Matt Baker, Natalie Douglas, Jamie deRoy and More Set for Birdland Jazz Club, Jan 2014

Birdland Jazz Club has announced their line-up of impressive talent for the month of January 2014. Featuring: The Birdland Big Band, Lauren Kinhan, Diane Schuur, Regina Carter, Nicholas Payton & Action Affirmative, Joey DeFrancesco, Cyrille Aimee, Matt Baker, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, Birdland Jazz Party, and more!

Birdland will kick-off the new year with an exciting month of programming:

December 31 - January 4 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM

January 5 (Sunday) at 9:00 & 11:00PM

The Birdland Big Band directed by Tommy Igoe

Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! The BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is fast becoming the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"

All seats $40, $10 minimum

January 6 (Monday) at 7:00PM

Matt Baker "A Tribute to Oscar Peterson"

Australian jazz pianist Matt Baker will perform "An Oscar Moment: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Jazz Legend Oscar Peterson." The concert will showcase Baker's interpretations of Peterson's greatest work, celebrating his life, greatest hits, and some of his beautiful original works. The two met in 2002 at the Blue Note in NYC, which was the start of a friendship and mentorship that lasted until Peterson's death in 2007. Jim Cammack will perform on bass, Jerome Jennings on drums, and Special Guest Vocalist will be BriAnna Thomas.

All seats $25, $10 minimum

January 7 (Tuesday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM

Lauren Kinhan "Circle in a Square" CD Release Celebration

Jazz Times says, "Sweet surprises lurk around every corner... shaping a pastiche that is hip, intelligent and vibrant." Her third solo CD, tentatively titled Circle in a Square, is in production following a successful campaign she ran with the aid of Kickstarter's fan funded business model. She has partnered with Elliot Scheiner (Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac) to produce the recording featuring the amazing talents of Ben Wittman (drums), Andy Ezrin (piano), Dave Finck (bass), and Will Lee (bass) for the underbelly. Lauren Kinhan will be joined at Birdland by Andy Ezrin (piano), David Finck (bass), Ben Wittman (drums), and Donny McCaslin (sax).

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 8 (Wednesday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM

The Beegie Adair Trio with Special Guest Monica Ramey

The legendary Beegie Adair Trio will be playing the historic Birdland Jazz Club on January 8, 2014. Joining the trio will be special guest, vocalist Monica Ramey. Their performances, as a trio and with Ms. Ramey, have consistently energized sold out audiences. Adair's albums have dominated the jazz charts and album sales while Ramey's sophomore album, produced by Adair and bassist Roger Spencer, are creating a reinvigorated excitement among the jazz world. Ms. Adair and Ms. Ramey are thrilled to return to Birdland and to bring their musical mates, Roger Spencer and Chris Brown, to NYC for a special "One Night Only" performance.

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 9 (Thursday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM

Sara Gazarek

Amongst a community teaming with startlingly gifted young singers, Sara Gazarek stands out as a particularly extravagant artist. Her first two albums introduced her singular sound and vision, steeped in the tradition of jazz but deeply informed by contemporary songwriters and performers. With Blossom & Bee, her highly anticipated debut release on the respected indie label Palmetto, Gazarek turns over an exciting, glistening new leaf.

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 10 & 11 (Friday & Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM

Kurt Elling

During his show on Friday, Kurt will be joined by Gary Versace (keys), John McLean (guitar), Clark Sommers (bass), Bryan Carter (drums). On Saturday, the band will be joined by Special Guest Regina Carter.

2010 Grammy winner Kurt Elling is a rarity among jazz vocalists. While planning an academic career, Elling discovered jazz and took to it naturally. Deeply influenced by singer and poet, Mark Murphy, Elling began to develop his idiosyncratic scat style in the smaller clubs of Chicago. As the natural heir to jazz pioneers Eddie Jefferson, King Pleasure, and Jon Hendricks, Elling is the contemporary voice in vocalese. Whether it be Wayne Shorter, Keith Jarrett, or Dexter Gordon, Elling's vocalized interpretation is flawless, and upon Blue Note's reception of Elling's demo, Close Your Eyes was released in 1995. He began to get attention from jazz press, not only for his talent and original style, but also his choice in sidemen, which include Laurence Hobgood and Paul Wertico for a time. Elling has won over jazz critics and fans alike, and The New York Times calls his shows at Birdland, "...good, battering entertainment."

