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
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
6:00pm-8:15pm, $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.
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, $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.
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.
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
May 16
Andy Reiss Quartet
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $15 at the door
Grammy awarded guitarist Andy Reiss performs with Don Aliquo on saxophone, Jack Aylor on bass and Miles Damaso on drums.
Guitarist Andy Reiss is a member of the Time Jumpers and a prolific recording session musician in Nashville (Slim Pickens, the Jordanaires, Pete Wade, Charlie McCoy, Pig Robbins, Bob Moore, and Drake, Reba McEntire and Linda Davis). Andy has now been an active member of the Nashville community for more than 35 years. He left his hometown of San Francisco to pursue his passion for music as a career in 1980. He was brought up in a household listening to mainly traditional classical music (he even has an ancestor that was a German composer and guitarist in the 1700s!) He began his formal music education with the piano at age 7, moving to the guitar at 10. Being lucky enough to have grown up in in San Francisco during the 1960s, he would forever be influenced by the thriving music scene of the time. Some of the many concerts that were complete eye-opening experiences were B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and of course, pyschedelic luminaries such as The Grateful Dead and The Jefferson Airplane. This is also when he discovered jazz, and his guitar work became heavily influenced by greats such as Charlie Christian, Joe Pass, and Kenny Burrell.
After arriving in Nashville, he was fortunate enough to have two influential A-Team advocates, the legendary producer and steel guitarist Pete Drake, and the visionary Harold Bradley, the guitarist who, along with his brother Owen, built the first recording studio on Nashville’s Music Row, and served as a long time President of the local Musician’s Union. Andy’s first recording session was for the actor Slim Pickens, a session that was an overwhelming initiation, involving many A-Team pickers such as Drake, Charlie McCoy, Bob Moore, Pete Wade, Pig Robbins and the Jordanaires.
He has since become a studio mainstay, playing on hundreds of records, with artists including Miranda Lambert, John Oates, Amy Grant, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Leon Russell. Returning to his early jazz influences, he also has recorded with many jazz greats, including Pete Christlieb, Beegee Adair, Benny Golson, and as a member of “Bad Rhythm“, an exciting trio with drummer Danny Coots and pianist Brian Holland. He has also toured extensively with both the legendary Slim Whitman and Reba McEntire, and is a member of the Time Jumpers, a Western Swing Super Group on Rounder Records. The Time Jumpers have enjoyed a 20 year Monday night residency at various night clubs in Nashville, and have been nominated for six Grammy awards, winning one in 2017, for Roots Song of the Year. The band has also toured internationally, playing venues as diverse as Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and Carnegie Hall.
Guitarist Andy Reiss is a member of the Time Jumpers and a prolific recording session musician in Nashville (Slim Pickens, the Jordanaires, Pete Wade, Charlie McCoy, Pig Robbins, Bob Moore, and Drake, Reba McEntire and Linda Davis). Andy has now been an active member of the Nashville community for more than 35 years. He left his hometown of San Francisco to pursue his passion for music as a career in 1980. He was brought up in a household listening to mainly traditional classical music (he even has an ancestor that was a German composer and guitarist in the 1700s!) He began his formal music education with the piano at age 7, moving to the guitar at 10. Being lucky enough to have grown up in in San Francisco during the 1960s, he would forever be influenced by the thriving music scene of the time. Some of the many concerts that were complete eye-opening experiences were B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and of course, pyschedelic luminaries such as The Grateful Dead and The Jefferson Airplane. This is also when he discovered jazz, and his guitar work became heavily influenced by greats such as Charlie Christian, Joe Pass, and Kenny Burrell.
After arriving in Nashville, he was fortunate enough to have two influential A-Team advocates, the legendary producer and steel guitarist Pete Drake, and the visionary Harold Bradley, the guitarist who, along with his brother Owen, built the first recording studio on Nashville’s Music Row, and served as a long time President of the local Musician’s Union. Andy’s first recording session was for the actor Slim Pickens, a session that was an overwhelming initiation, involving many A-Team pickers such as Drake, Charlie McCoy, Bob Moore, Pete Wade, Pig Robbins and the Jordanaires.
