The Heavy Hitters at The Century Room

The Heavy Hitters returned to The Century Room @thecenturyroom for their 2nd appearance on December 7, 2023. The band presented compositions calling upon the timelessness of old Blue Note sounds. The Heavy Hitters are co-led by Mike LeDonne, New York-based bop pianist best known for his sideman work with Milt Jackson and Benny Golson. His partner in crime, Eric Alexander (himself a first-rate soloist working with Harold Mabern amongst others) was his quartet-mate on a well-received series of releases on the Venus label in the mid-2000’s.

The Heavy Hitters at The Century Room

LeDonne & Alexander were joined in this powerhouse ensemble by the fiery trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, bassist Alexander Claffy and the sublime swing of drummer Kenny Washington. These world-renowned musicians are the epitome of New York jazz and are known for bringing the heat and taking no prisoners.

On the evening:

  • Mike LeDonne - piano @mikeledonne5

  • Jeremy Pelt - trumpet @jeremypeltthegriot

  • Vincent Herring - alto saxophone @vincent.herring

  • Eric Alexander - tenor saxophone @ericalexanderjazz

  • Alexander Claffy - bass @claffybass

  • Kenny Washington - drums @kwjazzdrums

#heavyhitters #theheavyhitters #mikeledonne #ericalexander #vincentherring #jeremypelt #alexanderclaffy #kennywashington #thecenturyroom #centuryroom #tucson #jazz #bop #hardbop #bebop #bluenote #bestconcertphotographerintucson #bestconcertphotographerinarizona #jazzportrait #sextet

The Lewis Nash All-Star Quintet

It was fitting that The Nash Jazz Club celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a return engagement of namesake Lewis Nash’s own long-standing quintet of musical soulmates. As an ensemble, these musicians created the quintessential jazz quintet sound as they played both familiar jazz standards and exciting original tunes for the anniversary celebration. On the evening:

  • Renee Rosnes - piano - @reneerosnes

  • Jeremy Pelt - trumpet - @jeremypeltthegriot

  • Jimmy Greene - sax - @jimmygreenemusic

  • Peter Washington - bass

  • Lewis Nash - drums - @lewisnashdrums

#thenash #thenashjazzclub #lewisnash #reneerosnes #jeremypelt #jimmygreene #peterwashinton #livejazz #phoenix #arizona #bop #bebop #hardbop #concertphotographer #josephberg #jazzphotographer #jazzphotography

Jeremy Pelt Quintet

Jeremy Pelt and his quintet perform tunes from his newest album “Griot: This Is Important!.

Pelt is one of the preeminent trumpeters and band leaders in todays jazz world with the ability to execute intricate solos with ease and deliver a ballad in a soulful manner. At this special engagement at The Nash Jazz Club, Pelt delivered music from his newest release which is part jazz album and part oral history from fellow artists he has interviewed. For Pelt, Griot: This Is Important! honors his forebears and casts light on the motivations of those who devote their lives to it. He brought to The Nash Jazz Club the core powerhouse lineup featured on the album to perform these amazing compositions.

On the evening: Jeremy Pelt - trumpet, Chien Chien Lu - vibraphone, Victor Gould - piano, Jonathan Michel - bass and Allan Mednard - drums.

Hit one of the images below for the full-rez slideshow.

#jeremypelt #griot #chienchienlu #victorgould #jonathanmichel #allanmednard #thenashjazzclub #jazz #dtphx #phoenix #rooseveltrow #josephbergjazzphotography