Overview

Four of today’s most exciting voices on tenor sax – Melissa Aldana, Chris Lewis, Walter Smith III, and Lew Tabackin – join us with a terrific rhythm section led by Aaron Diehl for an evening celebrating this signature instrument of modern jazz through generation-spanning perspectives.

Grammy-nominated Aldana is a winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and premier contemporary post-bop player who leads her own acclaimed quartet and has worked with artists from Jimmy Heath to Cécile McLorin Salvant. The inventive young Chris Lewis is in demand by artists from Wynton Marsalis to Herbie Hancock to Michael Buble. Walter Smith III has played with Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and others, and brings cool sophistication to the post-bop tradition. Hard bop tenor master Lew Tabackin’s distinctive sound and musical vision have made him a singular talent on the instrument across decades and across work with his bands with Toshiko Akiyoshi, and years of collaboration with jazz greats including Roland Hanna, Hank Jones, Elvin Jones, and many others. Experience the artistry of four exceptional tenor players who carry – and move forward – the legacies of sax giants from Coleman Hawkins to Dexter Gordon to Sonny Rollins.

Online streaming also available for 72 hours following the performance.