Search results for

The soulful stylings of James Austin Jr., reveal his jazz pedigree and gospel roots. James, originally from Chicago, is an accomplished pianist and bandleader. He honed his craft under the tutelage of a number of legendary musicians, including extensive study with renowned jazz educator, Barry Harris. In recognition of his highly skilled musicianship, James has received numerous accolades and awards, including the honor of being selected as a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano competition.

James has performed alongside an illustrious list of singers and musicians in diverse settings throughout the world, including numerous celebrity functions and televised shows. He recently served as pianist and arranger for two star-studded concerts at Carnegie Hall under the baton of esteemed musical director, Ray Chew. James is regularly featured in the New York City area as a pianist and bandleader for various live concerts, theatrical performances, and civic and charitable events. He has curated and led the NJPAC Jazz Jam series since its inception.

Alexis Jessica Morrast, is a native of Newark, now resides in Plainfield, New Jersey began singing at the age of three. Since that time, she's performed on several stages: the U.S. OPENS, NJPAC with Christian McBride and Dizzy's Coca-Cola Club with jazz legend Barry Harris. Her resounding tone has been heard on the Millennium Stage of The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, abroad in Europe and Africa; The Coltrane Jazz Festival put it this way: "The voice, the song, the stage presence is all astonishing!

Snake Davis has played with the likes of James Brown, Smokey Robinson and Chaka Khan, Eurythmics, Lisa Stansfield and M-People. His live shows deliver superb dance music with flavours of soul, reggae and dance. Snake has played the club several times and for this particular gig he will be bringing his successful "Classic Sax Solos" show to town for you all to enjoy!

Jazz pianist Markus Gottschlich (“A painter of emotions via music” - All About Jazz) performs songs from his recently released album "Found Sounds," which focuses on the transformation and re-interpretation of everyday sounds. The event is free and will be live-streamed on ACFNY’s Youtube channel.

NEA Jazz Master Reggie Workman chats with WBGO's Daybreak host Gary Walker about the upcoming concert at BRIC JazzFest

WBGO's Jon Kalish reports Harry Smith’s connection to the Jazz World was on both coasts

On the March 30 edition of the WBGO Journal, we take a look at the New Jersey U.S. Senate race and the new NJ PBS podcast "Off Exit"

Dave Popkin catches up with saxophonist Jimmy Greene at the Saratoga Jazz Festival.

Dave Popkin catches up with bassist and composer/songwriter Hannah Marks at D.C. Jazz Fest

WBGO's Jon Kalish has the second part of his series on the Jazz Society of Fairfield County

John Yao and His 17-piece Instrument (JY-17 for short) is the long-standing passion project of trombonist and composer John Yao featuring his original compositions and arrangements which explore the boundaries of harmony, color, texture and rhythm. The 17-piece ensemble is comprised of New York City’s finest jazz musicians including members of Grammy- award winning ensembles such as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, both of which Yao has been a regular substitute for many years. Yao’s compositions and arrangements are post-bop, experimental and aim to explore new sounds for big band. “At times angular and broken, other times linear and swinging, he offers a broad view of the possibilities of jazz composition,” says Jim McNeely of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Downbeat says, "[Flip-Flop] showcased Yao's unpredictable compositions and inventive arrangements, which spring from tradition while pointing toward future portals."