Nilson Matta, Eric Alexander, Dave Stryker, Phil Marucci, Billy Drewes, Vanessa Falabella at Jazz Forum!

Nilson Matta, a bassist best known for his work with Trio da Paz, presides over a flexible ensemble dedicated to the music of his native Brazil. Matta has developed his own musical signature making him a first-call bass player of Brazilian music and jazz musicians.  Therefore, it’s not surprising that when Yo Yo Ma sought band members for his Brazilian project, Nilson was the obvious choice for bass. A founding member of two internationally acclaimed groups – Trio Da Paz (Romero Lubambo, Duduka de Fonseca, drums) and Brazilian Trio (Helio Alves, piano; Duduka de Fonseca, drums) – Matta has emerged in recent years as bandleader, composer, arranger and producer. See Nilson Matta’s Samba Meets Jazz with Fabiana Masili, vocals, Helio Alves, piano, Marcello Pellitteri, drums and  featuring guitarist Dave Stryker (Fri.) and tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander (Sat.) on Feb. 23 & 24 at 7 & 9 pm both nights!

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” He has dominated the instrument and the field as no one of his generation has.” – Chicago Tribune

“Mr. DeFrancesco is a deeply authoritative musician, a master of rhythmic pocket, and of the custom of stomping bass lines beneath chords and riffs.” – New York Times

Multi-instrumentalist and singer Joey DeFrancesco was born in 1971, signed his first record deal at age 16, and has since recorded and performed with Miles Davis, Jimmy Smith, Elvin Jones, James Moody, Ray Charles, and countless more. Loved by musicians, critics, and audiences, he has won the DownBeat Critics Poll nine times and has won the Readers Poll every year since 2005. See Joey DeFrancesco Trio at the Jazz Forum on Friday, Mar. 2 and Saturday, Mar. 3 at 7 & 9:30 pm both nights!

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The Royal Bopsters, featuring NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan will be performing at the Jazz Forum on Friday, Mar. 9 and Saturday, Mar. 10 at 7 & 9:30 pm both nights! A multi-generational jazz vocal quartet made up of NY’s top jazz singers and jazz educators, Amy London, Holli Ross, Pete McGuinness and Dylan Pramuk combine their creative talents to bring swing and bebop to the forefront for generations ahead.

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John Pizzarelli charms audiences with his warmth, sense of humor, and musical chops. Through his multi-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, the son of the legendary New Jersey native guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, has become one of the most recognizable faces and voices in contemporary jazz for his interpretations of classic standards, romantic ballads and the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings. While maintaining a busy touring schedule, John also founded “Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli” a nationally syndicated radio program co-hosted with his wife, Broadway star Jessica Molaskey. See the John Pizzarelli Trio at the Jazz Forum on Friday, Mar. 16 and Saturday, Mar. 17 at 7 & 9:30 pm both nights!
 

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Philip Marucci has studied with some of the best musicians in the NYC area including Kenny Werner, Cliff Korman, John Di Martino, Cidinho Texeira, Klaus Mueller and Luiz Simas to name a few. Marucci is currently active in the New York City Brazilian jazz scene and his new CD will include players such as Cyro Baptista, Maucha Adnet, Paul Meyers, and Claudio Roditi. See Philip Marucci at the Jazz Forum featuring Paul Meyers, guitar, Rogerio Boccato, drums, Billy Drewes, sax/flute, Vanessa Falabella, vocals and special guest on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 4 & 6 pm!

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Sunday, Feb. 25th
4pm & 6pm shows

This special event unites the duo with two of the most renowned Brazilian artists in the USA. As part of the Jazz Forum Brazilian series, the duo will delve deep into their Jobim and beyond repertoire from over 20 years of performing in Brazil. Pianist Alves and percussionist Boccato are known for taking the language of Brazilian music to new places from the roots to new sonic possibilities. The EMPATHIA JAZZ DUO with MAFALDA MINNOZZI and PAUL RICCI plus HELIO ALVES and ROGERIO BOCCATO will perform at the Jazz Forum on Sunday, Mar. 4th at 4 & 6 pm!

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Sunday, Mar. 4th
4pm & 6pm shows

Known for his impeccable groove, sophisticated taste, and stylistic versatility, Rodrigo maintains a busy performing and recording schedule throughout NYC and the United States. He has been privileged to perform with such renowned musicians as Don Friedman, Ron McClure, George Garzone, and Claudio Roditi. In 2013, his modern jazz tune “Ups and Downs” was a finalist in the Jazz category of the USA Songwriting Competition, an international contest. See Rodrigo Bonelli & Brasil Trio at the Jazz Forum on Sunday, Mar. 11 at 4 & 6 pm!

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Sunday, Mar. 11th
4pm & 6pm shows

Drummer Akira Tana has a gilt-edged jazz pedigree: Harvard, the New England Conservatory and stints with Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, Hubert Laws, and James Moody. He and bassist Rufus Reid have had a rich partnership – five CDs and touring to match. Otonowa Quartet brings Akira’s consummate musical mastery into congruence with his deep Japanese cultural roots. Otonowa, which means “sound circle”, was formed originally to showcase traditional Japanese songs and pop through jazz arrangements. 2011’s terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan became a crucible for Otonowa, which launched this brotherhood of Japanese-American jazz luminaries into a program of touring and recording to raise both funds and spirits for the survivors. Hear Akira Tana & Otonowa Quartet at the Jazz Forum on Sunday, Mar. 11! 

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Sunday, Mar. 11th
8pm 
(Doors open at 7:30 for dinner/seating and you may stay for both sets beginning at 8 pm.)

Named Best Flute for 2015 by Hot House Jazz Awards, Andrea Brachfeld built her reputation in Latin Jazz. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, Brachfeld started her career at All Nite Soul at the age of 16. She has performed with great musicians such as Charles Eubanks, Adam Nussbaum, Tito Puente, Wallace Roney, Hubert Laws, Paquito D’Rivera, Hilton Ruiz and many others. She has earned accolades for her work such as the Louis Armstrong Award, the Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award and the Pionero Award for her contributions to Latin music. See the Andrea Brachfeld Quartet at the Jazz Forum on Sunday, Mar. 18!

Supported by a grant from Chamber Music America 
 

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Monthly Open Jam Session
First Sunday of the month, 8pm-11pm
Next Session: Sunday, March 4th

We’re pleased to continue our monthly Open Jam Session at the Jazz Forum!  Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the improvisation and mixture of professional, avocational and student musicians on a wide variety of instruments. The jam session will be led by the house band:  the David Janeway Trio feat. Frank Tate on bass and Chuck Zeuren on drums. The price is $10 to listen or $5 to play. Tickets available at the door. Come swing by!