Eric Letta Quartet
Saturday July 8
9PM
$10

Eric Letta's "Breakfast with the Maestro"
Eric Letta's "Nine Fifty-Nine"

Sometimes jazz fans lament that the future of jazz may be endangered.  They needn't worry.  Many excellent young musicians are currently rising through the ranks. 

A good example is Akron native Eric Letta, an award winning saxophonist and Kent State graduate.  Letta has just released his debut CD "Say".  Like many emerging artists today, Letta is not waiting around to be discovered, he raised the money and released the CD on his own.  Judging from the various venues that he has already played the CD should be a success.  Still in his early 20's Letta has played Severance Hall, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Scene Pavilion, Jacobs Field, The Cleveland Convocation Center, and EJ Thomas Hall.  As a section player in a variety of pop oriented bands he has gained valuable stage experience and is well poised to launch his jazz career as a leader. 

The CD features original compositions, new arrangements of two jazz standards. and also features a vocal track.  Eric Letta has a firm handle on the bop tradition, but is also taking the music forward with his own vision. 
 
Eric Letta will be leading his Akron based Quartet for his debut at Nighttown.  Don't miss the emerging young saxophonist Eric Letta live at Nighttown on Saturday, July 8th

---

Brazilian Vocalist
Kenia
Sunday July 9
7PM
$10

Kenia has been characterized as one of the most excitingly unique performers you can hear today. Born in the exotic city of Rio de Janeiro, she reflects the pulse and intensity of her native Brazil.  While having migrated to the United States in 1980, Kenia has also been influenced by the many colors of the American contemporary jazz scene. Kenia's voice has the infectious charm of Astrud Gilberto; a persuasive whisper that takes on more power in her native Portuguese, but equally evocative in English.

Kenia has recorded several albums on both the MCA and Denon labels, as well as a guest appearance on Claudio Roditi's 1984 album "Red on Red" (produced by Creed Taylor). Kenia's latest album on her own Mooka Records label, "Project: Ivan Lins", features all Ivan Lins' compositions as well as two duets with Ivan Lins himself. Although this is perhaps Kenia's most Brazilian project to date, her music transcends geographic and musical boundaries.

Joining Kenia for her performance Nighttown will be her Pittsburgh based band featuring Eric Susoeff on guitar, Dwayne Dolphin on bass, and James Johnson on drums. Don't miss Kenia this Sunday, July 9th at Nighttown.

---

Winard Harper Sextet
Tuesday July 11
7PM
$15

Winard Harper's "Float Like a Butterfly"
Winard Harper's "Come Into the Light"

A first rate drummer Winard Harper has backed several legendary figures in jazz including Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Billy Taylor, and Betty Carter. He has also enjoyed a successful career as a bandleader, first as co-leader of The Harper Brothers with his brother Phillip, and for several years leading his own band. All of his bands are in the hard bop tradition, with a solid swinging rhythm section and horns up front. Harper takes his inspiration from classic groups like Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and The Max Roach/Clifford Brown Quintet. Winard Harper can swing sing hard and is equally adept with the brushes.
 
As a leader Harper has released nine CD's, four with the Harper Brothers, and seven as the leader of his own group. His latest CD "Make it Happen" on Pladrum Records features his current touring group. It combines standards and originals and includes African percussionist Aliou Saye from Senegal, whose contributions add to the more traditional hard bop instrumentation of piano, bass, drums, sax, and trumpet. Winard Harper has brought hard bop into the new millennium and is adding to the tradition.
 
