For the past decade, Blues Alley has partnered with embassies to present jazz series highlighting artists from different countries and regions of the world. Monday marks the start of the Indian jazz series. more ›

What John Coltrane did for the saxophone or what Tony Williams did for the drumset, that is what Gary Burton did for the vibraphone. Catch his quartet this weekend at Blues Alley. more ›

Jazz has a great tradition of piano trios extending as far back as the genre itself. The stripped down instrumentation of piano, bass and drums maximizes the room for interplay among musicians while maintaining a softness and intimacy that might be lost in larger ensembles. One of today's most inventive trios, featuring pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, drummer Ari Hoenig and bassist François Moutin, will make an appearance tonight at Blues Alley as part of the club's French jazz series. more ›

Concept albums have been a staple of rock music for decades, going all the way back to iconic albums like Sgt. Pepper's and Tommy. While jazz musicians have also attempted to build recordings around a central theme, it is a much more difficult proposition when dealing with instrumental music because there are no words to tell a story. This challenge has not deterred guitarist Julian Lage, whose latest album, Gladwell, is the named after a fictional town`around which the songs are based. more ›

Among electric bassists, those hailing from West Africa are among the most enjoyable to watch and hear. The very nature of that region's music gives the instrument room to breath and allows for lines that are almost as intricate as the melodies they support. The bass is not used only to provide a rhythmic and harmonic foundation, it sings. more ›

Many artists claim to eschew boundaries, but few reach the point where categories no longer apply. Jeff Coffin is one of those rare artists. Not only is he a world class saxophonist with an immediately identifiable sound, Coffin is also an accomplished photographer, educator and public speaker. With a style rooted in his formal jazz training, Coffin's music embraces any and all influences. This open-minded approach led to a longstanding relationship with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, as well as the call to take the saxophone chair in the Dave Matthews Band after founding member Leroi Moore's unfortunate passing. But even with such high profile gigs under his belt, Coffin refuses to rest. His band, the Mu'tet, features a rotating cast of musicians and serves as a vehicle for Coffin's undying curiosity. more ›

While not as familiar a bassist as contemporaries like Ron Carter or Dave Holland, few jazz musicians can claim a a journey as rich and diverse as that of Buster Williams. Turning pro after a short stint in music school and while still only in his late teens, Williams has played with many of jazz's all-time greats over the past 50 years. One would think there is some reward in looking back over such an impressive career.

"It's very interesting because I don't feel that way," said Williams during a recent interview with DCist. "The key to creativity is to continue to seek. I'm reaching upwards. I'm reaching for a stronger blending of myself with the rest of humanity." more ›

No matter how talented a person is, it always helps to have friends in high places to help spread the word about those abilities. Guitarist Sanjay Mishra, who will be leading a group on Wednesday at Blues Alley, must understand this as well as anyone. His big break came in 1995 with the release of Blue Incantation, an album whose chief supporter was none other than the late Jerry Garcia. The Grateful Dead stalwart not only released the recording through the Dead's merchandising company, but also performed on three of its tracks, making it one of his final recordings. more ›

Like many musicians, Anat Fort's first exposure to music and the arts began at a very young age, when her parents began taking her to lessons at age five in her native Israel. While the standard image is that of a young child playing “Chopsticks,” or an endless string of scales, the pianist’s experience was quite different and informs her music to this day. more ›

At one point during last night's early set at Blues Alley, drummer Matt Wilson turned over his snare drum and started playing the bottom head with one stick, while his right hand stick alternated between playing his cymbals and rubbing against the snares themselves. The result was an effect that sounded like a DJ's scratching to augment the groove Wilson was playing with his other three limbs. more ›

Woodwind artist John Surman is not a name one hears in this country very often, even in jazz circles, despite a career that spans 45 years. This is largely because his journey is centered in Europe, where the native of Devon, England first gained recognition in the fertile London scene of the mid-1960s. There, he played with band leaders like Mike Westbrook, Alexis Korner, and Ronnie Scott, all pioneers of British jazz. The soon-to-be 65-year old went on to record with guitar great John McLaughlin, Miles Davis collaborator Gil Evans, and others. In the late '70s, Surman began a relationship with the quintessential European jazz label, ECM Records, which continues to this day. Tonight, he begins a rare area appearance at Blues Alley, in support of his latest ECM release, Brewster's Rooster. more ›

Trumpeter Dave Douglas cites the great Miles Davis as a major influence, not just as a player, but also in terms of musical philosophy. The jazz legend had an extremely expansive and inclusive take on music, so it's no surprise that Douglas, like his idol, has carved out a career as a musical chameleon. Often referred to as an avant-gardist because of his work with John Zorn's Masada and other groups, Douglas's music cannot be confined to such narrow labels. more ›

Vocalist Sara Serpa's career track is a road less traveled in today's jazz world. Many singers are beholden to the past, choosing to express themselves through the standards of yesteryear, while trying to recreate the sound of the great crooners, whether it be Sinatra, Holiday, or Fitzgerald. Serpa, originally from Lisbon, Portugal, not only does not limit herself to old material, but has an approach closer to that of an instrumentalist instead of a chanteuse. Her intriguing sound will be on display tonight at Blues Alley. more ›

Jazz guitarist Jostein Gulbrandsen's career has been on the upswing since the 2007 release of his debut, Twelve. The album was named one of the year's top five by The Village Voice and as a result, Gulbrandsen is slowly making a name for himself in New York's crowded jazz scene. He is also a friend of the District, coming to the city several times a year to perform with local musicians. Gulbrandsen will return to our fair city with performances on Sunday at the vibrant Bossa Bistro & Lounge and Monday at Blues Alley, a performance sponsored by the Norwegian Embassy. more ›

