbook. Baily is an up and coming bassist, composer, freelancer and bandleader in the Nashville area. Born in Denver, Colorado but hailing from Tullahoma, Tennessee, he possesses an understanding and love of many kinds of music such as bebop, swing, R&B, funk, bluegrass, old-time fiddle music, and contest style fiddle. He has shared the stage with Pat Coil, Joel Frahm, Don Aliquo, Alex Murphy, Marcus Finnie and Cedric Dent.
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.
May 14
PT Gazell & The Side Effects
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Hot, swingin, smooth, original, clean, lyrical, faster than a speeding bullet, diatonically chromatic, one of a kind, masterful, the swinginest, Oh yeah, like what? Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, Louie Jordan, Ben Webster, Sweets Edison, ...that's what!

With 6 Solo CDs under his belt, including his double Grammy nominated 2011 and 2016 releases, “2 Days Out” and “A Madness To The Method,” PT Gazell continues to expand the musical boundaries for the harmonica. Using his own signature model instrument, the Gazell Method diatonic, he proves that the harmonica is capable of much more than what most of us believe.

PT likes to think of his performances and CDs as an ongoing musical conversation between himself and his fans. Judging by the music he delivers, he’s quite a compelling and articulate speaker. No other player combines his phrasing, his melodic style, his song choices and his improvisational abilities… His singular style may draw comparisons to others, but in the end, it’s a style all his own.

Join PT Gazell & The Side Effects for two sets of Gazell method inspired Jazz Standards, American Songbook Selections and Swing Classics. PT will be ably assisted by Jimmy Sullivan on Bass, Andy Reiss on Guitar and Chris Brown on Drums.

Dig It!
MILEStones: Tribute to Miles Davis
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $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.
May 15
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.
Don Aliquo Presents: Bebop lives!
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $14 at the door
Saxophonist Don Aliquo explores the various elements, depths and history of bebop jazz. In the early 1940's when the younger generation of jazz musicians expanded the creative possibilities of jazz and bebop music first hit the jazz scene it wasn't everyone's cup of tea. It was rooted in swing but with fast paced tempos and experimental elements, adventurous improvisation, complex harmonies and chord progressions and a focus on individual virtuosity, and it was not very danceable. Rather than playing heavily arranged music as was common at the time, bebop was a shift from an entertainment focused music to a more cerebral and intellectual art form, with a heavy focus on sections where musicians would improvise over complex chord progressions. Some of the most influential and well known bebop musicians include Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Christian, Max Roach and Art Blakey.

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.
May 16
Charles Wigg Walker
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 at the door
Join Rudy's for our soul and jazz series with Charles "Wigg" Walker, Nashville's original soul singer. Born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 12, 1940, Charles "Wigg" Walker is one of the few remaining original soul singers from back in the day when old school R&B/soul was brand new on the music scene. Wigg's experience and maturity in the field of soul music gives him authenticity and perspective that is unmatched.

In 1960, Charles moved to New York City and in 1962 Charles began recording with Chess Records out of Chicago, Charles soon signed on as lead singer with the J.C. Davis Band and began touring the country opening for the greats of the era including James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, Little Willie John, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke. The J.C. Davis Band recorded some real barnstormers for Chess like “Sweet Sweet Love” and “The Chicken Scratch.” In 1964, Charles formed his own group, Little Charles and the Sidewinders. They became one of the most in demand soul bands in New York City’s nightclub scene, performing at the Apollo Theater, Small’s Paradise and venturing out to Las Vegas and Atlantic City. They subsequently recorded for Chess and Decca labels. The Sidewinders stayed together through the 60’s, and in 1969 Charles cut some sides for Botanic Records. The Sidewinders reformed in 1973 and worked as a show band in hotels, nightclubs, and casinos without the benefit of a recording contract. In 1979, Charles signed on with Motown as a staff writer.

With a resurgence of old school soul and R&B, Wigg is finding his groove with a younger audience while rekindling memories for the old school crowd.
Pascal's Triangle feat. Eddie Barbash & David Williford
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $20 at the door
Described as "sleek, new" and "hyper-fluent" by the New York Times, Pascal Le Boeuf (he/him) is a Grammy-nominated composer, jazz pianist, and electronic artist whose works range from modern improvised music to hybridizing chamber music with production-based technology. Recent projects include commercial recordings and videos with JACK Quartet, Nu Deco Ensemble, Akropolis Reed Quintet, Christian Euman, Hub New Music, Barbora Kolářová, Todd Reynolds, Sara Caswell, Jessica Meyer, Nick Photinos, Four/Ten Media, Bec Plexus featuring Ian Chang (of Son Lux), Dayna Stephens, and Justin Brown. As a keyboardist, Pascal performed as support for D’Angelo’s Black Messiah US tour and Clean Bandit’s Rather Be tour with Australian pop artist Meg Mac. He actively performs and records with Le Boeuf Brothers, Friction Quartet, Allan Harris, and his piano trio "Pascal's Triangle" featuring bassist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Justin Brown. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice in Music and Technology at the Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music, and a Harold W. Dodds Honorific Fellow and Ph.D. candidate in music composition at Princeton University.
The Jacob Jezioro Quartet feat. Matt Endahl
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Bassist Jacob Jezioro leads his quartet featuring pianist Matt Endahl

