The Next Set: From Jazz St. Louis

Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana

Walk the streets of Havana on any day and you’ll hear the soul of Cuba: music pouring from private homes and bustling restaurants, windows rattling with the parties thrown inside, nightclubs pulsing with throngs of people dancing. On his vibrant and spirited new album, Te Lo Dije, Havana-based pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa sets out to capture that stirring sensation with an exhilarating marriage of jazz and Cuban pop music, defiantly standing up to the doubters who failed to share his radical vision.

Harold López-Nussa is rapidly building a global following in jazz and beyond. His tight-knit group captivates audiences with a relentless vivaciousness that “bridges generations and genres” (Billboard). His music reflects the full range and richness of Cuban music, with its distinctive combination of classical, folkloric, and popular elements, as well as its embrace of improvisation.

• Harold López-Nussa – piano
• Grégoire Maret – harmonica
• Luques Curtis – bass
• Ruy Adrian López-Nussa – drums

Anita Jackson & the Scooter Brown Quintet

Anita Jackson

Anita Jackson leads an all-star band through a robust set ranging from jazz classics and soul favorites to down-home blues and original compositions.

• Anita Jackson – vocals
• Kendrick Smith – saxophone & flute
• Phillip Graves – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Teddy Brookins – bass
• Joshua Crump – drums

Scooter Brown Quintet

Soulful, vibrant, and creative are just a few words that describe saxophonist, vocalist, producer, composer, and educator Scooter Brown.

• Scooter Brown – alto saxophone, vocals, samples
• Antonio Foster – piano & keys
• Jordan Brewer – bass
• Dorian Sims – drums

Matthew Whitaker

Matthew Whitaker’s love for playing music began at age 3 after his grandfather gave him a small Yamaha keyboard. At 9, Matthew began teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ. Four years later, he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond—in its 80+ year history. He was also named a Yamaha Artist at 15, becoming the youngest musician to join the stellar group of jazz pianists.

• Matthew Whitaker – piano, organ, & keyboards
• Karim Hutton - bass
• Marcos Robinson - guitar
• Ivan Montejo - percussion
• John Steele - drums

Montez Coleman Tribute - Part 1

Jazz St. Louis celebrates the life and music of our beloved brother and friend Montez Coleman, featuring many of the artists that Tez worked with in his own groups on our stage. The night will include appearances by Adam Maness, Bob DeBoo, Eric Slaughter, Jason Swagler, Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Zeb Briskovich, Kendrick Smith, Danny Campbell, Bernard Terry, Demarius Hicks, Miles Vandiver, Matthew Henry, and many others.

Montez Coleman Tribute - Part 2

Jazz St. Louis celebrates the life and music of our beloved brother and friend Montez Coleman, featuring many of the artists that Tez worked with in his own groups on our stage. The night will include appearances by Adam Maness, Bob DeBoo, Eric Slaughter, Jason Swagler, Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Zeb Briskovich, Kendrick Smith, Danny Campbell, Bernard Terry, Demarius Hicks, Miles Vandiver, Matthew Henry, and many others.

Yellowjackets

Now in their 5th decade, the dynamic brilliance of the Yellowjackets is the perfect start to a long-awaited season! The definition of musical mastery, the Jackets are not to be missed!

• Russell Ferrante – piano & keyboards
• Bob Mintzer – saxophones & EWI
• Dane Alderson – bass
• William Kennedy – drums

Janet Evra

Janet Evra performs in her signature Indie Bossa style.

Performing that bossa style has taken Janet from her native England, throughout Europe and to the United States. She was a Kranzberg Arts Foundation “Artist in Residence” from 2019 to 2020. She is now based in St. Louis as she continues to tour in the US, and around the world.

Janet is joined by Husband and guitarist Will Buchanan, Adam Maness on Piano and Keyboards, Demarius Hicks on drums, and featuring Kendrick Smith on Saxophone and EWI.

As always, Janet will be singing AND holding down the Bass.

