JAZZ BEAT — MARCH
Hello, all, and welcome back to this regular column here at Music City Review. Here, we will update you with the most can’t-miss jazz events happening in Music City, so you can be sure to catch all your favorites, as well as discover new ones along the way. Get out there and support your local musicians and keep Music City thriving! We are always looking to promote great music that may not get the attention it deserves. Have an event you think should be included in the next issue? Email me at: [email protected]
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This Month’s Highlights
Hello, all, and welcome back to this regular column here at Music City Review. Here, we will update you with the most can’t-miss jazz events happening in Music City, so you can be sure to catch all your favorites, as well as discover new ones along the way. Get out there and support your local musicians and keep Music City thriving! We are always looking to promote great music that may not get the attention it deserves. Have an event you think should be included in the next issue? Email me at: [email protected]
Here are the performances this month that I have picked out as really special, ones you won’t be able to catch any day of the week. They span across Nashville’s many great jazz venues and offer something of interest for everyone.
Blair Master Series: Edgar Meyer and Chris Potter – Sunday, March 1 – 7:30 PM (Ingram Hall, Vanderbilt University) ($30)
To start off our list of legends, two of the best musicians in recent history come together at Vanderbilt for one of Blair’s Master Series concerts. Edgar Meyer is a seven-time Grammy-winning double bassist and composer who is known for his ability to cross many genres, from classical to bluegrass to jazz. His career boasts a long list of collaborations, including with Yo-Yo Ma, Christian McBride, Béla Fleck, and many more. Chris Potter, on the other hand, is a world-class saxophonist, known for his incredible improvisational abilities, as well as his compositions. DownBeat called him “one of the most studied (and copied) saxophonists on the planet.” The combination of these two amazing musicians makes for a can’t-miss night for any jazz fan.
Bryan Eng – Friday, March 6 – 7:30 PM ($35) (NJW)
The multi-talented pianist, singer, composer, and actor Bryan Eng stops by the Jazz Cave. Though young, Eng has already enjoyed an accomplished career, with performances at the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, and appearances on Broadway as well as the TV series Law & Order and Chicago Fire. He has headlined the Met Gala Party and Tony Awards Party, and boasts opening performances for Chaka Khan and Sheryl Crow. Given his wide range of talents, it only seems fair the Chicago Sun-Times declared that “Eng’s star wattage is undeniable.”
Edu Ribeiro Quartet – Friday, March 6 – 8:00 PM ($26) (Rudy’s)
Multi-Grammy-winning Brazilian drummer Edu Ribeiro comes to Nashville’s favorite jazz club, accompanied by a quartet featuring Seamus Blake on sax, Vinicius Gomes on guitar, and Noah Garabedian on bass. The band will perform original music from their debut album, Caipora. Outside of this group, Ribeiro is also a core member of the group Trio Corrente, and has also performed with artists such as Luciana Souza and Randy Brecker, among others.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – Wednesday, March 11 – 8:00 PM (Basement East)
Funk/fusion band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong returns to Nashville, this time at Basement East. One of my favorite acts in this genre, top-notch musicianship combines with catchy, melodic songwriting for a super versatile sound. Their live shows feature extensive improvisation, so you always get something different with every performance.
Pat Metheny – Sunday, March 22 – 7:30 PM (Ryman Auditorium)
Jazz guitar icon Pat Metheny comes to Music City, visiting Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. If you are even a modest jazz fan, I’m sure you’re already familiar with his work, but for those who may not know, Pat Metheny is I think unquestionably one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. He is widely regarded as having “reinvented” the jazz guitar for a new generation, expanding the potential of the instrument sonically and improvisationally. He has won twenty Grammy awards across a wide range of categories, and has performed or collaborated with artists as diverse as Steve Reich, Ornette Colman, David Bowie, and Milton Nascimento, just to name a few.
Sofia Goodman Trio Presents A Tribute to Women Composers in Jazz – Monday, March 23 – 6:00 PM ($15) (Rudy’s)
Award-winning drummer, composer, and bandleader Sofia Goodman and her trio will perform a special concert celebrating the women composers in jazz music. Joined by Matt Twaddle on piano and Jacob Jezioro on bass, the trio will present music by composers like Alice Coltrane, Cindy Blackman, Emily Remmler, and more. The Goodman Trio has toured the US and Canada, and have been widely recognized as a powerfully talented group.
