This evening, Live at the Blue Note on The Improv Cafe is thrilled to feature some incredible jazz recordings and live performances straight from the legendary Blue Note jazz club. Tune in for an unforgettable musical journey that spans decades of jazz excellence!
The show kicks off with the OP Trio – Live at The Blue Note 4-CD set from 1990, capturing the powerful, dynamic energy of the trio’s performance at one of the world’s most iconic jazz venues. This live recording offers a rare glimpse into the interplay and virtuosity of the OP Trio, featuring stunning solos and electrifying improvisations that will have jazz fans tapping their feet and hanging on every note.
Next, we take a trip to the Blue Note’s Tokyo and Osaka locations with Four of a Kind – Live at Blue Note Tokyo and Osaka Blue Note from 2002. This collection showcases some of the finest jazz talent of the early 2000s, capturing the excitement and magic of Blue Note’s internationally renowned stages. The performances are infused with global influences and the unmistakable energy of jazz at its finest, with masterful improvisation and impeccable group cohesion.
But that’s not all! Coming soon to The Blue Note Club in New York: Juilliard Jazz Duke Ellington Ensemble!
The Juilliard Jazz Duke Ellington Ensemble will be taking the stage next week at the Blue Note Club in New York, bringing the unmistakable sound of Duke Ellington to life. Led by jazz double bassist and composer Ben Wolfe, the ensemble is made up of the most accomplished and experienced students from the Juilliard Jazz Program. With a dedication to the spirit of Ellington, the ensemble blends the classic sounds of jazz with the contemporary influences and original compositions of its talented members.
The ensemble’s artistic premise is built around the collaborative nature of jazz, valuing both group interaction and individual expression as key ingredients in the creative process. Drawing on the deep legacy of Duke Ellington, whose music transcends generations, this ensemble will explore Ellington’s repertoire while also forging its own path with contemporary jazz influences.
Meet the members of the Juilliard Jazz Duke Ellington Ensemble:
- Ben Wolfe – Ensemble Coach and Jazz Double Bassist/Composer
- Patrick Hill – Alto Saxophone
- Dabin Ryu – Piano
- Derek Duleba – Guitar
- Guillermo Lopez – Bass
- Jerome Gillespie – Drums
The Juilliard Jazz Program is renowned for producing the next generation of jazz legends, and this ensemble continues that tradition. Under the leadership of Wynton Marsalis (Program Director), with support from Aaron Flagg (Associate Director) and Anika Adilifu (Administrative and Production Manager), Juilliard Jazz Ensembles maintain a deep connection to the great jazz traditions while embracing new creative horizons.
Each ensemble within the Juilliard Jazz Program is named after a jazz legend, with the intent not to exclusively perform that artist’s music, but to embody the spirit and innovation of their contributions to the genre. For example:
- The Dave Brubeck Ensemble focuses on integrating arts and jazz, coached by Jennifer Krupa.
- The Betty Carter Ensemble celebrates musical freedom, scatting, and reimagination, coached by Donald Vega.
- The Dizzy Gillespie Ensemble honors Afro-Latin influences, innovation, and humor, coached by Elio Villafranca.
- The Jelly Roll Morton Ensemble explores the roots of jazz, coached by Doug Wamble.
- The Max Roach Ensemble delves into Civil Rights and African Diaspora themes, coached by Isaiah J. Thompson.
- The Mary Lou Williams Ensemble embraces stride piano and musical techniques, coached by Bruce Williams.
- The Duke Ellington Ensemble (Artist Diploma Ensemble) is led by Ben Wolfe, as ambassadors of Ellington’s legacy, creating a bridge to the world through jazz.
Don’t Miss It! Tune In to Swinging with Big Bands Every Friday Night on The Improv Cafe Radio Station!
Catch the next Live at the Blue Note broadcast tonight, and be sure to tune in next week for the live performance of the Juilliard Jazz Duke Ellington Ensemble at the Blue Note. Swinging with Big Bands offers a unique opportunity to hear live jazz and big band music every Friday night, immersing listeners in the sounds of some of the greatest jazz legends, both past and present. It’s all about live jazz, live big band, and live swing!
For more information on these exciting events and to hear Live at the Blue Note, visit The Improv Cafe Radio Station and stay tuned for more updates.