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
Jerome Degey Quartet featuring Teymur Phell
5:30pm-7:15pm, $16 at the door
Guitarist Jerome Degey leads a fabulous quartet featuring bass player Teymur Phell with pianist De Marco Johnson and drummer Wes Little, playing a variety of jazz standards, eclectic impressions, melodic emotions, and exotic grooves.
Jerome Degey is a platinum and gold album producer, arranger, and guitarist from Paris-France, now living in Nashville. With his French and Afro-Caribbean family heritage and a long immersion into the Brazilian culture, he naturally blends jazz, soul, world music, and "popular songs" in his musical choices.
Born in Azerbaijan, Israeli bass player Teymur Phell lived a decade in NYC performing with top musicians such as Arturo Sandoval, Mike Stern, Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, Simon Phillips, Oz Noy, Dennis Chambers, Leni White, Steve Smith and many more. His 1st album, "Master Volume," features Chad Lefkowitz Brown, Mike Stern, and Dennis Chambers(...). He recently moved to Nashville.
De Marco Johnson, born in Indiana, comes from a rich musical heritage. His grandmother was a music minister, and both parents sang and played instruments. He started playing drums, keyboards, harmonica and bass guitar in church at an early age. During his teenage years and early adulthood in Indiana, he was an in- demand musician playing with gospel choirs, jazz ensembles, corporate bands, top 40 bands, as well as accompanying soloists. De Marco moved to Nashville, TN to pursue his passion on a larger scale His musical skills have afforded him opportunities to perform and/or record with Kenny Loggins, Michael Mcdonald, Gladys Knight, Adele, Darius Rucker, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Wynonna, Jonny Lang, Cece Winans, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Larry Carlton, Joe Cocker, Cliff Richard, The Temptations, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals) , Marc Broussard, Keb' Mo, Allen Stone and many others. Currently, He is focusing on session work, production and songwriting projects as well as mentoring younger musicians in his home city Nashville, TN.
Wes Little is one of Nashville’s most adaptable and multi-faceted drummers, as well as a top flight arranger, producer and songwriter. Formally trained in performance and composition at the Manhattan School of Music and shaped by years of studio and stage work with major acts from across the spectrum, Little brings complete musicality to every kind of gig. Currently a first call session drummer in Nashville, Little has also performed or recorded with Chuck D, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, John Legend, Melissa Etheridge, Robben Ford, Michael and Randy Brecker, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He works in Nashville, where he lives and records daily in the studio.
Jerome Degey is a platinum and gold album producer, arranger, and guitarist from Paris-France, now living in Nashville. With his French and Afro-Caribbean family heritage and a long immersion into the Brazilian culture, he naturally blends jazz, soul, world music, and "popular songs" in his musical choices.
Born in Azerbaijan, Israeli bass player Teymur Phell lived a decade in NYC performing with top musicians such as Arturo Sandoval, Mike Stern, Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, Simon Phillips, Oz Noy, Dennis Chambers, Leni White, Steve Smith and many more. His 1st album, "Master Volume," features Chad Lefkowitz Brown, Mike Stern, and Dennis Chambers(...). He recently moved to Nashville.
De Marco Johnson, born in Indiana, comes from a rich musical heritage. His grandmother was a music minister, and both parents sang and played instruments. He started playing drums, keyboards, harmonica and bass guitar in church at an early age. During his teenage years and early adulthood in Indiana, he was an in- demand musician playing with gospel choirs, jazz ensembles, corporate bands, top 40 bands, as well as accompanying soloists. De Marco moved to Nashville, TN to pursue his passion on a larger scale His musical skills have afforded him opportunities to perform and/or record with Kenny Loggins, Michael Mcdonald, Gladys Knight, Adele, Darius Rucker, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Wynonna, Jonny Lang, Cece Winans, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Larry Carlton, Joe Cocker, Cliff Richard, The Temptations, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals) , Marc Broussard, Keb' Mo, Allen Stone and many others. Currently, He is focusing on session work, production and songwriting projects as well as mentoring younger musicians in his home city Nashville, TN.