Jacob Jezioro began studying music with intention at age fourteen. His father an established Nashville bassist, guitarist and producer was his first teacher. Jacob later attended Indiana University, where his mentors were bassists Jeremy Allen and Kurt Muroki. After completing his masters degree at Berklee, Jacob performed with pianist Danilo Perez in Panama and Costa Rica and taught jazz students at the Newport Jazz Festival, Panama Jazz Festival and FiJazz Festival. Since his return to Nashville in 2019, Jacob has performed live with his own bands and records and performs regularly with pianist Pat Coil. Coil’s trio has recorded with guest artists such as vocalist Jaimee Paul and saxophonist Joel Frahm. Jacob has also begun producing his own projects under his label, Green Box Music, and releasing them in collaboration with Burton Avenue Music, Jacob’s father’s label.

Since moving to Nashville in 2013 Matt Endahl became one of the most in-demand pianists in Middle Tennessee. In September of 2022 Matt moved to Ontario to pursue a PhD at the University of Guelph. Matt has performed in groups led by Jeff Coffin, Chester Thompson, Dara Tucker, Rahsaan Barber, Duffy Jackson, Christina Watson, Marcus Finnie, and many others. He’s shared the stage with legendary figures like Jimmy Heath, Henry Grimes, David Liebman, Jane Ira Bloom, Arthur Blythe, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Marcus Belgrave, Roger Humphries, Dave Douglas, Nicolas Bearde, and Karrin Allyson.
May 17
Walters, Sutton & Hunt; Music of Ellington, Mingus, Gershwin & More
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 at the door
Chris Walters, Brook Sutton and Josh Hunt and play the music of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Oscar Peterson, George Gershwin, Chris Walters and more...

New Orleans born pianist/singer/composer Chris Walters relocated to Nashville to tour as Music Director & pianist for Barbara Mandrell. Upon her retirement in 1997 he became pianist for the band Alabama, touring and recording with them from 1997-2004. He toured as Music Director/pianist for Sony Music Masterworks Recording Artist & Hall of Fame Songwriter JD Souther, opening each show with a set of his own original music. He also tours as keyboardist with The Alison Brown Quartet, The Peter Mayer Group, Mandy Barnett, and The Jeff Coffin Mu’tet. He’s performed with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and recorded the soundtrack for a documentary film scored by Bela Fleck. At the age of 18, he was a finalist in the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra’s Gershwin competition. Chris attended the Jazz Studies Program at Webster University in St. Louis and was listed by them as a notable alumnus in Downbeat magazine. His debut album, “Strange Fruit”, was featured on National Public Radio’s “Jazz South” program. Chris followed that with "Cool Blue Swing" (2003) and “Yay! Everybody, Yay!” (2012), recordings that include his original compositions as well as works by Alberto Ginastera and Cole Porter, and feature orchestral arrangements around his small band performances. His fourth record, “Boneyard Thieves”, has just been released. He is also an award-winning animator. Two of his animated shorts won first place at the 2005 Key West IndieFest Film Festival.

An accomplished stage and studio performer, Brook Sutton's New Orleans roots accompany him as he travels the world playing with a variety of acts. Brook's versatility and passion for memorable collaborations is immediately obvious to anyone he joins on stage or in the studio. With a Master's degree in music education and an undergrad in recording production, he is also a Grammy nominated engineer and producer, who works with an extremely varied cross-section of Nashville's talented independent acts out of an his nashville-based recording studio, The Studio Nashville.

Nashville based Drummer and percussionist Joshua Hunt began playing drums at an early age and went on to earn a Bachelors degree from Western Kentucky University and a Masters degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While living in Illinois, Josh was an in-demand orchestral percussionist with the Peoria Symphony, Sinfonia da Camera, and the Danville Symphony, and simultaneously maintained a busy freelance career within the jazz community. Upon moving to Nashville, he was introduced to the Nashville music scene through gigs with the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, and shortly after, landed with Alison Krauss and Union Station for their North American/UK tour in support of the multi-Grammy winning album, Paper Airplane. He has since gone on to play with the Jerry Douglas Band, Clint Black, The Time Jumpers, Charlie Worsham, Emily West, and Mandy Barnett, to name just a few. As part of a trio with renowned guitarist, Jack Pearson, of the Allman Brothers, he has shared the stage with the Tedeschi Trucks Band and been a part of the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam. Josh continues to be a sought-after drummer both in the studio and on the stage.
The Pat Coil Quartet w/ Steve Kovalcheck, Rob Linton & Ryan Brasley
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 at the door
Pianist Pat Coil has toured Japan, South America, Europe and the U.S. with such artists as Michael McDonald, Carmen McCrae, Olivia Newton John, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Woody Herman and many others. Pat has recorded with many artists including Natalie Cole, Trisha Yearwood, Ernie Watts, Carmen McCrae, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Peter Cetera, Woody Herman, Scott Henderson, and Michael McDonald.

