Graham Haynes

Graham Haynes, a cornet player and composer, is an artist whose music defies classification. His compositions reflect a synthesis of diverse musical influences, including world music, traditional jazz, electronic, and the avant-garde. What sets Graham apart from other musicians is his deep interest in the search for music of spiritual significance. Rather than simply listening to music from different cultures, he immerses himself in a country's culture through travel in order to truly understand its music. This desire has led him to live in various locations around the world, allowing him to develop a deep understanding of music on a socio-cultural level comparable to that of a professional ethnomusicologist.
Although Graham grew up with jazz in the background, given that his father is legendary drummer Roy Haynes and his brother and nephew are both jazz drummers, his interests from the beginning had a wider scope. As a youth, he listened to Motown and R&B music, and his first instrument was the guitar. However, a visit to the orthodontist led him to switch to the trumpet, and this instrument became his primary means of expression. Graham's musical journey continued to evolve as he discovered recordings of his father playing with jazz greats like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. The experience sparked a new level of respect and appreciation for the music that had surrounded him throughout his life.
Graham's exploration of music extended beyond jazz when he met saxophonist Steve Coleman, who became both a mentor and collaborator. Together, they formed a group called the Five Elements and began experimenting with different sounds and techniques, pushing the boundaries of music. In 1985, they released "Motherland Loop," which pioneered boundary-pushing music that influenced a group of musicians known as the M-Base Collective. Graham's own career as a leader began in 1995 with the release of his album "What Time it Be."
Throughout his musical journey, Graham's affinity for world music continued to grow. He listened to African, Indian, and Arabic music and found himself drawn to the music of various cultures. He even traveled to Morocco to learn more about Gnawa traditional music, which uses ritual songs for healing. This interest in world music led him to release the album "The Griots Footsteps," which resonated with his own experiences of traveling and storytelling through music.
Graham's exploration of different genres and experimentation with sound led him to incorporate hip-hop and sampling into his music. He continued to push boundaries and transcend musical labels, allowing others to categorize his music while he focused on creating and exploring new sounds.
In recent years, Graham has been working on a requiem inspired by the George Floyd incident. He continues to push boundaries and experiment with music that addresses social issues. His residency in New York, organized by the organization Four One One, showcases different aspects of his musical journeys, featuring masterclasses, conversations, performances with ensembles, and collaborations with other artists. The residency coincides with UNESCO's International Jazz Day, highlighting Graham's unique musical trajectory.
Graham Haynes' music is a reflection of his rich life journey and the multitude of diverse traditions he has embraced. His ability to translate his experiences into powerful music is a testament to his talent and dedication as an artist. Whether he is immersed in jazz, world music, or other genres, Graham's music continues to push boundaries and inspire listeners around the world.

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Jacky Terrason

Pianist and keyboardist Jacky Terrasson showcases his unique musical style and versatility on his latest album, Moving On. Released under his Earth Sounds recording label, the album consists of 15 songs, including eight original compositions. Jacky's personal arrangements and intelligent interpretations of classic and contemporary compositions make Moving On a captivating musical journey.
Terrasson's experiences as a composer and performer living in both the USA and Europe are reflected in the album. Now based in France, he recorded Moving On in both France and America, adding a global touch to the musical landscape. The album tells the story of Terrasson's legacy and his ongoing exploration of different musical styles.
Accompanied by his long-time trio members, Terrasson brings together a talented group of musicians to create a rich musical tapestry. Singers Kareen Guiock Thuram and Camille Bertault, harmonicist Gregoire Maret, and drummers Billy Hart and Eric Harland join Terrasson on selected tracks, adding depth and diversity to the album.
Terrasson's piano-playing has drawn comparisons to jazz legends Bud Powell and Ahmad Jamal. His controlled velocity on the piano keys is evident in his reinvented version of Velaquez's "Besame Mucho," which now incorporates a Chopin prelude. On the other hand, his dynamic phrasing shines through in his interpretation of the classic "Misty" by Erroll Gardner/Johnny Burke.
One of the highlights of Moving On is the energetic jazz makeover of Pharrell's "Happy," featuring vocalists Davis, Harland, and Maret. Terrasson's spirited piano performance adds a fresh and vibrant twist to the popular song. Additionally, his collaboration with Camille Bertault on the French track "Est-ce que tu me suis?" showcases his melodic pianism and further exemplifies Terrasson's versatility.
Throughout his 30-year career, Terrasson has continually impressed audiences with his virtuosity and musical growth. Moving On is a testament to his enduring global appeal. The album brings together a collection of songs that define Terrasson as an artist today and forever.
With Moving On, Jacky Terrasson not only solidifies his position as a masterful pianist but also demonstrates his ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres and create a deeply satisfying and memorable listening experience.