Dogs In a Pile – Saturday, March 28 – 8:00 PM (Basement East)
Blending jazz, funk, rock, and psychedelia, Dogs in a Pile is a band from Asbury Park, New Jersey, continuing the rich musical legacy of that town while forging ahead with their own original sound.
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass – Tuesday, March 31 – 7:30 PM (Ryman Auditorium)
We round out the month with the one and only Herb Alpert, and his band the Tijuana Brass. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of his iconic album, Whipped Cream and Other Delights, and the band will be performing many of those great songs as well as many of their other classic hits. Through his incredible musicianship, Alpert has earned five #1 hits, nine Grammy’s, and tens of millions of records sold worldwide. This is not one to miss.
Analog at Hutton Hotel
The Analog is a cozy and intimate venue at the heart of Nashville’s Hutton Hotel. Here you will find music of all types, from jazz and blues to folk to pop.
Analog Soul – Every Sunday – 7:00 PM (Free GA / $20 reserved seating)
The Analog continues its Analog Soul series, featuring some of the city’s most promising emerging talent who are redefining soul music. These shows will as usual feature Will Davenport, and this month will also feature DJ artist TIKAAFTERDARK.
City Winery Nashville
Nashville’s City Winery is a beautiful venue that consistently features top-talent acts that span genres from Jazz to Americana to Hip Hop. The below performances showcase a mix of several genres, but will certainly be of interest to any jazz audience. Enjoy these concerts accompanied by a stellar selection of wine and delicious bites.
Main Stage
Kirk Whalum – Thursday, March 12 – 7:30 PM ($54)
Acclaimed saxophonist and composer Kirk Whalum brings his band to the Winery. With a career spanning more than forty years, Whalum has found success both as a highly sought-after sideman and session player, and as a recording artist in his own right. He has worked with a wide array of huge industry names, perhaps most notably Whitney Houston, as it is his sax heard on “I Will Always Love You.” He has released over twenty-five solo recordings to date, including his hit album For You, and continues to work continuously on new projects.
The Nashville Jazz Workshop
Moving on to Music City’s premier jazz venue, the Jazz Cave at the NJW is a venue with world-class acoustics, which consistently ranks in Downbeat Magazine’s list of Great Jazz Venues in the world. The Cave is packed with great performances this month, so get your tickets now!
Jazz Cave
Bryan Eng – detailed above
Jazz AM: Nina Simone – Saturday, March 7 – 10:00 AM (FREE)
Named Best Youth Music Series 2025 by the Nashville Scene, the NJW’s Jazz AM series continues, this time featuring the music of legendary jazz singer Nina Simone.
Jazz Rhapsody: A Southern Songbird’s Tribute to the Legacy of Jazz – Sunday, March 8 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Originally part of the NJW’s Black History Month series last month, this show has been rescheduled to this month, featuring award-winning vocalist Connye Florance and acclaimed pianist Kevin Madill as they delve into jazz history, featuring music from Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and more, plus original music from both.
Lori Mechem Quartet Plays the Great American Songbook – Friday, March 13 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Nashville’s beloved pianist Lori Mechem and her quartet present an evening of classic jazz tunes from the Great American Songbook. Mechem is a certified Nashville legend, helping found the NJW and paving the way for the city’s jazz scene to flourish into what is has become today. Her quartet features Roger Spencer on bass, Andy Reiss on guitar, and Chris Brown on drums.
Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra Album Release Show – Friday, March 20 – 7:30 PM ($35)
This big band makes its triumphant return to the Jazz Cave to celebrate its critically-acclaimed second release, Multiversal: Live at Bop Stop. Composed by the band’s namesake and director, the album’s compositions are inspired by the worlds of comic books and superheroes. Featuring unique, story-driven works that draw inspiration from specific characters and archetypes, what you get is a high-energy program that is part jazz, part film score. The album has received rave reviews from many press outlets, being described as “a bold, super-powered live album” (UK Vibe) with “colorful instrumentation, brilliant solos, and admirable interplay between the orchestra’s sections (Jazz’n’More).
