“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.
Formed by Austin drummer Kevin Witt, who studied in New York with veteran timekeepers, Jimmy Cobb, Cindy Blackman and Peter Retzlaff, B-Side is a group so dedicated to the classic hard bop ethos they prefer to dig into the second sides of great albums, rather than stick with the traditional standards. Expect Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and their peers, but not necessarily the songs you expect. Song selections are wrapped in historical context through shared descriptions, narratives, and samples.
Don't miss it! This group features some of Austin's finest jazz musicians:
Andre Hayward-Trombone Terry Bowness-Organ Bruce Saunders-Guitar Kevin Witt-Drums
Originally formed in 1978, this iconic Austin Gem of a band has performed at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, South by Southwest, the Urban Fest, UT's End Zone Club, the grand opening of Austin Bergstram International Airport, the grand opening of the new City Hall, the grand opening of the Hyatt Lost Pines resort in Bastrop and Houston Tillotson University. They have also opened for Grammy winning jazz vocalist Diane Shuur among a host of other national acts. When someone wants to knock it out of the park musically, they call on Blue Mist.
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.
Guitarist Matt Berger brings together a hard-grooving rhythm section featuring Brannen Temple on drums, international pianist Daniel Raynaud and a surprise guest on upright bass. Join the band on Sunday night for their musical explorations of contemporary swing.
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.
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!
Pianist Spencer Foster brings a band of all-star jazz musicians to play original compositions and arrangements of classics to captivate audience all night long. Personnel: - Spencer Foster (piano) - Marco Santos (guitar) - Chris Jones (bass) - Terrance McDaniel (drums)
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.
The N.O.W. Jazz Orchestra is an 18 piece modern jazz big band based in Austin, Texas. Its repertoire comes from members of the band and national composers.
Elena Diaz is a jazz vocalist with an ability to transform any song into a sweet, touching tune that will move audiences in all contexts.
Trumpeter Rachel Spencer leads a powerhouse band of Austin’s best for a night of soul and swing. Nodding to the lyricism of Blue Mitchell with a contemporary edge, her music is a bridge of post- bop tradition and modern groove that you won’t want to miss!
Band: Rachel Spencer, Trumpet Gene Centeno, Sax Andy Langham, Piano Liam Odell, Bass Josh Berry, Drums
Guitarist Aaron Frescas brings the blues down to the basement.
Desde la Raíz blends Afro-Caribbean traditions with contemporary jazz, focusing on original music rooted in Colombian and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Recently released the singles “Gin Tonic” and “For Ana,” will be featured along with songs from their upcoming full album release.
THE BREW This band of brothers has been creating stellar Latin infused original jazz since 1980. They are no doubt an Austin treasure!
New to Austin, Jerry Z is a Hammond B3 organist and composer known for soulful grooves, fiery solos and his unique, innovative approach to jazz/blues/funk. Best known for his work with The Headhunters and Oz Noy, Jerry has been a sought after collaborator and performer in the New York jazz scene, contributing his unique Hammond B3 sound to some of New York’s most influential and groundbreaking bands.
As a bandleader, he has been a fixture in the NYC jazz scene and toured globally with his trio. He has recorded/toured with guitar wizard Oz Noy, legendary drummer Mike Clark, soul jazz pioneer Melvin Sparks, The Headhunters, blues great Delbert McClinton, Hiram Bullock, Mark Whitfield, Bernard Purdy, and NEA Jazz master Donald Harrison.
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.
Michael Mordecai's MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ JAM has been a weekly staple in Austin, Texas since 1980. When the Elephant Room opened in 1991, the JAM found it's permanent home in the basement. Many Austin Jazz greats cut their teeth at this unassuming Monday night hang where "the old pro's and the young lions mix licks". You just never know who might show up or what musical jam moment might spark the next cool collaboration.