Appearing at Nighttown with Harper will be his current group consisting of  trumpeter Josh Evans, tenor saxophonist Stacy Dillard, pianist Sean Higgins, bassist Ameen Saleem, and percussionist Aliou Saye. Don't miss drummer Winard Harper and his sextet live at Nighttown on Tuesday, July 11th


 Chip_Stephens'_"Fields_of_My_Youth"
Chip_Stephens'_"Just_in_Time"

Throughout the eighties and nineties pianist Chip Stephens was one of the most popular and talented jazz musicians on the Cleveland scene.  He has been missed since moving to Colorado five years ago.  Fortunately he has moved a little closer to Ohio and now resides in Illinois.  An immensely talented musician, Chip Stephens already had a national presence before leaving Cleveland.  For several years he toured and recorded with Grammy winning Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.  Among his other credits are lengthy tenures with Maynard Ferguson, and the Woody Herman Orchestra.  He has also performed with major jazz artists including Kenny Burrell, Michael Brecker, Tito Puente, Joe Lovano, Clark Terry, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and many many more.  Chip has appeared on over 40 CD's and has two solo CD out on Cleveland's Azica records.  Later this year Chip will be releasing his third CD on Denver based Capri Records.  Besides being a performer and recording artist of the first rank, Chip Stephens is a professor of Music at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.  Prior to teaching at the University of Illinois, Chip was a professor of music at the University of Colorado, and at Youngstown State University.
 
For his appearance at Nighttown, Chip Stephens is featuring two great Ohio musicians,  acoustic bassist Jeff Halsey, who is also a professor at Bowling Green, and  Cleveland drummer Paul Samuels, who  has just released an acclaimed CD.  Don't miss the Chip Stephens Trio live at Nighttown on Thursday, July 13th.

---

Roseanna Vitro
Allen Farnham-piano, Dean Johnson-b., Tim Hoerner-dr.
Friday July 14
9PM
$20

Roseanna Vitro's "My Bells"

Roseanna Vitro is a versatile vocalist whose repertoire encompasses classic standards, blues, Brazilian, and pays tribute to artists like Ray Charles and Bill Evans. 
 
Currently Roseanna Vitro is touring in support of her latest CD "Live at the Kennedy Center" which documents a great performance in September of 2005.   With 10 recordings and numerous tours domestically and internationally, Vitro is at the top of her game.  Among her career highlights are her designation as US Jazz Ambassador.  As a US cultural representative she toured throughout Eastern Europe and in India in 2004.  She has played all the major festivals and clubs in the US and also appeared on radio and television with personalities like Ramsey Lewis, Marian McPartland, Steve Allen, and even on the Jim Lehrer newshour on PBS. 
 
Originally from Texarkana, Arkansas, Vitro first came to the attention of the jazz world when working in Houston in the early 80's.  After a few years in Texas, she made the move to New York City where she has been performing, recording, and teaching since the mid 80's.  Recently she was inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame along with Bob Dorough and John Stubblefield.  Although Roseanna Vitro is now a seasoned performer with the big city sophistication of New York City, she never strays too far from her roots as a soulful southern vocalist.  She has a warm and engaging style that audiences find infectious. 
 
Joining Roseanna Vitro for her performance at Nighttown will be her New York City group featuring pianist Allen Farnham on piano.  Farnham is an Oberlin graduate and has several successful solo recordings.  In the late 80's, Farnham was a vital component of the Cleveland Jazz scene.  On acoustic bass will be Dean Johnson, and finally the drummer is Tim Hoerner.
 
Don't miss the dynamic and soulful Roseanna Vitro live at Nighttown on Friday, July 14th.

---

Leo Blanco International Quartet
Featuring Jamey Haddad, Peter Slavov, and Rick DeMuzio
Saturday July 15
9PM
$20

Leo Blanco
Originally from Merida,Venezueala, Boston based pianist Leo Blanco is an exceptional talent whose is destined for wider recognition.  Currently a professor at the Berklee School of Music, Blanco has performed in every setting from solo to with symphony orchestra.   He came to the US in 1996 after a period of performing and studying in Caracas.  Upon completion of his degree at Berklee, Blanco went on to get his Masters at the New England Conservatory.  Leo Blanco has backed many of the top names in jazz including Dave Liebman, Dave Samuels, Jane Bunnett, Giovanni Hildago, Louciana Souza, and Mario Rivera to name just a few.
He has appeared at major festivals worldwide including the North Sea in Holland, the Montreux in Switzerland, and Festivals in Japan, Brazil, Venezuela, and of course in the US.   His debut CD "Roots and Effects" was released in 2004 and was co-produced by his fellow professor and close musical collaborator Jamey Haddad.