Wes Little is one of Nashville’s most adaptable and multi-faceted drummers, as well as a top flight arranger, producer and songwriter. Formally trained in performance and composition at the Manhattan School of Music and shaped by years of studio and stage work with major acts from across the spectrum, Little brings complete musicality to every kind of gig. Currently a first call session drummer in Nashville, Little has also performed or recorded with Chuck D, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, John Legend, Melissa Etheridge, Robben Ford, Michael and Randy Brecker, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He works in Nashville, where he lives and records daily in the studio.
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
8:00pm-10:15pm, $25 at the door
Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.
Although Scales’ writing produces songs that are ultimately accessible and danceable, the compositions can be remarkably complex and difficult to perform. As a result, the power trio whimsically named Jonathan Scales Fourchestra has always had a fluid lineup top-notch musicians.
As a young man at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, Jonathan was inspired by the compositions of Béla Fleck. Hearing Béla Fleck’s transformative approach to the banjo had a significant, even reassuring impact on Jonathan, who was already independently seeking to rethink how steel pans could be played and employed in compositions. In fact, Driftwood Magazine made a similar observation, when it wrote that “Scales is to steel pans what Béla Fleck is to the banjo—an uber innovator.” Jonathan was writing his own tasteful, outside-the-box, avant-garde compositions, and independently released his first three albums while performing regionally in the Southeastern U.S.. His band was establishing a reputation as something of an outlier, and attracted the attention of Ropeadope Records, who released Jonathan Scales Fourchestra’s eponymous debut—fully orchestrated with horns and strings—in 2013. The record reached #6 on the iTunes Jazz charts.
Jonathan’s persistence was rewarded when Flecktones members Victor Wooten, Howard Levy, Jeff Coffin and Roy “Futureman” Wooten—the inspiration for the album Mixtape Symphony (Ropeadope)— began to make appearances on recordings and at live shows. Béla Fleck himself was also beginning to take notice: in considering Scales’ 2016 cover of his composition “The Imposter”, he remarked “To say I am impressed would be a gross understatement…”. In June 2016 Scales was invited to perform with Béla Fleck & The Flecktones at a large outdoor concert in Richmond, VA. Over the course of these three formative years, Jonathan developed a close bond with Victor Wooten, and has appeared many times as a guest artist at his annual Bass Camp, and in May 2018 he was a featured performer on a Victor Wooten date in North Carolina, sharing the stage with legendary drummer Dennis Chambers in a trio format, as well as performing duets with Wooten.
Bringing the relationship full circle, Béla Fleck’s performance on the song “Focus Poem” serves as something of an affirmation of the young composer’s talent and persistence. PILLAR is a record stacked with world-renowned virtuosos performing at the top of their games, which have inspired and encouraged Jonathan Scales to push forward and ultimately come into his own as an artist. Jonathan himself, deeply honored and humbled by his musical heroes’ appreciation and support of his art, describes the album as a culmination of ten years of dedication and hard work, and “…a soundtrack to loss, focus, perseverance and triumph. Like pillars, we stand strong on unsteady ground, weathering life's storms. Like pillars, we must sometimes be reconstructed and revitalized to withstand the crushing weight of our own worlds.”
Although Scales’ writing produces songs that are ultimately accessible and danceable, the compositions can be remarkably complex and difficult to perform. As a result, the power trio whimsically named Jonathan Scales Fourchestra has always had a fluid lineup top-notch musicians.
As a young man at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, Jonathan was inspired by the compositions of Béla Fleck. Hearing Béla Fleck’s transformative approach to the banjo had a significant, even reassuring impact on Jonathan, who was already independently seeking to rethink how steel pans could be played and employed in compositions. In fact, Driftwood Magazine made a similar observation, when it wrote that “Scales is to steel pans what Béla Fleck is to the banjo—an uber innovator.” Jonathan was writing his own tasteful, outside-the-box, avant-garde compositions, and independently released his first three albums while performing regionally in the Southeastern U.S.. His band was establishing a reputation as something of an outlier, and attracted the attention of Ropeadope Records, who released Jonathan Scales Fourchestra’s eponymous debut—fully orchestrated with horns and strings—in 2013. The record reached #6 on the iTunes Jazz charts.
