Trumpeter Rachel Spencer is a jazz artist and composer whose sound “balances lyric storytelling with expressive soloing—reverent to the tradition, but never trapped by it” (Occhi).
Join Spencer at the Elephant Room for the Album Release Show celebrating her debut album, The Next Right Thing. Featuring seven original compositions, the album moves from hard-driving modern jazz to lyrical ballads and groove-driven writing, exploring mentorship, creative identity, and the search for an authentic artistic voice.
Already earning international praise, The Next Right Thing has been celebrated for its memorable melodies, emotional depth, and adventurous ensemble playing. Disconecta called Spencer “a blazing star, brimming with technique” and the album “a triumph of spectacle from beginning to end.”
Personnel:
Jerry Espinoza: Saxophones Andy Langham: Piano Liam O'Dell: Bass Mati Soto: Drums
Robin brings his groove trio to the basement with Pierson Keating on piano and Michael Stevens on bass. Opening for CENTERPEACE is a special connection as both Robin ans Michael played in Dr. Polk's trio for many years.
Red Young Trio brings down his big organ and two amazing tenor sax all stars with only the best drummer for an evening of musical madness!
After touring the world with legendary jazz organist Jimmy Smith, Cindy Blackmon (former drummer for Lenny Kravitz), guitarist Mark Whitfield, and steel drummer Othello Molineaux (Weather Report). Michael settled here in Austin to form his own group Just Released, which then had multiple successful tours in Europe and Asia.
Bassist extraordinaire John Fremgen brings his trio with Mitch Watkins and Daniel Dufour for a star-studded Sunday night of jazz!
You never know quite what to expect when Jon Blondell is on bass, but you know it's gonna be good! Jon returns to reclaim his throne on stage in the basement. Matt Berger on Guitar and Mike Gordon on drums.
Freddie's back in town and hosting the jam!
International quality musicians performing one of the greatest guitar players on the planet in the basement every Tuesday!
Dr. John Mills and Hank Hehmsoth reunite to bring their original sounds down the basement.
Liz Morphis and the Violet Crown Revue are the perfect way to end your work day - even the crummy ones! They have the perfect musical fix to end your day on a high note.
Monster Big Band blows the walls down once a month at the Elephant Room. Austin's favorite 18-piece big band covers everything from Sinatra to Ella to Black Sabbath to Buddy Rich. Monster will leave you asking for more.
“Sarah Sharp's soft-spoken singing style and quiet instrumentations offer a living room, fireside closeness that keeps her away from the lounge-singer stereotypes of similarly jazz-influenced performers." — @nprmusic, All Songs Considered
The Sarah Sharp Quintet performs every Thursday evening in the basement, featuring John Fremgen, Masumi Jones, Oliver Steck, and Mitch Watkins.
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- Times Jazz Critic Leonard Feather described Brian Bettger as "an ultra-smooth trumpet player." Brian relocated to the Austin area after years as performer, educator, arranger and conductor in the Southern California music scene. Brian has performed with a wide array of artists from Frank Sinatra to Chick Corea to Queen Latifa to U2. His Texas Cool Quintet celebrates the West Coast 'Cool' School with music from Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Stan Getz and beyond.
Guitarist Drew Simpson returns to the basement with his outstanding quintet.
Austin original funky jazz band turns up the thermostat down in the basement!
Kim Prevost, vocalist & Bill Solley, guitarist return to perform at the iconic elephant Room club. The quintet will feature the duo joined by drummer Kirk Covington, guitarist Carter Arrington, and bassist Chad Wesselkamper. The group is bringing jazz & improvisation to the stage. Get ready for some next level jazz & soul!
This powerhouse lineup of organ, guitar (Tommy Howrd), and drums (Tom Breichtlein) delivers a sizzling mix of original compositions and genre-defying classics, from the soulful grooves of Jimmy Smith and Wayne Shorter to the hard-hitting energy of Soundgarden and beyond.
Founded in 1993 by Bobby Davis and trumpeter Steve Fleckman to bring professionals and amateurs together to celebrate their love and respect for the art of jazz in a BIG way! Now under the direction of Brian Bettger, this group has developed into one of the top big bands in Texas.
Trombone player Kevin Hrabak hosts the Monday night JAZZ JAM with Jakob Hartz on piano, Aiden Berg on bass and Mike Koenning on drums.
International quality musicians performing one of the greatest guitar players on the planet in the basement every Tuesday!