With the help of a grant from the Cultural Ministry of Venezuela, Blanco is currently touring the US with an All-Star International group.  They are:
 
Jamey Haddad
A world class musician, native Clevelander Jamey Haddad  spent most of 2003 and 2004 on tour with Simon and Garfunkel enhancing their world famous music with his percussion. That tour included an appearance in downtown Cleveland at Gund Arena. Jamey Haddad has been a professional jazz musician for over 25 years and has enjoyed a wide and diverse career. He has toured and recorded with many greats including Carly Simon, Joe Lovano, Paul Winter, Kenny Werner, and Dave Liebman.
Jamey Haddad wears many hats.... he is a great jazz drummer, he has invented and patented several percussion instruments, and he has performed worldwide with musicians spanning four different continents. An author and lecturer, he is considered an authority on musical cultures and their rhythmic base. Currently he is teaching at the Berklee School of Music and at Oberlin and he continues to tour as the leader of his own group, and as a special guest, nationally and internationally.  Additionally Jamey Haddad is a world class talent scout as evidenced by the extraordinary group he is bringing to Nighttown.
 
Peter Slavov
Bassist Peter Slavov is from Bulgaria. Like Leo Blanco, Slavov attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston and now teaches there.  A first call bassist on the East Coast, Slavov has worked in several top shelf bands including those of Joe Lovano, Kevin Mahogany, Jane Bunnett, Louicana Souza and Stephon Harris.  Slavov appeared with Jamey Haddad at Nighttown in 2003 and 2005.
 
Rick DiMuzio
Saxophonist Rick DiMuzio holds a doctorate in jazz composition education from the New England Conservatory and is currently a professor of music at the Berklee Scholl of Music. DiMuzio has collaborated with many major jazz artists including Louis Bellson, Steve Grossman, Danilo Perez, Terry Lynn Carrington, James Williams, Conrad Herwig, and Roger Humphries. 
 
Don't miss Venezuelan pianist Leo Blanco and his International Quartet live at Nighttown on Saturday, July 15th.

---

Yellowjackets
Thursday July 20
2 show 8 & 10PM
$30

Yellowjacket's "Timed Squared"   
Yellowjacket's "Greenhouse"
Yellowjacket's Live Video

Still going strong twenty five years after their debut album The Yellowjackets will take Cleveland by storm when they arrive at Night Town for a rare club appearance.  Currently they are on their 25th Anniversary tour.  Joining charter members Russell Ferrante on acoustic piano and keyboards and stalwart electric bassist Jimmy Haslip, will be saxophonist Bob Mintzer who has been in the group for fifteen years, and drummer Marcus Baylor who has been with the Jackets for eight years now.

The Yellowjackets are one of the few groups in jazz who successfully straddle the line between acoustic and electric jazz. Like Herbie Hancock and Chic Corea they have admirers in large numbers from both camps. The Yellowjackets are really representative of the next generation of fusion groups that followed groups like The Headhunters, Return to Forever, and Weather Report. Like these groups, The Yellowjackets have put a premium on musical exploration and have insisted on the highest standard of musicianship.

Currently recording for Cleveland's Heads Up records, The Yellowjackets have just released "Twenty Five", a live double CD and DVD set recorded in Paris to commemorate the 25 year history of the group.  "Twenty Five presents the signature Yellowjackets sound, fresh, contemporary, and classic, all at the same time. Usually a concert group, this appearance at Nighttown is a rare opportunity to see The Yellowjackets up close in a small venue. Over the years The YellowJackets have appeared at The Front Row, at Cain Park, at The Tri-C Jazz Fest, and their last appearance at Nighttown was in 2003.
 
