Here at NJJazzList things will be changing. We're looking at new ways of promoting live jazz and look forward to supporting more jazz artists and venues.
Thank you to all our supports over the years. I've enjoyed every minute of creating and maintaining this site in it's various forms and l am looking forward to doing more for this great American artform. Stay tuned...
-Andy McDonough
New Brunswick Jazz Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting world class jazz performances in downtown New Brunswick and other Central Jersey venues. Since its inception in 2010 NBJP has gone from presenting monthly jazz performances often sponsor free shows year-round.
May features events with these formidable jazz players: Ralph Bowen on 5/7
Gregory Bufford of 5/14 with Nat Cole Legacy
Don Braden on 5/21
Elio Coppola on 5/28. All events have sets at 7pm an 8:45 at Tavern on George.
Also at Tavern on George, catch the emerging artist series every Tuesday at 7pm followed by a jam session at 8:30.
In addition to curating great live perfomances for the public, NBJP regularly partners with the New Brunswick Public Schools and the Hub Teen Center to provide after-school enrichment programming in the form of jazz performances with student participation and talk backs.
Click on image above to learn more about local events.
With many outdoor shows and special events, Spring is a great time to hear worldclass jazz in the Garden State. Here are just a few of the amazing jazz events in New Jersey scheduled in May:
Wynton Marsalis (May 3) at the Mayo Performing Arts Center Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis leads the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, featuring over a dozen of today’s finest jazz soloists and ensemble players who perform the music of the great jazz composers, as well as original works that foster an appreciation for this American music genre.
Cape May Exit Zero Jazz Festival (May 15-17) were Jose James will pay tribute to the music of John Coltrane with more artists to be announced -- watch for more info
Pamela Whitman & Friends play Latin Jazz (May 3) 2pm at Ocean City Free Public Library -- this one is free!
Eric Darius (May 9), Hamilton Stage, Rahway as part of WBGO's "All That Jazz" series
Glenn Miller Orchestra (May 15) Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown
Swingadelic Jazz Brunch (May 24) at 1776 Morristown (11:00 AM).
Jerry Weldon Quintet (May 31) at Rutherfurd Hall (2:00 PM).
To find out about other live performances, check the New Jersey Jazz Society for local, smaller-venue performances. Also, see the NJJazzList Jazz Calendar for local jams and other special jazz-centric events.
New Jersey’s Jazz Clubs You Should Know
The Free Jazz Collective- Brian Marsella and Sae Hashimoto - Tunnel Vision (Red Palace Records, 2026)By Brian Earley A single string vibrates into one deep, sustained note. The note flickers, almost pulses around its tonal center, the way a Tibetan singing bowl circles one ever changing tone. This is how “Sheep Water,” the fourth song on Tunnel Vision, by Brian Marsella and Sae Hashimoto, opens. After nearly forty seconds of […]
All About Jazz- How John Coltrane Changed Rock Music: Eight Miles HighIn a 1969 interview, Miles Davis said, "I could put together the greatest rock 'n' roll band you ever heard." In many ways, Davis did just that, though it remains a point of contention among many of his fans, who might argue otherwise... [ read more ]
- Maria Schneider: Composing In The Age Of Curated RageToday, The Tonearm's needle lands on composer and avid birdwatcher Maria Schneider. Few composers working today have Maria Schneider's range. She holds seven Grammy Awards, was named an NEA Jazz Master, and this year took home the Rolf Schock Prize in Musical Arts, one of the most prestigious honors in the field... [ read more […]
This ensemble embraces a broad stylistic swath of jazz, Latin and Brazilian idioms and experiments with intimate to large groups.
Bill O’Connell – piano and Fender Rhodes, Lincoln Goines – bass, Robby Ameen – drums with special guests Randy Brecker – flugelhorn, Craig Handy – alto sax, Conrad Herwig – trombone, Andrea Brachfeld – flute, and Dan Carillo – guitar.
This is bassist, Steve LaSpina’s 12th album as a leader, and explores some of his old tunes, as well as new works. It gives the listener a rare opportunity to experience how original compositions in jazz develop after decades of live performance. PERSONNEL: Steve LaSpina - bass, Joel Frahm - tenor & soprano saxophone, Luis Perdomo - piano, and Eric McPherson - drums.
Drummer, Reggie Quinerly, offers his latest album as a fond good-bye as he relocates to Los Angeles. The quintet of trumpeter Antoniene Drye, tenor saxophonist John Ellis, pianist John Chin, and bassist Sean Conly, recorded their seven tracks together in one room, old school.
Veteran alto man Andy Fusco has appeared on many sessions over the years including his work with the Buddy Rich big band and sideman duties with the likes of Walt Weiskopf and drummer Steve Smith. Bravo to Steeplechase Records who have given him the opportunity to record an album a year with this being his fifth release.
Previously Unreleased Live Tenor Sax Giant George Coleman from The Ballroom in Baltimore,1971
Know of a jazz player in need, a benefit or a good cause related to jazz? Please reach out.
In the meantime, click on the link to learn more about Philadelphia's JazzBridge organization.