All seats $45, $10 minimum

January 11 (Saturday) at 6:30PM

Cyrille Aimee

Jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée (pronounced: "Surreal Emmay") has a culturally rich background -- Dominican and French Gypsy -- and conservatory training (SUNY Purchase) that help to form the rhythmic and expressive foundation by which a jury of legendary vocalists including Al Jarreau, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves and Dee Dee Bridgewater judged her to be a finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition in 2010. At the young age of twenty-six, Cyrille has since become one of the hottest young artists on the New York scene. She has already released four CDs with a variety of ensembles and performed at the top venues around the world. The New York Times dubs her, "one of those singers whom non-singing musicians call 'a musician.'"

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 12 (Sunday) at 6:30PM

Sean Jones

Despite the multifarious views of amour represented on "No Need For Words," an entirely different type of chemistry runs throughout the album - that between Jones and his bandmates, the core of whom are together for their fourth CD in five years. Jones assembled the rhythm section for his 2006 album Roots, after observing the fact that MiLes Davis' groups were comprised not of the legendary trumpeter's friends but from the strongest available talent.

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 13 (Monday) at 7:00PM

January 14-18 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM

Diane Schuur

Vocalist/pianist Diane Schuur is as eclectic as she is brilliant. A longtime disciple of Dinah Washington and other legendary jazz singers of the '40s and '50s, Schuur has built a stellar career by embracing not only the jazz of her parents' generation, but also the pop music of her own youth during the late 1950s and '60s. In a recording career that spans nearly three decades - and includes two Grammy Awards and three Grammy nominations - Schuur's music has explored nearly every corner of the 20th century American musical landscape.

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 16 (Thursday) at 6:00PM

Marianne Solivan

Hailed again and again as "the real thing" by Small's Jazz Club owner, Spike Wilner and pianist Rick Germanson, Solivan is one of the most buzzed about jazz singers in New York. The 2009 + 2010 Jazzmobile Vocal Competition finalist has graced recital halls, jam sessions and club stages with luminaries Roy Hargrove, Steve Lacy, Jeremy Pelt, Peter Bernstein, Ray Gallon, Ugonna Ukegwo, Neal Minor and Michael Kanan. Armed with degrees from Berklee College of Music and a Master's degree from the New England Conservatory, Solivan does not remember an "ah-ha" moment that brought her to the music she has devoted herself to: "I don't recall having a big moment that made me like jazz. I just dug it."

All seats $25, $10 minimum

January 20 (Monday) at 7:00PM

Natalie Douglas in "The Birthday Show"

The critically acclaimed Nightlife, Bistro & seven-time MAC Award winner Natalie Douglas returns to her favorite perch at Birdland as part of the Broadway at Birdland series with an all new concert, "The Birthday Show," celebrating her birthday with longtime musical director, Mark Hartman (Sondheim on Sondheim, Avenue Q) and her band of Broadway All-Stars. After the success of her first Birthday Show last year, Natalie can't wait to bring a new version of the program to life. The Birthday Show springs from all of Natalie's influences; from the eclectic tastes of her late parents to the music of her native Southern California, her ancestral East Texas roots and her adulthood in New York City.

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 21-25 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM

Nicholas Payton and Action Affirmative

Since 1994 when Nicholas Payton made his recording debut as a leader with "From This Moment," the trumpeter has been lauded as one of the leading young instrumental voices in jazz. Even though he started out as a "young lion," one of the new generation guardians of the swing and bebop flames, the 38-year-old Payton has devoted himself to discovering sounds outside of strict traditional confines. Having grown up in a family and community of musicians in New Orleans, Payton has built his unique voice by melding a post-bop foundation, a heavy emphasis on groove, a soulful history and various experimental elements. The New York Times has called Payton, "abundantly gifted," while Music Direct describes his latest group including trumpet, piano, Fender Rhodes, bass, drums, percussion and vocals as "Soulful, pensive and romantic." Payton will be joined by Aaron Parks, Vicente Archer, and Bill Stewart.

All seats $40, $10 minimum

January 27 (Monday) at 7:00PM

Jamie deRoy & Friends

Warm up in January with celebrated cabaret performer Jamie deRoy for a special edition of her Multi MAC award-winning Variety Show, Jamie deRoy & friends, on Monday, January 27th (7PM)! This colorful cabaret series, which has been thrilling New York City audiences for the past 23 years and serves as the basis for deRoy's award-winning cable television show, spotlights a wide variety of well-known entertainers and newcomers lighting up the worlds of cabaret, theater, music and comedy. Barry Kleinbort will direct and Ron Abel will serve as musical director.