Don't miss jazz supergroup The Yellowjackets live at Night Town on Thursday, July 20th.  Get your tickets now as this show is sure to sell out.

---

Jackie Allen
Friday July 21
9PM
$10

Jackie Allen's "You'll Never Learn"

Jackie Allen's "Coal Grey Eyes"

Just signed to Blue Note records, Chicago vocalist Jackie Allen is turning heads in the jazz and pop music fields.  Both a jazz vocalist and singer/songwriter, Jackie Allen represents the best in contemporary music.  Here is how she is described on Amozon.com
 
Since moving to Chicago from Milwaukee in the early '90s, Jackie Allen has been one of the Windy City's least-peggable jazz singers, maintaining an independence of spirit even as she mined standards. So while the eclectic pop turn she takes on Tangled, her Blue Note debut, may catch some fans by surprise, it isn't as much of a departure as it may  seem. Recorded in Chicago with a cast of excellent local players including pianist Laurence Hobgood (Kurt Elling's creative partner) and guitarist John Moulder, it cohesively showcases Allen's fresh approach to classics (including a slyly broken-down treatment of Rodgers & Hart's "Everything I've Got Belongs to You"), her sultry way with ballads (one of which was written by her husband, bassist Hans Sturm) and her literate songwriting gifts. While the album may make its strongest commercial connection with her churchy, Norah Jones-ish reading of Van Morrison's "When Will I Ever Learn" and its yearning cover of Randy Newman's "Living Without You," it is more strongly defined by its originals, which encompass moody folk-rock, horn-fed funk, jazz-rock fusion and samba. As a kind of bonus, Tangled includes the first recording of Donald Fagen's nightcrawling "Do Wrong Shoes," which brings out the sassiness in Allen. --Lloyd Sachs  
 
Jackie Allen will be making her Cleveland debut with her Chicago based band, who are featured on her new Blue Note CD on Friday, July 21.  Don't miss this exciting new vocalist live at Nighttown!

---

Kevin Mahogany Quintet
featuring Red Holloway
Saturday July 22
2 shows at 8 & 10PM
$20

Kevin Mahogany's "It_Don't_Mean_a_Thing"
Kevin Mahogany's "Moonlight_in_Vermont"

Kevin Mahogany
With his gift for bebop, ballads, blues, and swinging jazz, Kevin Mahogany's talents emerged long before he was old enough to spell" record deal". "When I was a kid, music was just as important as English and math in our household" says Kansas-City-born, Kevin Mahogany. "In fact piano lessons were a grade school staple for the whole family."  But it was during his senior year in high school that his true talent was discovered- singing.

After graduating from Baker University, Kevin returned to his roots in Kansas City and played with a couple of bands before forming two groups, "Mahogany", a cross between contemporary R& B and jazz and " The Apollos" , a 60's R&B dance band.  Both groups allowed Kevin to attract a huge following in the Kansas City area. All the while, Kevin was continuing to develop his own style following artist like, Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Al Jarreau and Eddie Jefferson.

In 1995 Kevin joined with Warner Brothers and the next year released the self -titled CD," Kevin Mahogany". "Another Time, Another Place", My Romance, and " Portrait of Kevin Mahogany" closed out the next three years of Kevin at Warner Brothers.  After a short hiatus, Kevin returned to the scene in 2002 with Telarc records and released "Pride and Joy" , a tribute to the music of the great Motown era.

The latest venture for Kevin Mahogany has him stretching his wings and adding the title of "entrepreneur", to his resume. He has started his own label, " Mahogany Jazz " with his partner Rick Cioffi, and has two projects scheduled for release. " Kevin Mahogany -Big Band", and "To: Johnny Hartman ", a tribute to the incredible vocalist of the 1940-70's.
Newsweek describes him as " the standout jazz vocalist of his generation." New Yorker magazine writer Whitney Balliet writes, "There is little Mahogany cannot do." Says the LA Times, " Mahogany is one of the first truly gifted male vocalists to emerge in years."

