The Nashville Jazz Workshop will present a pair of concerts in a couple of weeks that feature rhythm players as combo leaders. The first on Jan. 24th spotlights percussionist/composer John Arruci with his quartet. The second on January 25 features drummer John Alvey. Both will be in the NJW’s acclaimed Jazz Cave at 1012 Buchanan Street. Tickets for both shows are $35, and each one begins at 7:30. Arriucci is recognized as one of the world’s finest percussionists. He’ll be appearing in Nashville for the first time leading the John Arrucci Quartet, which he’ll lead from the Vibes.
Joining John is Josh Karas (piano), Thomas Altman (bass), & Brian Czach (drums).
Arrucci’s string of heralded appearances has taken him to events and festivals on four continents. His list of associations/collaborations include such fine musicians as
Michael Brecker, Mariah Carey, John Patitucci, Gil Goldstein, Oliver Lake, Richard Bona, Jane Ira Bloom, Gary Versace, David Byrne, and Bob Brookmeyer. He›s also appeared at such prestigious stops as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Symphony Space, the United Nations, and Merkin Hall among other renowned Jazz venues.
Arrucci and his quartet will present three world premieres and also perform numbers from his extensive repertoire of original music.
John Alvey is appearing in Nashville at the workshop for the first time. His quartet will perform music from makes his NJW debut, presenting music from his first album “Loft Glow,” which features Roland Barber (trombone), Joel Frahm (tenor saxophone), Jovan Quallo (alto saxophone), Matt Endahl (piano), and Jacob Jezioro (bass). Alvey says “Producing this album is the best way I know how to express my gratitude to the jazz musicians that have given me a lifetime of joy, reflection, and inspiration: Jazz as a worldview, a culture, a contemplative way of life. As I write this, I think especially about our jazz elders that are still with us. To be grateful that our timelines intersect, that we may still learn from them. Loft Glow closes with “Blues for D.P.”, my tribute to its writer, the great bassist and leader Ron Carter. Loft Glow is dedicated to Benny Golson. I always return to his playing, his tone, to his tunes, to his discography. This album includes his tune “Terminal 1.” “Loft Glow” is also dedicated to my father, Michael Alvey: jazz pianist and master musician.”
Alvey has recorded with Taj Mahal, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, Shannon Labrie, as well as Vince Gill. John has worked in multiple musical situations ranging from recording drums with string quartets to playing shows in Nashville’s historic rooms and performance venues: The Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry, War Memorial Auditorium, The Bluebird Cafe, The Station Inn, Rudy’s Jazz Room, and The Nashville Jazz Workshop. For 20 years, John has played in a trio with his father, jazz pianist Michael Alvey, and he currently plays with the Grammy-nominated pairing of Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley. In addition to his playing credits, Alvey has 15 years of teaching experience within his private studio of students both in Nashville and online.
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