NJW Rising Stars Ensemble – Sunday, March 22 – 7:30 PM ($15)
Hear the next generation of Music City jazz at this debut full-length concert performance of the Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Rising Stars Ensemble, a tuition-free group formed thanks to the generosity of community members and directed by Executive and Artistic Director David Rodgers. The group debuted with a set at this year’s first-ever Nashville Jazz Festival, but now offer a full-length concert. The group features Hamer Haun on sax, Asa Master on piano, Joey Bonvissuto on bass, and Jackson Crawford on drums.
Belmont Faculty Jazz Group – Saturday, March 28 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Some of Nashville’s top jazz educators present their own jazz group, featuring Alan Robinson and Paulo Oliveira on guitar, Carter Murphy and Roy Vogt on bass, Bruce Dudley and Anthony Belfiglio on piano, Todd London on drums, and Sandra Dudley on vocals.
Bruce Forman & Pat Bergeson – Sunday, March 29 – 7:30 PM ($35)
Two master musicians come together for a very special evening of music. Bruce Forman is a guitarist whose career has spanned many decades, collaborating with legends like Ray Brown, releasing over twenty recordings as a leader, and touring relentlessly. His resume also boasts soundtrack performances on three Clint Eastwood films, including the Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby. Pat Bergeson is a guitarist and harmonica player who was first invited to Nashville after Chet Atkins heard him on a demo. His career has bridged many genres, from jazz to blues to rock to Americana. His touring and recording credits include legendary figures like Peter Frampton, Lyle Lovett. Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Bill Frisell, and many more.
Community Events
Jazz on the Move: Ty Bailie Presents Dr. Lonnie Smith – Sunday, March 15 – 3:00 PM (Frist Art Museum)
The NJW’s Jazz on the Move series continues, this time celebrating the Hammond B3 legend Dr. Lonnie Smith, led by acclaimed keyboardist Ty Bailie. Smith was known for his distinctive sound and his ability to fuse many styles together for a unique style all his own. Bailie is an in-demand keyboardist, known for playing with Katy Perry since 2015, as well as working with many other artists including, Peter Frampton, Ellie Goulding, Snarky Puppy, and many others.
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Rudy’s Jazz Room
Now we move on to Nashville’s premier jazz club, with its cozy, intimate setting. I’ll start with some of the unique highlights for this month, then follow up with the great regular acts performing. Please note that some shows are one dollar cheaper if you purchase advance tickets. I have listed the door price for all shows.
Rudy’s Highlights
Below are the performances for this month that I’ve picked out as the real can’t-miss shows, some featuring touring artists from out of state, others featuring local artists giving specialized, unique performances.
Eddie Barbash, Jeff Picker & Mark Raudabaugh – Monday, March 2 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Three of Nashville’s best join together again for an evening of genre-spanning music. Jeff Picker is an in-demand bassist who has worked with some of the biggest names in Country and Bluegrass, including stints with Ricky Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder, and he is currently a touring member of Nickel Creek. Saxophonist Eddie Barbash was a founding member of the house band for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and currently tours the world with Cory Wong, one of the biggest names in contemporary jazz and fusion music. And drummer Mark Raudabaugh keeps himself busy touring and recording with big industry names like Jeff Coffin, Sierra Hull, Grant Green Jr., and many more. The combination of this wide array of influences and experiences promises an incredibly unique performance.
Rougarou 6-Piece New Orleans Brass Band – Thursdays, March 5 & 19 – 9:00 PM ($14)
Continuing its running “SINdustry night” series on the first Thursday of the month, this New Orleans-style brass band returns to Rudy’s to showcase the club’s Cajun roots. Led by New Orleans native Chris Walters on piano, this band offers as authentic a brass band experience you can find without traveling to the French Quarter. Service industry workers with some form of proof of their employment will receive half off the door price and half price draft beer. You’ll also be able to catch this band a second time two weeks later.