Joining Kevin Mahogany for his appearance at Nighttown will be his current Trio featuring pianist Doug Bickel, acoustic bassist Gerald Spaits, and drummer John Yarling.  Along with Mahogany, Bickel, Spaits, and Yarling are all on the faculty of the prestigious University of Miami School of Music in Miami, Florida. Legendary Saxophonist Red Holloway is the special guest on this tour. This is sure to raise the ante when these two great performers get together.  Here is a short bio on Holloway.

Red Holloway
Born in Arkansas in the late 1920's, saxophonist Red Holloway's family would make their way to Chicago where Red started his career.  Early on Red played alongside his classmate Johnny Griffin and joined the band of bassist Eugene Wright who was later a famed member of Dave Brubeck's Quartet.  During the 50's Holloway toured with many blues legends including Roosevelt Sykes, BB King, Junior Parker and many others.  Additionally he worked with many jazz legends including Dexter Gordon, Yusef Lateef, Joe Williams, and Billie Holliday.

 In the sixties Holloway gained greater recognition when he joined organist Jack McDuff in his legendary Quartet which featured George Benson on guitar and drummer Joe Dukes.  After his tenure with McDuff, Holloway has gone on to record several solo records.  Additionally he enjoyed a fruitful partnership with saxophonist Sonny Stitt that lasted from the late sixties until Stitt's death in the late 70's. 
(photo credit Howard A. Gitelson)

A resident of Los Angeles since late 1969, Red Holloway continues to record prolifically.  Besides his solo records he has appeared as special guest on several recent Horace Silver CD's and also frequently partners with legendary trumpeter Clark Terry on recordings and live performances.  Red Holloway brings incredible show business experience to any show and is truly one of the great living jazz legends. 
 
Don't miss the great jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany and his Quintet featuring Red Holloway live at Nighttown on Saturday, July 22nd.

---

Nan O'Malley
Sunday July 23
7PM
$10

Nan O'Malley's Exactly Like You
Nan O'Malley's Caravan

Cleveland vocalist Nan O'Malley has just released her first CD "Travilin' Light".  A resident of Cleveland Hts., O'Malley is a long time favorite of Cleveland jazz fans and also has in her repertoire Folk and Celtic material.  Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, O'Malley has lived in Cleveland for several years and has been a consistent presence on the musical scene.  She combines standards with original material as well as music from other genres.
 
Always busy with her family life and other concerns, the making of her new CD has been in the works for a long time.  Her fans have anxiously awaited this moment and she will be performing the music from this CD along with the same musicians featured on the CD.  Supporting Nan O'Malley at Nighttown will be the following musicians: Bill Lestock on Mandolin and fiddle; Seth Rosen on rhythm guitar; John Gallo on Acoustic Bass; Josh Rosen on Percussion; Mike O'Malley on electric bass.   In addition to her vocals, Nan O'Malley will also play guitar, which should be a special treat.
 
Nan O'Malley's new CD "Travelin' Light" will be available on the night of the show.  Don't miss the debut of Nan O'Malley's new CD live at Nighttown on Sunday, July 23rd.

---

 Hammond B3 Organ Alert!
Brian Auger's Oblivion Express
Tuesday & Wednesday July 25 & 26
2 shows each night at 7 & 9PM
$20

Brian Auger Live!!!