Jonathan’s persistence was rewarded when Flecktones members Victor Wooten, Howard Levy, Jeff Coffin and Roy “Futureman” Wooten—the inspiration for the album Mixtape Symphony (Ropeadope)— began to make appearances on recordings and at live shows. Béla Fleck himself was also beginning to take notice: in considering Scales’ 2016 cover of his composition “The Imposter”, he remarked “To say I am impressed would be a gross understatement…”. In June 2016 Scales was invited to perform with Béla Fleck & The Flecktones at a large outdoor concert in Richmond, VA. Over the course of these three formative years, Jonathan developed a close bond with Victor Wooten, and has appeared many times as a guest artist at his annual Bass Camp, and in May 2018 he was a featured performer on a Victor Wooten date in North Carolina, sharing the stage with legendary drummer Dennis Chambers in a trio format, as well as performing duets with Wooten.
Bringing the relationship full circle, Béla Fleck’s performance on the song “Focus Poem” serves as something of an affirmation of the young composer’s talent and persistence. PILLAR is a record stacked with world-renowned virtuosos performing at the top of their games, which have inspired and encouraged Jonathan Scales to push forward and ultimately come into his own as an artist. Jonathan himself, deeply honored and humbled by his musical heroes’ appreciation and support of his art, describes the album as a culmination of ten years of dedication and hard work, and “…a soundtrack to loss, focus, perseverance and triumph. Like pillars, we stand strong on unsteady ground, weathering life's storms. Like pillars, we must sometimes be reconstructed and revitalized to withstand the crushing weight of our own worlds.”
Don Aliquo Trio
11:00pm-1:00am, $10 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.
“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.
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
May 12
Wendy Burns Mothers Day Jazz Celebration
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $18 at the door
Join Wendy Burns, Nashville's 2022 Inducted member Academy of Local Musicians Hall of Fame & 2023 Mississippi Music Foundations Best Female Jazz vocalists of the year, for a Mothers Day Jazz Celebration!
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
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
Rudy's Jazz Jam
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $10 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.
We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.
May 13
Nicole Zuraitis Trio
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $15 at the door
Nicole Zuraitis is a GRAMMY winning and 2X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger, New York-based bandleader and winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police), Nicole has positioned herself as one of the top artists and "prolific songwriters" (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond.
As a recording artist, Nicole has released five albums as leader, and her sixth album, How Love Begins, co-produced with eight-time GRAMMY-winner Christian McBride, won BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM at the 2024 GRAMMY® awards and features all original music.
Besides leading her quartet, Nicole is the premier vocalist for the Birdland Big Band and frequently headlines iconic NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Carlyle, 54 Below and the late, great 55 Bar. She has appeared as a featured soloist with the Savannah Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony and Macon Pops and has supported iconic singers like Melanie, Morgan James, Darren Criss and Livingston Taylor on piano and vocals.
Nicole's arrangement of Dolly Parton's Jolene, co-written with renowned drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, was nominated for a 2019 GRAMMY®, spring boarding her career and making her a household name in the modern-day jazz landscape. In 2020, she was named in the top 40 under 40 for 2020 in Connecticut Magazine, and her weekly live stream during the Covid-19 crisis, "Virtual Piano Lounge," was featured in Forbes Magazine.
Nicole has collaborated with an extensive list of luminaries, including Christian McBride, David Cook, Gilad Hekselman, Veronica Swift, Benny Benack, Stephen Feifke, Cyrille Aimee, Antonio Sanchez, Dave Stryker, Omar Hakim, Rachel Z, Helen Sung, and Bernard Purdie. She is a proud educator and currently vocal faculty at NYU, SUNY Purchase and the Litchfield Jazz Camp.
An ardent activist with a decade-long track record of giving back, her album release coincided with a self-produced music festival and day of activism for Save the Sound.Org.
As a recording artist, Nicole has released five albums as leader, and her sixth album, How Love Begins, co-produced with eight-time GRAMMY-winner Christian McBride, won BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM at the 2024 GRAMMY® awards and features all original music.