Pat Bergeson ft. Barry Greene – Friday, March 6 – 5:30 PM ($15)
Guitarist and harmonica player Pat Bergeson leads a stellar group featuring fellow guitarist Barry Greene, accompanied by Charles Treadway on organ and Chris Brown on drums.
Edu Ribeiro Quartet – detailed above
Sofia Goodman Trio – Friday, March 6 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Internationally recognized drummer and composer Sofia Goodman leads her trio to conclude their “Presence Tour.” Goodman’s arrangements and compositions have been described as “mesmerizing and compositionally rich” (DownBeat) and she has been called a “splendid composer and drummer” (All About Jazz). As a group, the Goodman Trio has toured the US and Canada, and appeared at many notable venues and festivals. Her trio features Matt Twaddle on piano and Jacob Jezioro on bass.
Dara Starr Tucker – Saturday, March 7 – 8:00 PM ($26)
Acclaimed vocalist and songwriter Dara Starr Tucker returns to Rudy’s. She recently celebrated the release of her of latest album, Time Wouldn’t Wait, which features Tucker’s original music as well as some reimaginings of classics. Tucker’s vocal talent has received wide praise, having been described as “commanding and clear” (NPR), and has received widespread attention across the industry. Joining her will be Greg Bryant on bass, David M Rodgers on piano, and Marcus Finnie on drums.
Legend Meets Brilliance ft. Don Aliquo & Marc Payne (2 shows) – Saturdays, March 7 & 21 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Two of Nashville’s best unite to offer their “no holds barred” approach to music, promising to bring an evening of raw energy and spontaneous music, fusing the classic traditions of jazz with contemporary styles. Don Aliquo is a celebrated saxophonist who has been active as performer, composer, educator, and recording artist for more than two decades, while Marc Payne is a young artist who has already made quite the reputation for himself as one of the most promising up-and-coming pianists in the area.
2nd Annual “Women of Music Unite” – Sunday, March 8 – 6:00 PM ($18)
Rudy’s celebrates International Women’s Day with a night of great female musicians playing the music of great female composers. Performers include Stephanie Adlington, Sarah Jane Nelson, Dallas Starke, Crustal Miller, Kelli Cox, Katie Blomarz, Wendy Burns, and Courtney Boyd. You can expect to hear the music of figures like Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and more.
Jerome Degey & Friends – Monday, March 9 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Guitarist Jerome Degey returns to Rudy’s. Originally from Paris, France, Degey has a family history that is both French and Afro-Caribbean, and his wide geographical influences come out in his unique style of playing. He has collaborated with a wide array of artists, including Jonathan Edwards, Duffy Jackson, Daniel Levy, and many more.
Disney Songs Reimagined w/ Miles Damaso Quartet – Thursday, March 12 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Percussionist, educator, and composer-arranger Miles Damaso leads his quartet in a special performance featuring unique arrangements of some of the best-loved Disney songs. The band features Don Aliquo on sax, Pat Coil on piano, and Leland Nelson on bass.
Will Goble Group Album Release Show (2 shows) – Friday, March 13 – 5:30 PM ($16) & Saturday, March 14 – 8:00 PM ($22)
Bassist Will Goble leads his trio to celebrate the release of his third full-length album as leader, The Charm of Every Season. His trio features Nashville regulars and phenomenal musicians Greg Tardy on sax and Dave Potter on drums, both of whom have extensive experience as bandleaders in their own right.
Aaron Lessard Group – Saturday, March 14 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Nashville jazz/fusion guitarist Aaron Lessard will perform a mix of original compositions and covers with his ensemble. In Lessard’s music can be heard influences from Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield, and more.
Jon Cowherd Quartet – Wednesday, March 18 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Originally from Kentucky, pianist Jon Cowherd cut his teeth in New Orleans and New York City, bringing a unique blend of influences to his music. Perhaps best known for a long-time collaboration with drummer Brian Blade which resulted in the Grammy-winning group Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band, Cowherd has also collaborated with a number of other musicians across genres. This quartet will feature Ryan Scott, Paul Bryan, and Marlon Patton.
Isaiah Cross Trio – Friday, March 20 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Young pianist Isaiah Cross leads a trio featuring Ian Nussdorfer on bass and Will Stenberg on drums. Cross relocated to Nashville in 2024, and currently studies jazz piano with Pat Coil at Vanderbilt University.