Connie Han

With the release of her 2018 Mack Avenue Music Group debut, Crime Zone, pianist Connie Han seized the attention of the jazz world and firmly established herself as a fast-rising star on the scene. That stratospheric ascent continues her captivating follow-up, “Iron Starlet,” released in April of 2020.

One listens to “Iron Starlet” is ample evidence that the 23-year old is every bit an armor-clad talent as the name implies. Her powerful vision takes in the full evolution of her forebearers, from iconic innovators like McCoy Tyner and Hank Jones through the Young Lion revolution spearheaded by the Marsalis Brothers, Kenny Kirkland, and Jeff “Tain” Watts, among others.

• Ryan Berg - Bass
• Bill Wysaske - KIT
• Connie Han - Piano

Kandace Springs

Kandace Spring’s latest album, “The Women Who Raised Me,” is her loving tribute to the great female singers who inspired her to begin her journey towards becoming one of the premier jazz/soul vocalists of our time. Featuring her unique interpretations of songs influential to her while growing up in Tennessee, Springs covers such classic icons as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, through 60’s legends Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield, and up to modern masters such as Sade and Lauryn Hill.

• Kandace Springs – piano, Fender Rhodes, & vocals
• Caylen Bryant - bass
• Taylor Moore - drums

Keyon Harrold

Ferguson native Keyon Harrold grew up one of 16 children in a family that prioritized music and community across generations. His grandfather was a police officer who retired from the force to found a drum and bugle corps for local youth, both of his parents were pastors, and nearly all of his siblings sing and perform music today.

After leaving St. Louis for New York to study at The New School, Harrold landed his first major gig with Common, an experience which he says broadened his musical horizons beyond jazz to include funk, Afrobeat, R&B, and hip hop. Soon he was performing with stars like Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Eminem, Maxwell, and Anthony Hamilton. He continues to create music that combines jazz with other genres, helping to broaden the appeal of the music and bring people together. Harrold was named the new Creative Advisor for Jazz St. Louis in 2021.

Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez

Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez both started life in Havana, discovered their gifts and passions for music and headed to the States, where they melded the music of their homeland with a wide variety of influences, each in his own deeply personal way. Rodriguez and Martinez share a natural chemistry that makes for a galvanizing musical experience when they come together. The pair explores a range of moods and influences, from Cuban classics to collaborative original compositions to a number of unexpected favorites.

JSTL 25 Band

JSL celebrates our 25th anniversary with a group that celebrates the history of the organization while looking towards the future at the same time. Longtime JSL staples Terell Stafford (trumpet) and Cyrus Chestnut (piano) are joined by saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly, drummer Allison Miller and bassist Nathan Pence (a former JazzU standout). This group can be experienced nowhere else in the world and will end the season on a definite high note!

Roosevelt Collier and The Funky Butt Horns

Soft-spoken by nature, South Florida-bred Roosevelt Collier does his hollering on the pedal steel guitar. Collier built his “sacred steel” guitar prowess with his family in the soul-shaking band The Lee Boys. On his own, he has become a sought-after talent both live and recorded.

He has performed with musical luminaries like The Allman Brothers, Buddy Guy, Los Lobos, Robert Randolph, and countless others. During his St. Louis debut in 2019, Collier became acquainted with the Funky Butt Brass Band. For this show, he enlisted the dynamic Funky Butt horns to join him on stage.

Scooter Brown

Saxophonist Carlos “Scooter” Brown Hails from East St. Louis, Illinois. He’s also a D.J. and vocalist. This show also features Antonio Foster on Piano, Keys, and Rhodes; Nathan Pence on Bass; and Rob Reavling on Drums.

Remembering Ray Brown

They don’t get together much anymore, but when they do, you’d better reinforce the walls because the joint will be swinging’! Bassist Christian McBride, pianist Benny Green, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson are among the most respected and well-loved purveyors of the modern American music we call jazz. This special engagement brings the three long-time musical compadres together to pay tribute to their mentor, legendary bassist Ray Brown. The joy will be infectious when this trio hits the stage, and we invite you to sit at the table of swing!