Besides leading her quartet, Nicole is the premier vocalist for the Birdland Big Band and frequently headlines iconic NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Carlyle, 54 Below and the late, great 55 Bar. She has appeared as a featured soloist with the Savannah Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony and Macon Pops and has supported iconic singers like Melanie, Morgan James, Darren Criss and Livingston Taylor on piano and vocals.
Nicole's arrangement of Dolly Parton's Jolene, co-written with renowned drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, was nominated for a 2019 GRAMMY®, spring boarding her career and making her a household name in the modern-day jazz landscape. In 2020, she was named in the top 40 under 40 for 2020 in Connecticut Magazine, and her weekly live stream during the Covid-19 crisis, "Virtual Piano Lounge," was featured in Forbes Magazine.
Nicole has collaborated with an extensive list of luminaries, including Christian McBride, David Cook, Gilad Hekselman, Veronica Swift, Benny Benack, Stephen Feifke, Cyrille Aimee, Antonio Sanchez, Dave Stryker, Omar Hakim, Rachel Z, Helen Sung, and Bernard Purdie. She is a proud educator and currently vocal faculty at NYU, SUNY Purchase and the Litchfield Jazz Camp.
An ardent activist with a decade-long track record of giving back, her album release coincided with a self-produced music festival and day of activism for Save the Sound.Org.
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. Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Jesus Agreda (Timbales), Lorenzo Molina Ruiz (Trumpet), Manuel 'Manotas' Ramierez (multi-Percussion), and Giovanni Rodriguez (bass/vocals).
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.
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 15
Bizz Bigsby
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $15 at the door
Join Bizz Bigsby for an evening of engaging stories and great songs sharing his life’s journey. Happy, sad, good times, bad times. His songs tell his story.
A native of North Nashville, Bizz came to music naturally. He is the eldest son of Nashville R&B icon Jimmy Church, who invited a young Bizz to tour with him and his band. While running lights for his dads’ show, the lead singer got sick, and his dad asked Bizz to fill in for two nights. Those two shows turned into 5 years, opening for such artists as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Little Richard.
Bizz is an accomplished artist and songwriter, whose music is influenced by everyone from Bill Withers to George Jones to James Taylor. As a performer, he has played on the biggest stages in Nashville and throughout the US and Canada. His songs follow his path through love, addiction, fatherhood, cancer, and recovery and “The emotions are real. The stories are true. The songs are from my heart.”
A native of North Nashville, Bizz came to music naturally. He is the eldest son of Nashville R&B icon Jimmy Church, who invited a young Bizz to tour with him and his band. While running lights for his dads’ show, the lead singer got sick, and his dad asked Bizz to fill in for two nights. Those two shows turned into 5 years, opening for such artists as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Little Richard.
Bizz is an accomplished artist and songwriter, whose music is influenced by everyone from Bill Withers to George Jones to James Taylor. As a performer, he has played on the biggest stages in Nashville and throughout the US and Canada. His songs follow his path through love, addiction, fatherhood, cancer, and recovery and “The emotions are real. The stories are true. The songs are from my heart.”
Marc Payne's "Soul Food" Quartet - A Link From Tradition to Today
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
Pianist Marc Payne leads his group performing a fusion of jazz with hip-hop and funk, with saxophonist Zachery Douglas, bassist Darius Salazar and drummer Hugo Matile, with guest appearances by vocalist Tiffany Fowler.
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, Reggie Workman and Rob Butts. Marc has shared the stage with many great artists such as Bobby Watson, Regi Wooten, Curtis Lundy, Roy Wooten, Duffy Jackson, Dick Griffen, Jimmy Owens 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, Rudy’s Jazz Room, and travelled through Europe aboard the Sky Princess with the Terri Davis Quartet.
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.
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, Reggie Workman and Rob Butts. Marc has shared the stage with many great artists such as Bobby Watson, Regi Wooten, Curtis Lundy, Roy Wooten, Duffy Jackson, Dick Griffen, Jimmy Owens 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, Rudy’s Jazz Room, and travelled through Europe aboard the Sky Princess with the Terri Davis Quartet.
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.
May 16
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 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.
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.
Casey Brefka Quintet
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
Join the Casey Brefka Quintet, made up of some of Nashville's finest young composers and arrangers, at Rudy's Jazz Room May 16th 2024, in a concert to showcase original jazz compositions, with the backdrop of the International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers symposium at Vanderbilt University during the weekend. Original music will be joined by several guest composers visiting for the conference.
