THEO CROKER

Grammy-nominated trumpeter, composer, producer, and bandleader Theo Croker continues to expand the boundaries of modern jazz with his new album, Dream Manifest (Dom Recs / Fat Beats, June 13). Hailed by the LA Times as “a path to jazz greatness,” the project blends jazz, experimental hip-hop, and cosmic soul into a genre-defying sonic journey.

Singles like the high-energy “We Still Wanna Dance” (produced by D’LEAU), the soulful “High Vibrations” (featuring Malaya), and the hypnotic “Crystal Waterfalls” showcase Croker’s dynamic vision — a sound both timeless and forward-facing (Wall Street Journal). NPR describes his vibe as “chill,” driven by a “clear musical approach and determination,” qualities that have made him a standout collaborator with Ari Lennox, Common, J. Cole, Jill Scott, and Wyclef Jean.

Croker’s live performances are cinematic and immersive, guided by a producer’s mind and a jazz artist’s spontaneity. As DownBeat notes, he “layers music and lyrics with the deft touch of a hip-hop producer and the spontaneity of a jazz trumpeter.” His trumpet becomes both melody and texture within a rich production landscape performed live with his acoustic band.

In 2025, he premiered Dream Manifest at London’s Barbican Theatre with designer Nicholas Daley. The Evening Standard called it “jazz, just not as we know it,” while Jazzwise praised its emotional depth and “total stage control.”

Tickets: $37.54 ($30.00 + $7.54 fees) | $54.54 ($45.00 + $9.54 fees)

Discounter Parking: $18.80 ($15.00 + $3.80 fees)

$20.00 Minimum Per Person

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,,,

LIZZ WRIGHT

Through an inimitable voice that The New York Times touts as, “a smooth, dark alto possessed of qualities you might associate with barrel-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” renowned vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright sings with a soaring reflection of the cultural fabric of America. She lies beneath the script of history, transcending social divides with an offer of love and deep sense of humanity. Her music accepts the beauty of reality and creates a collective experience of belonging for the listener. Wright’s songs embody a tradition that allows us to always feel at home.

Wright’s 2024 studio album release, Shadow, presents Lizz in a gentle and triumphant light. With five originals penned by Wright, Shadow is anchored by acoustic guitars and layered with string quartets, harp, Carnatic Indian classical strings, gospel vocals, and bare emotion. It celebrates the intimacy of romantic love, loss, community, and healing. The album was produced by Chris Bruce and executive produced by Wright on Blues & Greens Records (with licensing/distribution through Lightyear Entertainment/Virgin Music). Wright worked with renowned engineer Ryan Freeland (who recorded Grace and has also worked with music legend Bonnie Raitt), and the album features acclaimed guest artists Angelique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello.

At the age of 22, Wright first made a name for herself nationally as a vocalist with a touring concert tribute to Billie Holiday. At 23, she signed with Verve Records for the release of Salt, which topped Billboard’s contemporary jazz charts. She went on to record for Universal Music Group and released the albums Dreaming Wide Awake (2005), The Orchard (2008), and Fellowship (2010). On Concord, Wright released Freedom & Surrender (2016) – featuring the single “Lean In,” which landed on President Obama’s Summer 2016 playlist – and Grace (2017). Wright’s (2022) release of Holding Space (a live recording of a concert in Berlin at the Columbia Theater) was her debut live album on Blues and Greens Records.

Wright looks forward to the release of a duo album in 2026.

Tickets: $43.21 ($35.00 + $8.21 fees) | $54.54 ($45.00 + $9.54 fees)

Discounted Parking: $18.80 ($15.00 + $3.80 fees)

$20.00 Minimum Per Person

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,

VANESSA RUBIN

Revered as both a torchbearer and a storyteller, jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin possesses a voice hailed for crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth and playful lioness sass. The Cleveland native brings a wealth of diverse influences to her vocal performance from both the Trinidadian/Caribbean roots of her mother and traditional jazz by way of her Louisiana-born father. Rubin’s passion for rich musical stories are evidenced throughout her eight albums thus far plus numerous guest appearances.

Highlight s ongs include the evocative “Voyager II” from the pen of Teri Thornton, “Inside a Silent Tear” written by Blossom Dearie, a refashioned waltz version of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” lyricized by New York Voices and an arrangement of “Superwoman” by Stevie Wonder insipired by the Ahmad Jamal recording of “Poinciana”. So while she has one foot planted in tradition – sticking close to timeless melodies and exquisite vocal forms – Rubin waxes adventurous, embracing stories lesser told while employing lessons of acclaimed storytellers in song such as Carmen McRae, Shirley Horn, and Freddy Cole.

Bandmates:
Allyn Johnson ~ Piano
Kenny Davis ~ Bass
Alvester Garnet ~ Drums

Cover: $35.46 ~ $45.76

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,,

PHILIP HARPER FEATURING WINARD HARPER

Philip and Winard Harper are celebrated jazz musicians born in America, a trumpeter and drummer respectively, known for leading the acclaimed post-bop group, The Harper Brothers, during the late 1980s and early 1990s. They recorded successful albums for Verve Records and toured internationally, with Winard continuing as a prominent bandleader and sideman.

The Band
Philip Harper / Trumpet
Winard Harper / Drums
Rico Jones / Tenor Saxophone
Raphael Silverman / Guitar
Maki Nientao / Piano
Jason Maximo Clotter ~ Bass

Tickets: $40.00

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,,,

GREGORY HUTCHINSON’S – KIND OF NOW

Growing up Gregory Hutchinson played with his drummer father. He studied under Marvin “Smitty” Smith and Kenny Washington in the late 1980s, and began his career playing with Red Rodney in 1989–1990.

During the 1990s, he worked with Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove, Stephen Scott, Ray Brown, Eric Reed, Joe Henderson, Marcus Printup, Antonio Hart, Joshua Redman, Greg Gisbert, Frank Wess, Steve Wilson, Johnny Griffin, LaVerne Butler, Peter Bernstein, Claire Martin, Mark Whitfield, Teodross Avery, Jimmy Smith, Arturo Sandoval, John Patitucci, Joey Calderrazo, Michael Brecker, and Rodney Whitaker.

The Band:
Gregory Hutchinson ~ Drums
Josh Evans ~ Trumpet
Nicole Glover ~ Tenor Saxophone
Emmanuel Michael ~ Guitar
Christian Sands ~ Piano
Larry Grenadier ~ Bass

Tickets: $40.00

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,,

« Older Posts       Newer Posts »
© Notorious Jazz 2026