• Christian McBride - Bass
• Bennie Green - Piano
• Gregory Hutchinson - Drums

Wynton Marsalis and Friends

This week’s show is a “Who’s Who” of the Saint Louis Jazz scene AND the great trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Wynton Marsalis! Joining Wynton are St. Louis Jazz legends, like Vocalists Denise Thimes and Brian Owens, Pianists Peter Martin and Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Guitarist Eric Slaughter, Bass player Bob Deboo, and drummer Marty Morrisson.

Emily Wallace

From “South City” in Saint Louis, singer-songwriter Emily Wallace, performs with the “Adam Maness Trio.” During this performance, Emily captivated the audience with her breath-taking voice, genuine demeanor, and trademark sense of humor.

Adam Maness is a pianist, composer, arranger, and jack-of-all-trades. He’s one of the most in-demand musicians and collaborators on the St. Louis music scene.

Kaleb Kirby, on drums, was routinely hitting open mics with acts like the “Soulard Blues Band” as early as his mid-teens. He’s now one of the go-to drummers in St. Louis.

On bass, you’ll hear Nathan Pence, who has performed with some of today’s leading musicians, and has played at clubs around the world.

Black, Brown, & Beige

The title Black, Brown and Beige refers to the three movements of this suite. Each one representing a period in black history:

• "black" – that’s the lives of slaves.
• "brown" – the emancipation of slaves and black service in American wars.
• "beige" – there we have Ellington taking on contemporary black America in the 40s.

Matt Henry’s Agbara Sextet

Agbara is the West African Yoruba word for vigor, energy, and power. The Yoruba people and their musical aesthetics are a source of many of the aspects of “Latin Jazz." In this performance, Master percussionist Matt Henry debuts his new sextet. It embraces the Agbara spirit and features Matt and five more incredible jazz musicians from St. Louis, including: Aadron (Uh-dare-run) “Pops” Jackson on piano, Bernard Terry on bass, Kwane Johnson on saxophone, Duston Shrum playing trumpet and flugel Horn, and Desire “Des” Jones on drums with Matt Henry playing congas, bongos, and percussion.

Demarius Hicks

Demarius Hicks has been featured with countless groups over the years at Jazz St. Louis and anywhere great live music happens in St. Louis. Revisit this incredible set from one of St. Louis’ premier drummers as he takes to the stage for the first time as a leader with his group.

Paige Allyssa

The Paige Alyssa Quintet delivers an awe-inspiring tribute to the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige. The talented singer-songwriter leans into their jazz foundations to present brand-new arrangements of the R&B icon’s biggest hits. We invite you to listen and learn the answer to the question MJB posed 30 years ago, “What’s the 411?” The Paige Alyssa Quintet features Paige Alyssa, Phillip Graves, Demarius Hicks, Bernard Terry, and Scooter Brown Jr.

Ellington Nutcracker

Celebrate the Holidays with a special showcase of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite performed by the Jazz St. Louis Big Band. These jazz interpretations of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, are all played from the original charts!

Harold López-Nussa: Timba a la Americana

Walk the streets of Havana on any day and you’ll hear the soul of Cuba: music pouring from private homes and bustling restaurants, windows rattling with the parties thrown inside, nightclubs pulsing with throngs of people dancing. On his vibrant and spirited new album, Te Lo Dije, Havana-based pianist and composer Harold López-Nussa sets out to capture that stirring sensation with an exhilarating marriage of jazz and Cuban pop music, defiantly standing up to the doubters who failed to share his radical vision.

Harold López-Nussa is rapidly building a global following in jazz and beyond. His tight-knit group captivates audiences with a relentless vivaciousness that “bridges generations and genres” (Billboard). His music reflects the full range and richness of Cuban music, with its distinctive combination of classical, folkloric, and popular elements, as well as its embrace of improvisation.