Ladies of Jazz – Sunday, March 22 – 6:00 PM ($18)
Vocalist Wendy Burns’ popular series returns this month, this time featuring Melody Alvarado, a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who has performed throughout North America, Latin America, and Europe, and appeared alongside artists like Kirk Franklin, John Pizzarelli, the Chicago Sinfonietta, and more; and Nalani, a bassist and vocalist known for her stylistic versatility. Nalani has performed with and been mentored by some of the biggest names in the industry today, including Victor Wooten, Bobby Vega, and Marcus Miller, among others.
Sofia Goodman Trio Presents A Tribute to Women Composers in Jazz – detailed above
Miguel Alvarado “State of the Saxophone: Branford Marsalis” – Thursday, March 26 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Saxophonist Miguel Alvarado presents another installment in his “State of the Saxophone” series, this time paying homage to Branford Marsalis, one of the most influential saxophonists of the post-bop era and beyond. The performance will encompass the range of Marsalis’ work, from fiery post-bop compositions to expressive ballads. You can rest assured that this tribute is in good hands, as Alvarado has been praised as “an incendiary soloist of the highest order” (Huffington Post).
Desmond Ng Album Release Show – Friday, March 27 – 5:30 PM ($15)
One of Nashville’s most in-demand and active trombonists celebrates the release of his debut full-length album, Komorebi. During his time in Nashville, Ng has built quite a reputation as one of the best trombonists in the city, having performed or recorded with artists like Dan and Shay, Greta Van Fleet, Frankie Valli, and many more. This performance will bring together the people who made the project possible to mark this milestone releases live, featuring Miguel Alvarado on tenor sax, Jon Cowherd on piano, Jonathan Wires on bass, and Mark Raudabaugh on drums.
Concurrence – Saturday, March 28 – 8:00 PM ($25)
Duo Concurrence brings their experimental improvisation back to Rudy’s. Concurrence consists of pianist/keyboardist Paul Horton (Brittany Howard, Alabama Shakes) and bassist/broadcaster Greg Bryant, who come together to create a highly improvisational music duo but also a research collective. The band’s newest project, Indivisible, focuses on an overlooked era of American history, the creation of the Interstate system, which with all its successes also irrevocably altered Black and Brown communities across the country.
Rudy’s Regulars
Jimmy Sullivan’s Swingin’ Scene – Sunday, March 1 – 6:00 PM ($12)
One of Nashville’s most exciting jazz bassists, Jimmy Sullivan, takes the early Saturday set for a selection of hard-swinging jazz. If you’re a frequenter of Rudy’s, you’ll probably recognize Sullivan from his bi-monthly residency here on Sundays. Over his illustrious career he has performed with top jazz talents like Laila Biali, Nicole Zuraitis, Joel Frahm, and many more.
Jonathan Wires Quartet (2 shows) – Wednesday, March 4 & Monday, March 16 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Nashville bassist Jonathan Wires returns as bandleader in a quartet setting.
Regi Wooten & Friends – Wednesdays, March 4, 11 & 25 – 9:00 PM ($15)
Coming from a distinctly talented musical family, Regi Wooten is one of the most innovative and dynamic musicians on the scene today, pushing the boundaries of the traditional genres. Equally at home playing Hendrix as Wes Montgomery, Wooten assembles a group of some of Nashville’s best musicians to offer a night steeped in funk, jazz, soul, blues and rock.
Jody Nardone Trio – Saturday, March 7 – 5:30 PM ($17)
Prominent Nashville pianist Jody Nardone brings his trio to Rudy’s for a classic jazz set. With a growing national reputation, Nardone seamlessly shifts from the “whispered beauty of Bill Evans to the percussive flights of McCoy Tyner.” (Michael McCall, Nashville Scene)
PT Gazell & the Side Effects – Wednesday, March 11 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Harmonica player PT Gazell returns to Rudy’s with his band the Side Effects, always redefining the way we see the instrument.