George Coleman

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, founded by partners Paul Stache and Molly Sparrow Johnson, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. The club, which opened in April 1999, quickly became a favorite among both musicians and patrons for its intimate atmosphere and great sound.
Paul Stache has a special fondness for tenor saxophone great George Coleman, who led the first band on Smoke's original stage at the opening in 1999. Since then, Smoke has hosted numerous jazz stars and built a reputation as a great place to play.
While jazz clubs often prioritize the music over the food, Chef Molly Sparrow Johnson aims to change that perception at Smoke. The restaurant, which opened in 2005, offers a diverse menu made from scratch. In addition, Smoke opens a sidewalk cafe in the spring and summer, providing a unique dining experience.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club has faced challenges over the years, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the club has remained resilient, reopening soon after each crisis. George Coleman, a regular performer at Smoke, played a pivotal role in both instances, providing emotional performances that brought hope and healing.
Paul and Molly are committed to supporting the next generation of jazz musicians. They offer low-price tickets to make the music accessible to students and younger audiences. Additionally, they feature multigenerational bands to keep jazz alive and evolving.
In 2013, Paul and Molly founded Smoke Sessions Records as an extension of the club. The record label captures the spirit of live club music, even when recording in the studio. Smoke Sessions Records has released both live and studio recordings of artists who have played at Smoke, ensuring that the music remains vibrant and alive.
To celebrate the club's 25th anniversary, Smoke Sessions Records is releasing a series of live records recorded at Smoke. The first recording, featuring the Charles McPherson Quintet with Terell Stafford, is dedicated to Barry Harris and is set to be released in May.
During the forced closure of Smoke Jazz & Supper Club due to the pandemic, Paul and Molly took the opportunity to remodel the space. The bar was moved to a separate room to add seating capacity, creating a more focused listening room where the music takes center stage.
As Smoke Jazz & Supper Club continues to grow and evolve, Paul and Molly remain dedicated to their mission of supporting and cherishing jazz as an art form. They believe in balancing the need to pay artists and making the music accessible to all. By engaging with younger players and constantly bringing new artists into the room, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club ensures that the music will continue to thrive for years to come.

CHLOE FLOWER

BLUE NOTE / APRIL 2-3

Chloe Flower is a virtuoso classical pianist who is known for pushing boundaries as a cross-over artist. Her musical style spans multiple genres that include jazz, hip-hop and commercial pop, Chloe has been an in demand studio musician and producer for artists as diverse as Babyface, Cardi B and Celine Dion. Her musical taste can extend towards the experimental with projects that combine music and the spoken word as she did in a collaboration with Deepak Chopra. She has even paired a classical piano performance with stand-up comedy as she did for a Netflix special with comedian Mark Epps. She is steadily gaining recognition for her composing skills and has written film and documentary soundtracks as well as music that can be heard on her own eponymously titled album. You can catch Chloe at the Blue Note on April 2nd and 3rd. -JZ

AFRO LATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

BIRDLAND / APRIL 7

Arturo O’Farrill carries the torch of his renowned father, Chico O’Farrill, who was one of the earliest exponents of “Cubop”, a musical collision between Bebop and thundering Afro-Cuban rhythms. While Chico’s flame still burns bright, at the heart of Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra is the blue flame of the latter’s singular brand: a molten mix rooted in the Afro-Cuban rhythmic tradition and a brave new world of artistic invention. You will be dazzled by music born of a singular genius, deeply affected by the human condition and its triumph over adversity. But the edge-of-the-seat excitement of being in the presence of one of the great Latin Jazz big bands means that you will find it hard to stay glued to your seat throughout the performance. RDG

MONONEON

BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB / APRIL 9-10

Don’t let MonoNeon’s colorful appearance fool you. Dwayne Thomas Jr. (MonoNeon), whose love of neon light installations inspired his moniker, is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and bassist. At four-years old, his father bought Dwayne’s first instrument, a guitar Dwayne “played like a bass.” Dwayne’s training ground was his grandmother’s living room and church services in his birthplace, Memphis, Tennessee. MonoNeon’s father, Dywane Thomas Sr., is an esteemed Memphis studio musician who played with Rufus Thomas, Roebuck “Pops” Staples, and has recently played with organist Cory Henry. As a result, “MonoNeon‘s home base is always gonna be Johnny Taylor, Bobby Womack, Denise LaSalle, you know – funk, Bar Kays” to attribute to his signature playing sound. Don’t miss an opportunity to catch MonoNeon live. JJ

