Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
On Monday, Feb. 11, Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes will make a guest appearance with the Village Vanguard Orchestra in celebration of the Village Vanguard’s 67th anniversary. This has the makings of a special event, as Valdes loves playing the venerable New York club, demonstrated on his Grammy winning Blue Note album Live At The Village Vanguard.
The Village Vanguard Orchestra started on Feb. 7, 1966, then known as the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. It has grown to be one of the most acclaimed and innovative big bands in jazz history. Throughout the last 36 years the orchestra has toured extensively throughout the world and its offspring, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, performs every Monday night at the club.
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra will also be honored at the New York Brass Conference, April 12-13, in New York City. Also scheduled for this year, the club and the orchestra are partnering to bring the “Live at the Village Vanguard World Tour 2002” featuring the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and special guest artists.
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