Casey Brefka, a jazz trumpet player from Hudson, OH, now based in Nashville, TN, is a versatile musician, composer, arranger, and educator. He performs regularly with the Chris Weaver Band and The Willies, has performed in YouTube videos with Postmodern Jukebox and other cover artists, and is the founder and musical director of the Music City Big Band. Inspired by legends like Maynard Ferguson and Thad Jones, Casey pursued jazz education at Berklee College of Music, earning accolades and later a Master's from New England Conservatory.
Casey Brefka, a jazz trumpet player from Hudson, OH, now based in Nashville, TN, is a versatile musician, composer, arranger, and educator. He performs regularly with the Chris Weaver Band and The Willies, has performed in YouTube videos with Postmodern Jukebox and other cover artists, and is the founder and musical director of the Music City Big Band. Inspired by legends like Maynard Ferguson and Thad Jones, Casey pursued jazz education at Berklee College of Music, earning accolades and later a Master's from New England Conservatory.
May 17
The Danny Jonokuchi Quintet
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 at the door
Danny Jonokuchi is a jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer based in New York City and Los Angeles. He has been recognized for his performance on two GRAMMY Award-Winning projects, and you can hear his compositions and “world-class arrangements” (Broadway World) in renowned jazz clubs, listen to albums he has arranged and produced for small groups and big bands. He will be performing his original music and new arrangements with his quintet.
His recently released big band album, Voices (Outside in Music), features 11 jazz vocalists from New York City. He is also a recipient of several awards including the 2024 ISJAC Wayne Shorter Jazz Arranging Prize, the 2020 ASCAP Foundation Louis Armstrong Award, and he was unanimously named the winner of the 2020 Count Basie Great American Swing Contest. DownBeat Magazine remarked, “The music is expertly executed and offers an infectious, kinetic quality.”
His recently released big band album, Voices (Outside in Music), features 11 jazz vocalists from New York City. He is also a recipient of several awards including the 2024 ISJAC Wayne Shorter Jazz Arranging Prize, the 2020 ASCAP Foundation Louis Armstrong Award, and he was unanimously named the winner of the 2020 Count Basie Great American Swing Contest. DownBeat Magazine remarked, “The music is expertly executed and offers an infectious, kinetic quality.”
Jake Hart & John Hart Ensemble
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $23 in advance, $24 at the door
Pianist/Composer Jake Hart is an emerging artist recently signed with Sunnyside Records. Jake has performed in a multitude of international competitions and holds a Bachelor of Music from University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a Master of Music from Salem College.
Jake was a finalist in the 2017 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. Jake’s trio was also in the finals of the 2017 Žilina International Jazz Contest. In February 2018, one of Jake's recordings was placed in the final round of the 7 Virtual Jazz Club: Global Online Competition for Jazz Musicians. Also, Jake was selected as a finalist in the 2018 American Jazz Piano Competition. In the Summer of 2018, Jake's trio was one of the top finalists in the Conad Jazz Contest and played at the Umbria Jazz Festival. Jake was also selected as a finalist in the Riga Jazz Stage’s International Jazz Artist Contest in April 2019. In September 2019, one of Jake's recordings received honorable mention in the Unsigned Only Music Competition. Jake also received honorable mention in the 2023 ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards Competition for one of his compositions.
A fixture on the New York music scene for 30 years, guitarist John Hart has distinguished himself as a band leader with ten CDs - including releases on such prestigious labels as Blue Note and Concord. John has also appeared on 100-plus CDs as a sideman.
In addition, John Hart’s resume includes associations with numerous jazz greats from earlier generations and cutting edge contemporary artists. He may be best known for a sixteen year tenure with organist Jack McDuff, a gig which proved to be a proving ground for many of the great jazz guitar innovators. He has also worked with Jimmy Smith performed with him at the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival in 1990. Other associations include Lou Donaldson, James Moody, Jon Hendricks and more recently Dr. Lonnie Smith. His versatility is apparent when you look at some of his other associations. He has played in bands led by Brian Blade, Chris Potter, Larry Goldings, Bob Belden, Rick Margitza, Javon Jackson and has played with the Maria Schneider Orchestra for the last 20 years.
