The lights are low, the sound is intimate, and the lineup is fierce—The Village Vanguard, the iconic Greenwich Village jazz club, welcomes a week of deeply emotional, masterfully executed performances from Johnathan Blake, whose latest project “Gone But Not Forgotten” runs April 29 through May 4. A drummer celebrated for his adaptability and expressive range, Blake brings together an all-star ensemble for a show that’s as much a tribute as it is a declaration of forward motion in jazz.
With Mark Turner and Chris Potter sharing saxophone duties, Ben Street on bass, and Blake commanding the drums, the quartet forms a stunning confluence of introspection, power, and telepathic interplay. The project reflects on musical influences and mentors past, offering homage while paving new paths with energy and grace.
“Blake’s versatile recording background with jazz greats trumpeter Tom Harrell and pianist Kenny Barron, to name just two, has made an exciting drummer out of him—always surprising and somewhat unconventional.”
— All About Jazz
Tonight: “Live at the Village Vanguard” Radio Show – A Tribute to Vanguard Recordings
In honor of the club’s storied history, tonight’s edition of Live at the Village Vanguard will feature a unique playlist: every track played is pulled directly from the Village Vanguard’s rich catalog of live recordings. From Coltrane to Motian, and Mehldau to Blake, this is more than just a radio show—it’s a celebration of the sonic legacy forged in the room’s legendary acoustics.
Expect selections from classic Vanguard CDs and historic club dates, culminating in a preview of Johnathan Blake’s current residency with tracks from Gone But Not Forgotten, a project that has roots in the Vanguard’s tradition of emotionally resonant, improvisational storytelling.
Still Swinging: Vanguard Jazz Orchestra – Every Monday Night
As always, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra holds court on Mondays, continuing a tradition begun in 1966 with Thad Jones and Mel Lewis. This modern-day big band institution, featuring musicians like Dick Oatts, Gary Smulyan, and John Riley, remains one of the most musically sophisticated and swinging ensembles in the world.
“We’ll keep it going until it tapers off,” said Max Gordon. Nearly 60 years and over 2,700 Mondays later, it hasn’t.
What’s Next at the Vanguard
The club continues its spring run with a powerhouse slate of performances:
- Julian Lage Trio – May 6–11
Featuring the virtuoso guitarist known for his luminous tone and spontaneous composition in real-time. - Immanuel Wilkins Quartet – May 13–18
A leading voice of a new jazz generation, Wilkins brings intricate compositions and profound emotional clarity. - Joel Ross + Parables – May 20–25
With his expansive new project, vibraphonist Joel Ross gathers some of the most exciting young improvisers today. - Nicole Glover Trio – May 27–June 1
Glover’s saxophone voice is both classic and cutting-edge, a powerful force in today’s jazz narrative.
June Highlights:
- Kurt Rosenwinkel – June 3–8
- Fred Hersch – June 10–15
- Renee Rosnes – June 17–22
- Linda May Han Oh / Ambrose Akinmusire / Tyshawn Sorey – June 24–29
Whether you’re tuning in from afar or stepping through the doors on Seventh Avenue South, the Village Vanguard remains a place where jazz lives, evolves, and continues to inspire. From unforgettable live sets to the archives of classic recordings, there’s no better place—or sound.
📻 Tune in to “Live at the Village Vanguard” tonight. Hear history. Hear the future.
Would you like a streaming playlist of live Vanguard recordings featured in the radio show?