Trumpeter Nicholas Payton emerged in the early 1990s as part of a new wave of young lions who picked up the trail left by the likes of Wynton Marsalis in the 1980s. The Crescent City native, who will be performing tonight and tomorrow at Blues Alley, is the son of respected bassist Walter Payton. Growing up, he studied and performed with some of the finest jazzers New Orleans had to offer. This upbringing has had a lasting effect on his music, leading him on a crusade against the notion that jazz is elitist or an acquired taste. more ›

Sunday marks the start of the Israeli Jazz Series at Blues Alley, a collaboration between the historic club and the Cultural Affairs Department at the Embassy of Israel. The series is meant to showcase jazz artists that are of Israeli origin, but who have also garnered international notice. more ›

Baltimore-based jazz musician Todd Marcus (pictured) experienced first-hand the cruelty of the music business when he held a CD release event at Charm City's historic Patterson Theater in June 2006. His group, the Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra, had a strong album with In Pursuit of the 9th Man, so named because of the difficulties in arranging rehearsals for such a large group, and put on a first-rate performance in front of a capacity crowd. Despite the event's success at every level, the bass clarinetist and composer ended up losing money that night. more ›

While there are some great shows coming up in January, this week is still subject to holiday doldrums. Here are a few shows to check out. more ›

So now you know who we loved locally this year. Here's our list of the live shows that came through town and left a lasting impression in '07. more ›

>> Beginning tonight, piano legend Ahmad Jamal (pictured with bassist James Cammack) continues his annual tradition of closing each year with a week-long residence at Blues Alley. Daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets begin tonight and run through Sunday. Tickets are $30 + $12.50 surcharge/drink minimum. On New Year's Eve, the Keter Betts memorial band, which includes celebrated guitarist Paul Bollenback and local drumming ace Lenny Robinson, will join Jamal to ring in 2008 with 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. sets. Information on the New Year's packages is available here. more ›

>> Blues Alley's Christmas music extravaganza continues tonight with The Redd Brothers, a group led by vibraphonist Chuck Redd and pianist Robert Redd. Sets are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 surcharge/minimum. more ›

>> Tonight, the Alliance Francaise and Twins Jazz present the Dupont T quartet, a group led by bassist Hubert Dupont, a major player in the jazz scene in Paris. Tickets to the 8 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $20. Discounted tickets are available to Alliance members. >> Marshall Allen (pictured) is a long-time member of the influential avant-garde outfit, the Sun Ra Arkestra. Tonight, Allen brings his own group to George Washington Univ, Phillips Hall,... more ›

Trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard (pictured right) is a friend to D.C. The New Orleans native chose Blues Alley as the spot to release his latest CD, A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina). Though he is a celebrated bandleader and performer, he has also been quietly making his mark in the film world as Spike Lee's chief musical collaborator. Tomorrow at 8 p.m., the Kennedy Center will host Terence Blanchard for what... more ›

>> Tonight, New York based woodwind player Rob Jacoby comes to Twins Jazz for an evening of straight ahead jazz. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information. >> The Big Apple sends another one of its gifted talents to Twins. Daniela Schaechter, a skilled composer, vocalist, and pianist, has already wan numerous awards including the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition 2005, The Sister in Jazz Competition 2002, and the Betty Carter’s Jazz... more ›

This review is long past due. DCist began its jazz coverage over six months ago and only now are we covering a performance at the venerable Twins Jazz. A mainstay of the D.C. jazz scene, first with its Colorado Ave. location and now with new digs on U Street, the club, especially on weekends, hosts respected musicians who draw national attention, but who are also a bit too experimental for venues such as Blues Alley... more ›

It's an unusually slow week in JazzLand, but there's still some great stuff to check out and a must-see show coming up this weekend. >> For jazz fans who prefer the smoother side of things, Pieces of A Dream will be playing tonight through Sunday at Blues Alley. Tickets to the daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are $27.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. >> HR-57 presents a great program tonight that will be much easier... more ›

>> Tonight, head over to Twins Jazz to check out New York's Mark Feldman (violin) and Sylvie Courvoisier (piano) as they team up for an evening of experimental jazz. Feldman has recorded with artists as diverse as John Zorn and They Might Be Giants while Courvoisier has worked with a number of notable European artists. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information. >> Most of you will be stuffing your faces with Turkey Day... more ›

>> One of the biggest names in smooth jazz, altoist David Sanborn, begins a five night stint at Blues Alley tonight with daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. >> Our first must see of the week takes place at Twins Jazz, where the club will feature three ensembles under the direction of local saxophonist Brad Linde. The University of Maryland Jazz Chamber Ensemble will play the first set... more ›

>> Tonight's a big night for music, beginning with a celebration of one of the great musicians of the 20th century, Frank Zappa. His son, Dweezil, leads a group of Zappa-alums for this tribute, which takes place at Warner Theater. 7:30 p.m., $50/$75 + Ticketmaster fees. >> Tonight, the musical flavor of New Orleans comes to the Wonderland Ballroom tonight as Yamomanem takes the stage. Call 202-232-5263 for cover information. 9 p.m. >> Also tonight,... more ›

>> Those who want to hear smooth sounds with global influences should head down to Blues Alley this week as guitarist Jonathan Butler comes to town for a 3-night stand beginning Thursday. Tickets to the 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets are available here. $43 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge. >> Mavis "Swan" Poole, an up-and-coming young vocalist who is an alum of the prestigious Betty Carter Straight Ahead Jazz Workshop will perform at Twins Jazz on... more ›