JazzTimes said of John Hart, "An alum of the Brother Jack McDuff University of Jazz Guitar, John Hart can burn his way through blues changes on a level that’s right up there with fellow graduates George Benson and Pat Martino.” Bill Milkowski said in Jazziz magazine, "John Hart is a modern day keeper of the flame" and Scott Yanow from Jazztimes said “Hart is a true original”
Jake Hart - piano
John Hart - guitar
Bill Moring - bass
Larry Aberman - drums
Jake was a finalist in the 2017 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. Jake’s trio was also in the finals of the 2017 Žilina International Jazz Contest. In February 2018, one of Jake's recordings was placed in the final round of the 7 Virtual Jazz Club: Global Online Competition for Jazz Musicians. Also, Jake was selected as a finalist in the 2018 American Jazz Piano Competition. In the Summer of 2018, Jake's trio was one of the top finalists in the Conad Jazz Contest and played at the Umbria Jazz Festival. Jake was also selected as a finalist in the Riga Jazz Stage’s International Jazz Artist Contest in April 2019. In September 2019, one of Jake's recordings received honorable mention in the Unsigned Only Music Competition. Jake also received honorable mention in the 2023 ASCAP Foundation Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards Competition for one of his compositions.
A fixture on the New York music scene for 30 years, guitarist John Hart has distinguished himself as a band leader with ten CDs - including releases on such prestigious labels as Blue Note and Concord. John has also appeared on 100-plus CDs as a sideman.
In addition, John Hart’s resume includes associations with numerous jazz greats from earlier generations and cutting edge contemporary artists. He may be best known for a sixteen year tenure with organist Jack McDuff, a gig which proved to be a proving ground for many of the great jazz guitar innovators. He has also worked with Jimmy Smith performed with him at the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival in 1990. Other associations include Lou Donaldson, James Moody, Jon Hendricks and more recently Dr. Lonnie Smith. His versatility is apparent when you look at some of his other associations. He has played in bands led by Brian Blade, Chris Potter, Larry Goldings, Bob Belden, Rick Margitza, Javon Jackson and has played with the Maria Schneider Orchestra for the last 20 years.
JazzTimes said of John Hart, "An alum of the Brother Jack McDuff University of Jazz Guitar, John Hart can burn his way through blues changes on a level that’s right up there with fellow graduates George Benson and Pat Martino.” Bill Milkowski said in Jazziz magazine, "John Hart is a modern day keeper of the flame" and Scott Yanow from Jazztimes said “Hart is a true original”
Jake Hart - piano
John Hart - guitar
Bill Moring - bass
Larry Aberman - drums
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $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 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.
May 18
Le Boeuf Brothers
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $18 in advance, $20 at the door
Grammy-nominated composer and saxophonist Remy Le Boeuf, Grammy nominated composer and pianist Pascal Le Boeuf, Ethan Jodziewicz on bass and Jordan Perlson on drums, with special guest artists sitting in from the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers (ISJAC).
While apart, saxophonist Remy Le Boeuf and pianist Pascal Le Boeuf have made their respective marks as leading-edge artists in different arenas. But together, channeling a distinctive twin-sibling synergy, they forge one of the most exciting partnerships in the modern jazz world. That split-and-woven dynamic, always evolving, has helped to extend and refresh their work at every turn as co-leaders, offering each album they have done together a foothold and clean slate: 2009’s House Without a Door delivered intriguing introductions, 2011’s In Praise of Shadows presented a modernistic melding of styles and syntax, 2013’s Remixed fully embraced electronic production and alterations, and 2016’s Imaginist found a novel approach to hybridized chamber jazz in a meeting with the JACK Quartet. Taking the next creative step forward, the Le Boeuf Brothers deliver their quietly compelling latest album "HUSH".