• Harold López-Nussa – piano
• Grégoire Maret – harmonica
• Luques Curtis – bass
• Ruy Adrian López-Nussa – drums

Clark Terry Centennial

Jazz St. Louis celebrates the life and legacy of Clark Terry. The mark he left on both jazz and jazz education is immeasurable. We’ve assembled an all-star group that would surely make Clark smile as the doors will surely be swinging off the Bistro! A fitting tribute to one of St. Louis’s greatest exports to the world and a monumental leader in jazz.

• Sean Jones – trumpet
• Sharel Cassity – saxophone
• Aaron Diehl – piano
• John Clayton – bass
• Sylvia Cuenca – Terry’s longtime drummer

Cody Henry’s Christmas

Get in the holiday spirit with good vibes and great music as trombonist, sousaphonist, composer, and all-around virtuoso Cody Henry brings the holiday cheer that is perfect for your season.

• Cody Henry – sousaphone & trombone
• Ben Reece – saxophones & bass
• Adam Hucke – trumpet
• Adaron “Pops” Jackson – piano & Fender Rhodes
• Joe Meyer – drums

2022 in review Part 1

A look back at some of the amazing performances of 2022.

2022 in review Part 2

A look back at some of the amazing performances of 2022.

John Pizzarelli

John Pizzarelli is one of the prime contemporary interpreters of the “Great American Songbook.” Pizzarelli has expanded the genre by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, the Beatles, and more.

Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez

Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez both started life in Havana, discovered their gifts and passions for music and headed to the States, where they melded the music of their homeland with a wide variety of influences, each in his own deeply personal way. Rodriguez and Martinez share a natural chemistry that makes for a galvanizing musical experience when they come together. The pair explores a range of moods and influences, from Cuban classics to collaborative original compositions to a number of unexpected favorites.

Emily Wallace

The singer-songwriter performs with the “Adam Maness Trio.” During this performance, St. Louis’ own Emily Wallace captivated the audience with her breath-taking voice, genuine demeanor, and trademark sense of humor.

Jazz Speaks: Jazz as a Protest Music

An internationally renowned musician, Victor Goines — the President & CEO of Jazz St. Louis — leads the performance of classic protest songs by legends of jazz in "Jazz & Justice." Goines also provides commentary on the movement.

Jahmal Nichols’ Black Frequencies

Bassist, composer, and producer Jahmal Nichols says his newest album, Black Frequencies, is about a vibe or experience. Revisit the experience on the Jazz St. Louis stage with this special broadcast.

Regina Carter

Grammy-nominated artist Regina Carter explores the power of music through the voice of the violin in a wide range of genres—including jazz, R&B, Latin, classical, blues, country, pop, and African.

Stefon Harris and Blackout

Stefon Harris’ passionate artistry and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him to the forefront of the jazz scene. He is heralded as “one of the most important artists in jazz” by The Los Angeles Times and has been named Best Mallet Player eight times by the Jazz Journalist Association.

Connie Han

With the release of her 2018 Mack Avenue Music Group debut, Crime Zone, pianist Connie Han seized the attention of the jazz world and firmly established herself as a fast-rising star on the scene. That stratospheric ascent continues her captivating follow-up, “Iron Starlet,” released in April of 2020.

One listens to “Iron Starlet” is ample evidence that the 23-year old is every bit an armor-clad talent as the name implies. Her powerful vision takes in the full evolution of her forebearers, from iconic innovators like McCoy Tyner and Hank Jones through the Young Lion revolution spearheaded by the Marsalis Brothers, Kenny Kirkland, and Jeff “Tain” Watts, among others.

• Ryan Berg - Bass
• Bill Wysaske - KIT
• Connie Han - Piano

Sara Gazarek

Sara Gazarek is a Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist. She’s been named Outstanding Jazz vocalist by the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation. Sara is a passionate educator who has travelled the world to teach, and perform, at educational camps and music festivals.

For this concert, she is performing with Miro Sprague- Piano, Alex Boneham- Bass, Jonathan Pinson- Drums and Lenard Simpson on Alto Sax.

