Livestreams are Available for 48 Hours in Every Time Zone “[Hayes] has spent over 70 years keeping time with some of the most soulful artists in the music’s history.” – National Public Radio Abraham Burton – tenor saxophone Steve Nelson – vibraphone David Hazeltine – piano Gerald Cannon – bass Louis Hayes – drums NEA Jazz Master Louis Hayes, a legendary drummer who has been at the heart of the jazz world for over five decades, reunites an all-star lineup of his historic ensemble, The Jazz Communicators. This powerhouse group features saxophonist Abraham Burton, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, pianist David Hazeltine, and bassist Gerald Cannon. In the 1950s and ’60s, Hayes has the rising star drummer in the iconic bands of Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, and Oscar Peterson. His extensive career has seen him work and record alongside other jazz legends, including Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, Cannonball Adderley, Grant Green, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, and John Coltrane. With an impeccable sense of feel and a propulsive swing, Hayes has played a pivotal role in shaping the art of jazz drumming. The Guardian praises Hayes for his “unmistakable style: excitement tempered by poise,” while All About Jazz notes, “Today, Louis is one of the last men drumming from jazz’s galloping hard-bop era. Best of all, he hasn’t lost an ounce of energy or style.” 

Livestreams are Available for 48 Hours in Every Time Zone Eddie Henderson – trumpet Ralph Moore – tenor saxophone George Cables – piano Peter Washington – bass Bill Stewart – drums “Miles Davis was the artist who defined jazz for me, and who, in his own way, defined American music in the 20th century.” — Quincy Jones An exceptional quintet—featuring trumpet legend Eddie Henderson, saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist George Cables, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Bill Stewart—celebrates the life and music of the iconic Miles Davis, who would have been 99 on May 26. This special week honors Davis’s groundbreaking contributions to jazz, showcasing some of the music that continues to grow in importance and popularity with musicians and audiences. From the modal masterpiece of Kind of Blue to the groundbreaking work of the Second Great Quintet and many other familiar classics from throughout his career, these jazz giants will recreate some of the magic of Miles. 

Livestreams are Available for 48 Hours in Every Time Zone “Payton's genius virtuosity captivated both faithful fans and anyone in the NPR crowd just discovering his music for the first time. – NPR Nicholas Payton – trumpet Mark Turner – tenor saxophone Joel Ross – vibraphone Mike Moreno – guitar Vicente Archer – bass Marcus Gilmore – drums Grammy Award-winner Nicholas Payton premieres a stunning all-star group with saxophonist Mark Turner, vibraphonist Joel Ross, guitarist Mike Moreno, bassist Vicente Archer, and drummer Marcus Gilmore. Payton, a trumpet virtuoso and accomplished multi-instrumentalist, brings unique insight, inspiration, and passion to a broad spectrum of Black American Music. Widely considered one of the most important artists of our time, he has earned praise from the legendary Doc Cheatham, who called him “the greatest of the New Orleans-style players that I’ve ever heard. He’s pure, he’s not fooling around.” The Chicago Tribune adds, “No descriptive label or category could be affixed to Payton’s solos, which were as brashly original as they were technically imposing.” 

Livestreams are Available for 48 Hours in Every Time Zone Emmet Cohen – piano Philip Norris – bass Kyle Poole – drums “A young piano virtuoso with a delicate touch, a confident, swinging feel, and a debonair flow.” – The New York Times Pianist Emmet Cohen leads his critically acclaimed, fan-favorite trio. Praised by All About Jazz as “one of the finest piano players to emerge in decades,” Cohen has built a dedicated following and introduced new audiences to jazz. One of the genre’s brightest stars, Cohen seamlessly blends stride, swing, bebop, free jazz, and contemporary styles, with a particular focus on the Great American Songbook. He has accompanied numerous jazz legends and plays with the assuredness of a seasoned veteran. Downbeat notes that his “nimble touch, measured stride, and warm harmonic vocabulary show he’s focused on artistry, not technical showmanship.”