Remy Le Boeuf is a 4x Grammy-nominated composer and saxophonist whose music is rooted in the jazz tradition and overlaps into contemporary classical and indie-rock realms. Le Boeuf is also the founder and director of the jazz orchestra, Assembly of Shadows, as well as the Chief Conductor of the Nordkraft Big Band in Denmark. He has worked with a range of collaborators including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Linda Oh, HAIM, JACK Quartet, Dayna Stephens, Prefuse 73, and his identical twin brother Pascal, with whom he co-leads the experimental jazz quintet, Le Boeuf Brothers. Le Boeuf's list of honors include commissions from Chamber Music America, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, as well as 7 ASCAP Young Composer Awards, the BMI Foundation's Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, the Sammy Nestico Award, and the Copland House Residency Award. He has received additional awards from the American Composers Forum, Jerome Foundation, Copland Fund, YoungArts, Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation, New York Youth Symphony, International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers, and Society of Composers. Le Boeuf is the Director of Jazz and Commercial Music Studies and an Assistant Professor at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music.
Described as "sleek, new" and "hyper-fluent" by the New York Times, Pascal Le Boeuf 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.
While apart, saxophonist Remy Le Boeuf and pianist Pascal Le Boeuf have made their respective marks as leading-edge artists in different arenas. But together, channeling a distinctive twin-sibling synergy, they forge one of the most exciting partnerships in the modern jazz world. That split-and-woven dynamic, always evolving, has helped to extend and refresh their work at every turn as co-leaders, offering each album they have done together a foothold and clean slate: 2009’s House Without a Door delivered intriguing introductions, 2011’s In Praise of Shadows presented a modernistic melding of styles and syntax, 2013’s Remixed fully embraced electronic production and alterations, and 2016’s Imaginist found a novel approach to hybridized chamber jazz in a meeting with the JACK Quartet. Taking the next creative step forward, the Le Boeuf Brothers deliver their quietly compelling latest album "HUSH".
Remy Le Boeuf is a 4x Grammy-nominated composer and saxophonist whose music is rooted in the jazz tradition and overlaps into contemporary classical and indie-rock realms. Le Boeuf is also the founder and director of the jazz orchestra, Assembly of Shadows, as well as the Chief Conductor of the Nordkraft Big Band in Denmark. He has worked with a range of collaborators including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Linda Oh, HAIM, JACK Quartet, Dayna Stephens, Prefuse 73, and his identical twin brother Pascal, with whom he co-leads the experimental jazz quintet, Le Boeuf Brothers. Le Boeuf's list of honors include commissions from Chamber Music America, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, as well as 7 ASCAP Young Composer Awards, the BMI Foundation's Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, the Sammy Nestico Award, and the Copland House Residency Award. He has received additional awards from the American Composers Forum, Jerome Foundation, Copland Fund, YoungArts, Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation, New York Youth Symphony, International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers, and Society of Composers. Le Boeuf is the Director of Jazz and Commercial Music Studies and an Assistant Professor at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music.
Described as "sleek, new" and "hyper-fluent" by the New York Times, Pascal Le Boeuf 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.
Don Aliquo Quartet
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $22 in advance, $23 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.
Don Aliquo - saxophone
Pat Coil - piano
Jack Aylor - bass
Chester Thompson - drums
“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.
Don Aliquo - saxophone
Pat Coil - piano
Jack Aylor - bass
Chester Thompson - drums
Zach Rich Quintet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $12 at the door
Zach Rich is a multi-award winning composer, trombonist, and educator based in Denver, Colorado. Zach has written music for many professional ensembles and organizations including the New York Youth Symphony; the Ravinia Steans Music Institute; Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas Music Educators Associations; Pathways to Jazz; the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra; and many universities and high schools throughout the country. Recently, he has worked professionally with Billy Childs, Rufus Reid, Steve Wilson, Shane Endsley, John Clayton, Randy Brecker, Tia Fuller, Rene Marie, Ari Hoenig, Wayne Bergeron and the Count Basie Jazz Orchestra, just to name a few. His works have received awards from organizations such as ISJAC, the Jazz Education Network, ASCAP, ASMAC, Downbeat Magazine, Pathways to Jazz, the Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Zach continues to write for and perform with a variety of ensembles throughout the Front Range and Midwest areas. His debut album, “Solidarity” is available at a store near you and on all streaming platforms.