Stephanie Adlington – Friday, March 13 – 8:00 PM ($23)
Award-winning vocalist, songwriter and vocal coach Stephanie Adlington is known as the “Siren of the South,” with an “unrivaled” take on the Great American Songbook.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet (2 shows) – Friday, March 13 & Saturday, March 28 – 11:00 PM ($10)
Playing a mix of Wayne Shorter tunes and originals, Geoff Pfeifer brings gritty, edgy, genuine NYC-style jazz to Rudy’s stage with his Quartet.
Bruce Dudley
Bruce Dudley is an accomplished and acclaimed jazz pianist who is a Steinway Concert Artist and has been performing jazz for over forty years with many recording credits to his name, both as sideman and bandleader. This month he will lead groups twice, in trio and quintet format. His trio will feature Jim Ferguson on bass and Marc Widenhofer on drums, while his quintet will feature guest vocalist Liz Johnson along with Roger Spencer on bass and Larry Aberman on drums.
Bruce Dudley Trio – Saturday, March 14 – 5:30 PM ($16)
Bruce Dudley Quintet – Friday, March 27 – 8:00 PM ($22)
Dana Robbins Quintet – Sunday, March 15 – 6:00 PM ($15)
GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Dana Robbins pays tribute to the Soul Jazz sound of the late 60’s and early 70’s, celebrating artists such as Les McCann, Eddie Harris, Jimmy Smith, and more. Robbins has either recorded or performed with many artists, including Keb’ Mo’, Aretha Franklin, Taj Mahal, Keith Urban, and more. Her band features David Santos (bass), Wes Little (drums), Phil Hughley (guitar), and Darius Mines (piano/B3 organ).
Cliff Richmond & the CliffNotes – Wednesday, March 18 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Guitarist and vocalist Cliff Richmond’s band always features some of Nashville’s top talent, and presents a great blend of soulful, swinging, and funky jazz.
Rebecca Carlson – Friday, March 20 – 5:30 PM ($14)
Jazz and blues vocalist Rebecca Carlson has made a name for herself across the country, taking stints based in New York City, Tucson, Los Angeles, and now Nashville. An extensive touring and recording career has made her quite an in-demand performer.
Pat Coil
All-star Nashville pianist Pat Coil returns twice this month, in trio and quintet format. As you all probably know by now, Coil is a highly in-demand pianist in Nashville and just about everywhere else, having toured extensively both nationally and internationally. His quintet will feature special guest, LA-based violinist Doug Cameron, as well as Brian Allen on bass, Jordan Perlson on drums, and Hunter Strasser on guitar. His trio will feature Jim Ferguson on bass and Mark Widenhofer on drums.
Pat Coil Quintet w/ Doug Cameron – Friday, March 20 – 8:00 PM ($22)
Pat Coil Trio – Saturday, March 28 – 5:30 PM ($15)
MILEStones: Tribute to Miles Davis – Saturday, March 21 – 5:30 PM ($20)
The Miles Davis tribute ensemble returns to the Rudy’s stage. Under the direction of drummer Brian Czach, this quintet focuses on music from the “great quintets” that Miles led in the 50’s and 60’s.
Don Aliquo Quartet (2 shows) – Saturday, March 21 & Friday, March 27 – 11:00 PM ($10)
One of Nashville’s most active and accomplished saxophonists, Aliquo will be leading quartets twice this month.
Bizz Bigsby – Wednesday, March 25 – 6:00 PM ($17)
Nashville native Bizz Bigsby shares his very personal music which tells the story of his life, influenced by everyone from Bill Withers to George Jones to James Taylor.
Joshua Constantine Quartet – Monday, March 30 – 6:00 PM ($12)
Saxophonist Constantine is a former member of Grammy-nominated UNT One O’Clock Lab Band, and student of world-renowned saxophonist Brad Leali. Currently an active performer and educator in Nashville, Constantine tends to pay homage to the classic giants of jazz, honoring composers and performers like John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Wayne Shorter, and more. His quartet will feature Sam Smith on bass, Michael Green on drums, and Dan La Maestra on piano.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos – Every Monday – 9:00 PM ($15)
A favorite on the Nashville Latin and jazz scene, multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez presents an electric night of salsa, along with his band consisting of Rodriguez (timbales/vocals), Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Yosvany Cordero (congo/bongo), Michael S. Morton (flute/vocals), and Isoel Villarrubia (bass).