Brian Auger's Oblivion Express Live Video
            (be patient for download as it is hi-resolution and full song video)


The legendary Brian Auger's Oblivion Express has returned.  The famed B3 and keyboard player, has created a distinct voice that combines jazz, rock, soul and funk, that is clearly recognizable to his millions of fans.  With over 20 recordings to his name and lengthy stints on the RCA and Warner Bros. labels, Brian Auger has accumulated a Grammy Nomination, 10 albums charting in Billboards Hot 100, a #1 single, and the title of "The Godfather of Acid Jazz"�. Brian's bands over the years have featured Rod Stewart, Long John Baldry, Julie Driscoll and even Jimi Hendrix.  In addition Brian has recorded with great luminaries as The Yardbirds, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Eric Burdon and Down To The Bone.

The new incarnation of the Oblivion Express is a family affair featuring Karma Auger on drums and Savannah Auger on vocals, who live up to the Auger name and make the Oblivion Express smoke.  Rave reviews and demands for return engagements follow Brian Auger wherever he goes.

The Oblivion Express has recently completed a new album which is scheduled for release soon. That CD will be available at Nighttown, but is not available in stores yet.  Come and hear some of the hot new songs that will be featured on the new CD.  Whatever you do, don't miss the return of Brian Auger's Oblivion Express on  Tuesday and Wednesday, July 25th and 26th at Nighttown.

---

Sara Gazarek
Thursday July 27
8PM
$20

Sara Gazarek's "Everytime We Say Goodbye" 
Sara Gazarek's "Yours"

"Breakthrough star"
Tom Scanlon  Seattle Times
 
"Sara Gazarek's singing is unique, soulful, musical, enchanting. She's a voice and talent to be reckoned with, and she will leave her imprint on jazz."
Shelly Berg, Legendary Jazz Pianist
 
"I knew the first time I heard Sara that she was the most complete and natural jazz singer I had ever heard at her young age. Tone, time, intonation, intelligence, and that rarest of qualities in a young singer "TASTE“ she's got more than she needs to be a great success."
Tierney Sutton, Telarc Recording Artist

In 2003, Sara Gazarek was just another college kid from the Northwest, scrambling to make tuition as a jazz performance major at USC when she was named as a recipient of the prestigious Downbeat Student Music Award for Outstanding Collegiate Jazz Vocalist.  Shortly after the publication hit the press, Sara was asked to perform with Oleta Adams, Karrin Allyson, and Diane Schuur as the "as yet undiscovered talent" on the Concord Jazz Festival Tour. Simultaneously, Gazarek joined Barry Manilow, Allyson, and Schuur as a Stiletto Entertainment (management) client and was soon being booked by the industry giant, William Morris. "I thought it was a joke or something," Gazarek says. "It all happened so fast, I was still in school, doing chump change gigs all over the place. So the thought of joining three of my favorite singers on the road, combined with the whole manager/booking agent thing just seemed surreal.â€�
 
Under the guise of 'needed guidance,' Sara set up a meeting with educator/bassist John Clayton. She knew she wanted John to produce the record. "He was the only person in my life who really cared about every member of my group and who had a vested interest in our music." It was Clayton who suggested the whole group meet twice weekly to arrange all of the music for YOURS. The group (Erik Kertes on bass, Josh Nelson on piano and Matt Slocum on drums) rehearsed, arranged, and composed furiously, fully prepared to go into the studio after a three month pre-production period. "We recorded at Capitol Studios, which was unbelievable.
 
 Just two years out of school, Sara knows how lucky she is to have recorded an album with her own group, the songs of her choice, and their own arrangements.  "I made a record with a producer and musicians whom I share a deep emotional connection with - an album that is filled completely with songs and arrangements from my heart.  It's what every artist strives for!"
 
Don't miss the new vocalist sensation Sara Gazarek when she returns to Nighttown on Thursday, July 27th.