BILLY HART

VILLAGE VANGUARD / APRIL 9-14

Billy Hart has cemented his position in the jazz community as a drumming wizard. He’s one of the most celebrated drummers and educators in modern jazz. With a career spanning 60 years, Billy continues to trailblaze in jazz via his innovative rhythmic approach and impeccable timekeeping. With over 200 recorded albums, Billy cut his teeth playing with renowned artists like Wes Montgomery, Eddie Harris, and Pharoah Sanders, as well as, legendary soul artists Otis Redding, Patti LaBelle, and Smokey Robinson. In 2022, Billy was named a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master. He continues to pour into and push the boundaries of the jazz community with his polyrhythmic mastery and dynamic range with his quartet Mark Turner, Ethan Iverson, and Ben Street. Billy Hart is a jazz national treasure. -CM

SANTIAGO LEIBSON

CRIA CUERVOS / APRIL 11 & BAR BAYEUX / APRIL 13 & NUBLU | MAY 9

Santiago Leibson is the true personification of when someone’syour gift finds themyou. He remembers being introduced to various instruments at a young age, but was drawn to the piano, where he became Argentina’s jazz piano virtuoso. Based in Brooklyn and born in Buenos Aires, Santiago’s’s unique sound weaves classical, jazz, and tango elements that take you on a musical wonderland journey. His ’s virtuosic technique and improvisational prowess have earned Santiago comparisons to jazz giants like Chick Corea and Keith Garrett, and the honor of working with Oscar Noriega, Michael Attias, Massa Kamaguchi, and Guillermo Klein. When performing awe-inspiring concerts, Santiago mesmerizes as he continues to evolve while paying homage to his diverse musical roots. -CM

HILARY GARDNER

TRIBECA SUPPER CLUB AT CITY VINEYARD / APR 12

An Alaska native who moved to New York City in 2013, Hilary Gardner has excelled as a vocalist in intimate settings and singing the close knit harmonies in the vocal trio “Duchess”, which she co-founded with Amy Cervini and Melissa Stylianou. While Hilary can bring out nuances within time tested standards, she is just as likely to delve into songs by Leonard Cohen or Tom Waits. Hilary will sing her share of standards and jazz favorites during her two sets with guitarist Justin Poindexter and bassist Noah Garabedian. Hilary also plans to perform some ‘cowboy’ tunes, many of which are by well known songwriters of the 1940s and featured on her recent CD, “Hilary Gardner and the Lonesome Pines: On The Trail (Anzic)”, which features both musicians. —KD

PEDRITO MARTINEZ

DROM NYC / APRIL 18

With his playful and dazzling rhythmic mastery, Grammy-nominated drummer extraordinaire Pedrito Martinez has planted roots in both the jazz and Latin communities. At an early age, Pedrito began playing congas in Havana, Cuba. He immersed himself in the rumba traditions, which led to his incendiary skills as a percussionist and bandleader in New York City. Later, he would form The Pedrito Martinez Group, which showcases intricate polyrhythms and call-and-response vocals drawn from a deeply rooted Afro-Cuban folkloric legacy. Pedrito collaborated with famous artists like Paquito D’Rivera, Cassandra Wilson, Arturo O’Farrill, and Wynston Marsalis. His exuberant smile and explosive yet nuanced style have established Pedrito as one of the foremost ambassadors of percussion, where he has achieved the status of “rumbero” and the world’s first call for this culture of music and fun. -CM

RAVI COLTRANE, DJ JAZZY JEFF, RAKIM PROJECT

THE KENNEDY CENTER / APRIL 19

What happens when a critically acclaimed Grammy ®-nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer joins a turntable wizard, two-time Grammy® winner, and one of the most influential and genius hip-hop lyricists? You get an unforgettable masterclass. Expect Ravi to explore new creative territories that weave seamlessly with the rhythmic grooves of Jazzy Jeff’s turntable scratches and Rakim’s dazzling rhyme flows. This is a must-see show. The performance is part of The Kennedy Center Performing Arts’ “Hip Hop & Jazz Festival” edition. -CM

TAHIRA CLAYTON

DIZZY’S EVERY THURS / MINTON’S 25-26 7PM /NATIONAL JAZZ MUSEUM 30 10:30AM

Tahira Clayton is a strong lyricist and storyteller known for her honest vocal delivery and transcendent charisma on stage. She is quote, “a frequent side-woman offering [voices] as a background vocalist or featured vocalists for many different styles of music including Jazz, pop, and country even.” Growing up in Dallas, TX, Tahira booked her first professional work as a lead singer when she was 16. Singing while attending the University of North Texas, she received a BA in Music with a Vocal Jazz emphasis. Tahira joined the Women in Jazz Organization (WIJO) in 2017 and holds the titles of Vice President and WIJO Mentors Program Director. Her intention is to highlight the voices of black women within WIJO, nurture a community of intersectional feminists, and contribute to the empowerment of all women. JJ

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