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz – Every Thursday – 6:00 PM ($12)
Every Thursday night, Rudy’s honors its New Orleans and French roots by celebrating the vibrant music of Gypsy Jazz. These nights feature a variety of small groups either led or curated by New Orleans native Brook Sutton, all performing music in the style of the great Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. The bar will feature French Quarter-inspired cocktails as well as gumbo and beignets. Come out for as authentic a night as you can get without a trip to the French Quarter.
Rudy’s Jazz Jam – Every Sunday – 9:00 PM ($10)
I couldn’t make a list of Rudy’s events without including a shout-out for the regular weekly Jazz Jam the club hosts every Sunday night. Whether you are a jazz musician and you want to jam with your fellow artists, or you just want to come and enjoy what the local talent has to offer, the Jazz Jam is a great way to end your weekend.
The Underdog Nashville
The Broomestix – Tuesday, March 3 – 9:00 PM ($10)
The Broomestix are a nine-piece band based right here in Nashville. The band channels the many influences of all its members into a unique form of R&B, featuring a powerful horn section, catchy R&B hooks, and attention-grabbing grooves. Their full-length album, Y’all Need Anything, was released in 2019.
Cam G & the Tasty Soul – Thursday, March 5 – 7:00 PM ($10)
Led by saxophonist Gallagher and comprised of young and energetic musicians, this is one of Nashville’s premier funk bands. Great songwriting along with killer performance chops make these shows a ton of fun.
OmCat – Wednesday, March 18 – 9:00 PM ($10)
OmCat is one of Nashville’s best up-and-coming jam bands. Built out of what was originally a Grateful Dead tribute band, the group the began to explore improvisation through their own original music, and it became something else entirely, but still with that original love of the jam and improvisational music. Their music blends a raw rock sound with the rhythms of funk, disco, and more.
University Jazz
With the universities back in session, you’ll once again have a number of opportunities to see the student ensembles perform. Many of these groups feature students who go on to be influential members of the jazz scene here in Music City and elsewhere, so don’t count these out!
Vanderbilt University
Blair Master Series: Edgar Meyer and Chris Potter – detailed above
Blair Jazz Choir – Monday, March 2 – 7:30 PM (Turner Recital Hall)
Vanderbilt’s premier vocal jazz ensemble performs.
Blair Jazz Combos – Sunday, March 29 – 7:30 PM (Turner Recital Hall)
The student jazz small groups perform.
Belmont University
Jazzmin – Wednesday, March 25 – 7:30 PM (Massey Concert Hall)
Vocal jazz students perform a mix of blues, swing, vocalese, and contemporary music.
Regular Nashville Hangs
Bohemia After Dark: Live Jazz Band with Andrew Golden – Every Monday – 8:00 PM (Old Glory)
Tuesday Bluesday w/ Shantelle & The Juke Joint Band – Every Tuesday – 6:30 PM (Rawhides)
Weekly blues night with a different special guest each week.
Dinner & A Show – Live Jazz Band – Every Friday – 7:00 PM (Flamingo Cocktail Club)
Living Room Sessions – Every Friday & Saturday – 8:00 PM (W Nashville Hotel)
Regular weekly showcase featuring local indie, jazz, funk, and R&B bands.
Eastside Jam – Every Sunday – 9:00 PM (Inglewood Lounge)
This is not a traditional jazz jam playing standards, but rather an improv jam, but any jazz player or listener will still be interested!
Live Jazz at Wilburn St. Tavern – Tuesday Evenings
Nightly Jazz at Skull’s Rainbow Room
Nightly Jazz at Sinatra Bar & Lounge
Live Jazz at Skye Lounge – Every Friday & Saturday – 7:30 PM
NJW at Char Steakhouse – Evenings and Sunday Brunch
Monday Night Jazz – Every Monday – 7:00 PM (Kingdom Café & Grill)
- About the Author
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Joseph E. Morgan is a father of two, husband, teacher and recovering guitarist in Middle Tennessee.
