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

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The Music of Cedar Walton

Lewis Nash, who toured and recorded with the legendary jazz artist Cedar Walton gathered long-time bandmates of Walton for a special two-show concert at The Nash Jazz Club.

The Music of Cedar Walton featured Vincent Herring on sax, Javon Jackson on sax, Mike LeDonne on piano, David Williams on bass and Lewis Nash on drums.

Pianist/composer Cedar Walton created one of the most swinging, lyrical and original sounds in jazz history. While very influential as a pianist and improviser, he was just as important as a composer and arranger. His writing demonstrated a beautiful melodic, harmonic and rhythmic sophistication, and his tunes remain among the most popular in the jazz repertoire.

#cedarwalton #lewisnash #vincentherring #javonjackson #mikeledonne #davidwilliams #thenash #thenashjazzclub #jazz #josephberg #jazzphotographer #jazzphotography