---

Bill Ransom Quartet
Sunday July 30 (correceted details)
7PM
$10

Bill Ransom's John McKee
Bill Ransom's Armando's Rumba

Cleveland drummer and percussionist Bill Ransom is one of the most respected musicians on the Cleveland scene today.  A veteran of the bandstand Bill Ransom has played in support of an eclectic group of name musicians including the R & B sensation Levert, smooth jazz saxophonists Najee and Marion Meadows, and on the straight ahead side, trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, Flutist James Newton, and pianist Eric Gould
.
In recent years Bill Ransom has started to make his mark as a bandleader.  He has lead the Jazz meets Hip Hop project for the presigious Tri-C Jazz Festival for the past four years.  And even more notable he has just released his debut CD "Generations" which features a blend of youth and experience, showcasing the bridge that jazz music creates.  The new CD features veterans Glenn Holmes on acoustic bass, and Ken LeeGrand on saxophone.  They are joined by the outstanding young players Theodore Croker on trumpet and Phillip Jones on piano.  Holmes has worked extensively with Ransom as two thirds of the Eric Gould Trio.  Ken LeeGrand enjoys a high profile as the co-leader of Horns and Things and is also a leading educator in the local area.  Croker, who is the grandson of legendary trumpeter Doc Cheatham is studying at Oberlin.  And Jones who is an alumni of the Tri-C High School All-Stars is also a student at Oberlin.  The new CD features original material as well as compositions from the pens of Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, and Tony Williams.  Ransom drives the band with solid drumming as well as a variety of sonic soundscapes with various percussion instruments. 
For his appearance at Nighttown, Bill Ransom will be featuring all the same players featured on "Generations".  Don't miss the current generation of solid Cleveland jazzmen lead by drummer Bill Ransom, live at Nighttown, on Sunday July 30th.

---

Eldar
Friday and Saturday August 4 & 5
8PM
$20

Eldar's "What Is This Thing Called Love"
Eldar's "Bessame Mucho"

Eldar Djangirov - now nineteen years old and an emigrant from Kyrgyzstan in the former Soviet Union - might seem an unlikely candidate for greatness as a jazz pianist. But Eldar is in fact all of these things.  His first recording for for Sony Classical - ELDAR, featuring sax virtuoso Michael Brecker was released last year.  Now his new recording ""Live at the Blue Note" which features his Trio along with special guests trumpeters Roy Hargrove and Chris Botti has just been released.

When he was nine years old, Eldar began to explore and pursue jazz seriously. One can hear in Eldar's music influences from the classic, the inspired drive of Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, the exuberance of Dave Brubeck, and the intensity and introspection of Bill Evans.
 
Eldar was featured on the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards and has taken top prizes at the 2001 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and the 2002 Peter Nero Piano Competition. The legendary Marian McPartland hosted Eldar as her guest (her youngest ever) on the acclaimed radio show "Piano Jazz" and later asked Eldar to perform during her concert series at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. After hearing Eldar play, jazz great Benny Carter said, "He's one of the most outstanding artists I've heard in a long, long time." An impressed Dr. Billy Taylor noted that "At age 16, Eldar Djangirov's playing shows brilliancy, complexity, and discipline." Hailing Eldar as a "remarkably advanced jazz artist," JAZZIZ magazine wrote, "The pianist's incredible hands already have him sounding like a young Art Tatum."
 
On Eldar's second CD for Sony, "Live from the Bluenote", Eldar combines standards from the pens of Cole Porter, Thelonious Monk, and Billy Strayhorn, along with the latin classic "Besame Mucho" and finally four original compositions that show that Eldar is not only a great interpreter of jazz, but also a composer to be reckoned with.
 
The young prodigy Eldar returns to Nighttown leading a trio that will include drummer Todd Strait. Strait is from Kansas City, where Eldar emigrated when he was 10 years old with his family.  Todd Strait is Eldar's longest running musical colleague in this country.  Strait also tours and records with vocalist Karrin Allyson's group.  On acoustic bass will be Marco Panascia from Italy, who like Eldar is a rising young talent on the jazz scene.
 
Don't miss the sensational young prodigy Eldar with his trio live at Nighttown on Friday and Saturday, August 4th and 5th.