Cécile McLorin Salvant & Sullivan Fortner

Vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant & pianist Sullivan Fortner join forces for a very special collaboration that has Jazz St. Louis audiences buzzing.

JSTL 25 BAND

JSL celebrates our 25th anniversary with a group that celebrates the history of the organization while looking towards the future at the same time. Longtime JSL staples Terell Stafford (trumpet) and Cyrus Chestnut (piano) are joined by saxophonist and vocalist Grace Kelly, drummer Allison Miller and bassist Nathan Pence (a former JazzU standout). This group can be experienced nowhere else in the world and will end the season on a definite high note!

Dave Grelle’s Playadors

Veteran pianist, organist, keyboard player and composer Dave Grelle returns to Jazz St. Louis as the leader of his all-star Playadors project. The Playadors are made up of some of the most in-demand players and vocalists in the city.

Joining them tonight is special guest: vocalist and singer Neil Salsich.

JSTL’s Jazz U 2023

Keyon Harrold

Jazz St. Louis’s newly appointed Creative Advisor Keyon Harrold takes the stage to celebrate a partnership that is poised to set St. Louis abuzz with good vibes. Harrold’s work continues to be unique, thoughtful, and boundary-pushing, just like the artist himself.

• Keyon Harrold – trumpet & vocals
• Shedrick Mitchell – piano, Fender Rhodes, & organ
• Burniss Travis – bass
• Nir Felder – guitar
• Charles Haynes – drums
• PLUS special guests

Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday (from Season of Stream)

Sean Jones

Janet Evra

Janet Evra performs in her signature Indie Bossa style.

Performing that bossa style has taken Janet from her native England, throughout Europe and to the United States. She was a Kranzberg Arts Foundation “Artist in Residence” from 2019 to 2020. She is now based in St. Louis as she continues to tour in the US, and around the world.

Janet is joined by Husband and guitarist Will Buchanan, Adam Maness on Piano and Keyboards, Demarius Hicks on drums, and featuring Kendrick Smith on Saxophone and EWI.

As always, Janet will be singing AND holding down the Bass.

Shedrick Mitchell

Remembering Ray Brown

They don’t get together much anymore, but when they do, you’d better reinforce the walls because the joint will be swinging’! Bassist Christian McBride, pianist Benny Green, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson are among the most respected and well-loved purveyors of the modern American music we call jazz. This special engagement brings the three long-time musical compadres together to pay tribute to their mentor, legendary bassist Ray Brown. The joy will be infectious when this trio hits the stage, and we invite you to sit at the table of swing!

• Christian McBride - Bass
• Bennie Green - Piano
• Gregory Hutchinson - Drums

Melissa Aldana

Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana joined the "Blue Note Records" family with her debut album, "12 Stars."

At 33, the Brooklyn-based tenor saxophone player from Santiago, Chile, has received international recognition for her visionary work as a band leader – as well as her deeply meditative interpretation of language and vocabulary.

• Lage Lund - Guitar
• Pablo Menares - Bass
• Kush Abadey - Drums

Jeremy Davenport

Yellowjackets

Now in their 5th decade, the dynamic brilliance of the Yellowjackets is the perfect start to a long-awaited season! The definition of musical mastery, the Jackets are not to be missed!

• Russell Ferrante – piano & keyboards
• Bob Mintzer – saxophones & EWI
• Dane Alderson – bass
• William Kennedy – drums

Baylor Project

Kaleb Kirby & the Kendrick Smith Trio

Drummer and educator Kaleb Kirby has become a respected voice among the current landscape of St. Louis jazz composers, with his original compositions taking center stage in this performance.

• Kaleb Kirby – drums
• Josiah Joyce – guitar
• Aaron O’Neill – bass
• Steven Johnson – saxophone

The Kendrick Smith Trio lights up the Jazz St. Louis stage with an incredible performance featuring classic jazz standards and original compositions.

• Kendrick Smith – saxophones, flute, & bass clarinet
• Bernard Terry – acoustic bass
• Micah Walker – drums