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 28-31 (Tuesday-Friday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM

Joey DeFrancesco

Credited with repopularizing the instrument in the late-1980s, Hammond B3 Organist Joey DeFrancesco got an early career start in a musical family. Following his saxophonist grandfather Joseph and his jazz organist father "Papa" John DeFrancesco, Joey began playing at age four. By age ten he played in a Philadelphia band legendary tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley and "Philly" Joe Jones on drums. At sixteen Joey signed with Columbia Records and released his first record at seventeen. Soon after, he went on tour and/or recorded with MiLes Davis, John McLaughlin, Ray Charles, Bette Midler, David Sanborn, George Benson and many more. He has gone to win numerous Down Beat Critics and Readers polls and has been nominated for two Grammies. Joey currently splits his time between his own quartet and David Sanborn's band.

All seats $40, $10 minimum

Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:

January 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 (Wednesdays) at 5:30PM

David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band

Inspired by the noble jazz pioneers Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton and their colleagues, David Ostwald's Louis Armstrong Eternity Band breathes life and passion into America's own great art form. Now in its 14th year of residency at Birdland, the weekly post-workday engagement is the city's best musical bargain! Tuba player David Ostwald leads a rotating lineup that features talents such as clarinetist Anat Cohen, trombonist/vocalist Wycliffe Gordon, pianist Ehud Asherie, drummer Marion Felder and more!

All seats $25, $10 minimum

January 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 (Fridays) at 5:00PM

The Birdland Big Band directed by Tommy Igoe

Founded by drummer and musical director Tommy Igoe, the Birdland Big Band features the finest musicians in New York! The BBB roars into action every Friday, playing the finest Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music from the world's best arrangers. After work or before a show, drinks or a great dinner, come hear one of the world's best drummers driving the hardest swinging band in New York. Experience why the BBB is fast becoming the must-see weekly jazz event in New York and kick off your weekend with what critics are calling "the best live music bargain in all of NYC!"

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 4, 18 and 25 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM

Jay Leonhart Duo

Combining the skills of an old school entertainer and virtuoso jazz man, bassist, vocalist and composer Jay Leonhart has been a fixture of the New York scene for over forty years. When Jay was fourteen he started playing the bass in The Pier Five Dixieland Jazz Band in Baltimore and never looked back. After studying at The Peabody Institute, Jay attended The Berklee School of Music and The Advanced School of Contemporary Music in Toronto, before leaving school to start touring with the traveling big bands of the late 50's and early 60's.

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 5, 19, 26 (Sundays) at 6:00PM

The Birdland Jazz Party

With special guest vocalists
Birdland's very own jazz quartet hits the stage every Sunday to wrap up the weekend with jazz classics! This quartet features John Hart (Guitar), Paul Gil (bass), Carmen Intorre (Drums) & Jon Davis (Piano) with a special guest vocalist!

All seats $25, $10 minimum

January 12, 19, and 26 (Sundays) at 9:00PM & 11PM

Arturo O'Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

Grammy Award winning pianist, composer and educator Arturo O'Farrill -- leader of the "first family of Afro-Cuban Jazz" (NY Times) -- was born in Mexico and grew up in New York City. Son of the late, great composer Chico O'Farrill, Arturo was Educated at Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He played piano in Carla Bley's Big Band from 1979 through 1983 and earned a reputation as a soloist in groups led by Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Turre, Freddy Cole, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis and Harry Belafonte.

All seats $30, $10 minimum

January 6, 13, 20 and 27 (Mondays) at 9:30PM

Jim Caruso's Cast Party

Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars, backed by Steve Doyle on bass, Tedd Firth on piano and Daniel Glass on drums, hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.

All tickets $25, $10 minimum

Purchase tickets at: www.BirdlandJazz.com. For more information and reservations call 212-581-3080. Ticket prices will vary by performer. At the tables, there is a $10 food/drink minimum per person in addition to the music charge. At the bar, the music charge will include one complimentary drink with no additional minimum.

Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.

Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues), New York, NY 10036. Students (with current ID) & Broadway Theatre-Goers (with Broadway ticket stub from same day of performance): 50% off music charge at 11PM shows only. Birdland serves American Fare with a Cajun Flair nightly from 5PM until Midnight and until 1AM on Friday and Saturdays. Parking is available across the street at 332 West 44th Street.

For more information, visit www.BirdlandJazz.com, or follow BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB on Twitter: @birdlandjazz, Facebook, Instagram, and on Pinterest.