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Photo courtesy of the artist.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

This Wednesday, September 14th, The Jazz Gallery is proud to present a special concert celebrating guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli’s 90th birthday. Pizzarelli has had a long and storied career, performing as a member of the Tonight Show Band with Doc Severinson, touring with Benny Goodman, performing multiple times at the White House, and releasing many acclaimed records as a leader and co-leader. He continues to be a true jazz ambassador and “keeper of the flame”—his playing continues to shine a light on the enduring influence of guitarists like Django Reinhardt and Freddy Green.

For his special birthday celebration, Pizzarelli has convened a guitar-army of close friends, including Gene Bertoncini, Jack Wilkins, and Ed Laub, as well as saxophonist Harry Allen. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a true jazz master in such an intimate space. (more…)

Design courtesy of the artist.

Design courtesy of the artist.

Throughout the month of September, The Jazz Gallery will be exhibiting the work of photographer Adriana Mateo to help celebrate the release of her new book, Three Generations Under the Lens. A native of Argentina, Mateo has been a fervent documenter of the New York jazz scene since her arrival in 1992. Her book is a varied collection of her work, featuring portraits of jazz masters, as well as kinetic depictions of live performances.

This Tuesday, September 13th, the Gallery will host a special exhibition opening featuring live performances by an all-star group including saxophonist Jimmy Heath (who wrote the book’s forward), saxophonist Mark Gross, pianist Jeb Patton, bassist David Wong, drummer Willie Jones III, and singer Roberta Gambarini. Discounted and autographed copies of the book will be available for sale at this celebration.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so contact nerissa@jazzgallery.org to RSVP. If you cannot make it on Tuesday, make sure to check out Ms. Mateo’s wonderful photographs the next time you stop by the Gallery this month.

Photo by Federico Rodriguez Caldentey.

Photo by Federico Rodriguez Caldentey.

Back in 1996, a young Argentine bassist named Pedro Giraudo packed his bags and moved to New York City. In the two decades since his arrival, Mr. Giraudo has become an indispensable part of several musical communities in the city. Not only is Giraudo one of the most eloquent interpreters of tango in New York, performing in a number of groups; he is also an accomplished and versatile composer with a portfolio of evocative works for both his own ensembles and classical groups including New York’s Musica de Camara and members of the San Diego Symphony. Last year, Giraudo released his latest album for his acclaimed big band, Cuentos (Zoho Music), featuring a slate of new original compositions, including the sprawling Angela Suite, written for his daughter. Check out the suite’s forceful third movement, “La Rabiosa,” below.

Throughout his time in New York, Giraudo has been a regular at The Jazz Gallery, and in 2008, the Gallery commissioned a new work from Giraudo for his large ensemble. This weekend, Giraudo will return to the Gallery to celebrate his 20 years in New York for two nights of varied concerts. On Friday, Giraudo will present music for his tango ensemble, and on Saturday, he will bring his long running big band back to our stage. Make sure to check out both nights of music to catch a glimpse of Giraudo’s unique range and musicianship. (more…)

Photo courtesy of the artist.

Photo courtesy of the artist.

This week, The Jazz Gallery returns from summer break and kicks off a new season with a show that lives up to our motto, “Where the future is present.” On Thursday, the Gallery is proud to present saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins for his debut as a bandleader in New York. Wilkins hails from just outside of Philadelphia and studies at the Juilliard School with alto saxophonist Steve Wilson. During his time in New York so far, Wilkins has been stepping out of the classroom regularly, hitting the late night jam sessions at clubs like Smalls, as well as playing with talented members of his peer group and elder statesmen alike, including vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Eric Harland, and trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis.

For his New York debut on Thursday, Wilkins will be joined by a multi-generational group including pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Russell Hall, drummer Craig Weinrib, and vocalist Alyssa McDoom. Wilkins and company will play two sets of new originals by all members of the band. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a promising young bandleader’s NYC debut. (more…)