He has since become a studio mainstay, playing on hundreds of records, with artists including Miranda Lambert, John Oates, Amy Grant, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Leon Russell. Returning to his early jazz influences, he also has recorded with many jazz greats, including Pete Christlieb, Beegee Adair, Benny Golson, and as a member of “Bad Rhythm“, an exciting trio with drummer Danny Coots and pianist Brian Holland. He has also toured extensively with both the legendary Slim Whitman and Reba McEntire, and is a member of the Time Jumpers, a Western Swing Super Group on Rounder Records. The Time Jumpers have enjoyed a 20 year Monday night residency at various night clubs in Nashville, and have been nominated for six Grammy awards, winning one in 2017, for Roots Song of the Year. The band has also toured internationally, playing venues as diverse as Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and Carnegie Hall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 18
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.
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.
We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.
May 19
Re-Evolution
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Re-Evolution is heavily influenced by traditional and classic jazz cutting edge artists such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Thelonious Monk and many more. Featuring Brian Cornish on saxophone, Regi Wooten on bass, Daryl Johnson on drums, Adam Charney on guitar and Marc Payne on 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.
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 21
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.”
Regi Wooten & Friends
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
Known as “The Teacha”, Regi Wooten is one of the most innovative, talented and dynamic musicians around the scene, and has pushed the boundaries of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and even bluegrass to some of the most extreme musical limits. From picking, slapping, strumming, thumping, and tapping to some of the most ear bending advanced chords you’ll hear on any instrument, Regi has earned world-wide notoriety and comparisons to other innovators such as Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Chuck Berry. Perfecting, creating and discovering new techniques and jazz theory while incorporating and layering into strong funk grooves for keen listeners to uncover and pick up on is one of his many notable fortes.
At only nine years old Regi started teaching his younger brother Victor Wooten bass guitar and Joseph Wooten keyboards, and soon the Wooten Brothers Band was formed featuring; Regi on ukelele, Roy on drums, Rudy on Saxophone, Joe on Keys and Victor on bass. Regi was ten years old at the time, Roy was nine, Rudy was eight, Joseph was five and Victor was two. The rest, as they say, is Musical History.
Assembling a cast of Nashville's best, Regi Wooten and Friends dig deep into the roots of funk, jazz, blues, rock, and soul. You never know who might jump on stage! Don't miss a beat!
At only nine years old Regi started teaching his younger brother Victor Wooten bass guitar and Joseph Wooten keyboards, and soon the Wooten Brothers Band was formed featuring; Regi on ukelele, Roy on drums, Rudy on Saxophone, Joe on Keys and Victor on bass. Regi was ten years old at the time, Roy was nine, Rudy was eight, Joseph was five and Victor was two. The rest, as they say, is Musical History.
Assembling a cast of Nashville's best, Regi Wooten and Friends dig deep into the roots of funk, jazz, blues, rock, and soul. You never know who might jump on stage! Don't miss a beat!
May 22
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.
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.
Alex Murphy: Exploring the Piano Trio
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $13 in advance, $15 at the door
Hailing from Chicago, pianist Alex Murphy brings a rich, genre-spanning influence to his trio, blending the soulful depth of hip-hop and R&B with the timeless traditions of jazz. His musical foundation was shaped by the music of modern greats like Mulgrew Miller, Robert Glasper and Brad Mehldau, but his artistry is equally rooted in the masters who defined the piano trio—from Nat King Cole, Thelonius Monk, and Ahmad Jamal to Bud Powell, Bill Evans, and Keith Jarrett.
Since relocating to Nashville in 2022, Alex has developed a sound that is both deeply personal and ever evolving. His playing embodies the rhythmic drive, harmonic richness, and melodic storytelling that make the piano trio a cornerstone of jazz’s history and evolution.
In this first installment of Exploring the Piano Trio, Alex invites listeners on a personal journey through jazz history and Black American Music, tracing the trio’s evolution and uncovering its power to connect, inspire, and open the mind of the listener.
Since relocating to Nashville in 2022, Alex has developed a sound that is both deeply personal and ever evolving. His playing embodies the rhythmic drive, harmonic richness, and melodic storytelling that make the piano trio a cornerstone of jazz’s history and evolution.
In this first installment of Exploring the Piano Trio, Alex invites listeners on a personal journey through jazz history and Black American Music, tracing the trio’s evolution and uncovering its power to connect, inspire, and open the mind of the listener.