During his L.A. years, Pat played on many movie and TV scores, including Star Trek - Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Murphy Brown, Dionne Warwick & Friends, Growing Pains, Major Dad, Spencer For Hire, The Grammy Awards and many more. He played for various artists on the Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, & Conan O’Brien. Living now in Nashville TN, Pat continues his successful career composing, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. He has composed, produced and performed on hundreds of underscores heard on a variety of media all over the world. Pat taught jazz piano, combos, and improvisation at Middle Tennessee State University, and was an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University Of North Texas.

Pat has recorded six solo jazz albums of his own, the third one being a collaboration with Lyle Mays. “True North” and his new album “Birdhouse” are available at patcoil.com, cdbaby.com and I-Tunes. Pat currently tours with Michael McDonald and Lynda Carter. He also makes numerous appearances with his own group. Pat has a new release of his original music, “Music For Humans….and Other Species”. For more information, please visit patcoil.com.

Guitarist/composer Steve Kovalcheck hails from Nashville, Tennessee. He has performed with many notable musicians including Joey DeFrancesco, Christian McBride, Louis Hayes, Carmen Bradford, Byron Stripling, Joel Frahm, Ron Miles, McClenty Hunter, Brad Goode, Terrell Stafford, Howard Levy, Todd Parks, Sam Bush, Donald Harrison, Eddie Daniels, Jim White, Pat Bianchi as well as many others. Kovalcheck has performed internationally in China, Romania, France, and Sweden. He holds a B.M. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and an M.M from the University of Northern Colorado. In 2009, Kovalcheck joined the Jazz Studies faculty at the University of Northern Colorado. He is an active educator, giving master classes and clinics at universities and colleges throughout the United States.

Rob Linton is a versatile bassist from Charlotte, North Carolina. Linton has had the privilege of performing and touring with Eric Reed, Greg Tardy, Dave Potter and Retro Groove, and Variego3. He has also performed with other standout musicians including Don Aliquo, Miguel Alvarado, Taber Gable, Kenneth Brown, Jack Roben, Jonathan Barber, Stacey Dillard, Will Boyd, Mark Boling, Troy Conn, Ocie Davis, and many others. Rob teaches jazz bass and jazz combos at Blair School of Music. Linton has also taught at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Gardner-Webb University, and The University of Tennessee. He was also the bass instructor for the Knoxville Jazz Workshop. Rob Linton holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a M.M. from the University of Tennessee.

Originating from Chicago, Illinois, drummer, percussionist, educator and composer Ryan Brasley has a career spanning over the last 15 years. Ryan began his musical journey in the Indie/ Alternative rock world as a founding member of The Giving Moon. During this time he had the opportunity to perform across the country working with artists such as Eddie Money, Edgar Winters, and producer Gary Hoey who oversaw the creation of the bands first album. As he grew older, Ryan discovered a passion for jazz and improvised music which lead him to pursue and complete a degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. During his education, Ryan had the privilege of studying under world renowned factually such as Rich Thompson, Gary Versace, Bill Dobbins, Harold Danko, and others. Over the course of his degree, Ryan not only had the chance to perform with world class artists but also had frequent opportunities to teach in the greater Rochester, NY community. Since moving to Nashville, TN in the last 3 years, Ryan has maintained and active schedule teaching from his private studio and freelancing, performing regularly with local artists such as Don Aliquo, Joel Frahm, Pat Coil, Jonathan Wires, as well as being a regular performer at Skulls Rainbow Room.
The Marc Payne Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
One of the most talented young up and coming jazz pianists in Nashville, Marc Payne dazzles with beautiful chords, lines, rhythms, and harmonies. Young at heart and old in soul, Marc has soaked up some of the most influential pianists' styles and harmonics and is able to deliver; from Art Tatum to Oscar Peterson, Sony Clark, Thelonious Monk to Hank Jones, James P. Johnson and more.

Born in Virginia and having moved to north Nashville at a very young age, Marc soaked up the sounds of jazz from his father playing jazz records as he grew up. Marc began playing music when he was 11 years old on a light up keyboard and then studied gospel which led him to playing for the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church when he was 13. In his junior year at Pearl-Cohn high school Marc really started to develop an intense interest and more serious pursuit of jazz piano. From there he ended up going to Nashville School for the Arts where he graduated in 2017 to begin his professional career in music.

Some of Marc’s mentors include Jody Nardone, Imer Santiago, Lady Chapman, Chazen Brown, Nioshi Jackson, and Rob Butts. Marc has shared the stage with many great artists such as Bobby Watson, Regi Wooten, Curtis Lundy, Roy Wooten, Duffy Jackson and more, and has played on two of Shannon Callihan’s releases. Marc has played numerous venues in and around Nashville including the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Jazz on the Cumberland, Historic 15th ave Baptist church, and Rudy’s Jazz Room.

One of the most energetic and diverse young pianists living in Nashville, Marc always keeps the music flowing and lively with varying dynamics and interludes mixed and woven into compositions that keep pieces fresh and lively.