Birdland Sets April 2015 Schedule: Sheila Jordan, Barbara Carroll & More

Birdland Jazz Club has announced its April 2015 schedule, featuring Sheila Jordan with the Steve Kuhn Trio, Ms. Lisa Fischer, Eliane Elias, James Carter Organ Trio, Barbara Carroll, The Beegie Adair Trio with Monica Ramey, Jim Caruso's Cast Party, and more.

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:
March 31-April 4 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Sheila Jordan with The Steve Kuhn Trio

Over a career of a half-century and counting, Steve Kuhn has earned renown as one of the most lyrical and affecting pianists in jazz, with an unfailingly beautiful touch and a sophisticated sense of swing. Sheila Jordan is not only one of the premier singers in jazz, but she is known for her stimulating vocal workshops as well. A superb scat singer, she can just as easily reach the emotional depths of a ballad. Whether singing well-known standards or original material, she makes it all sound like no one else.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

April 2 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Michelle Walker "Love Misery" CD Release Celebration

One of the most important new jazz singers of her generation to emerge, Michelle Walker is shaping her own path with a unique style and a creative flare for arranging straight-ahead jazz standards and contemporary tunes. In her sophomore release "Love Misery" on JGP Records, Walker chronicles and deftly weaves together the tale of an end of a love affair; from the first hello to the final goodbye. Walker explains that "....I didn't want to sing just a collection of love songs. I wanted to challenge myself to try and lead the listener through the full life cycle of a love story. The first half of tunes on the CD are almost childlike idealism about Love and the latter half of the tunes are about the Misery one might feel as they try to untangle themselves from a bad affair. I think it may be a familiar story to some." Michelle Walker on vocals, Toru Dodo on piano, Michael O'Brien on bass, Willard Dyson on drums, Rob Affif on guitar and special guest saxophonist Joel Frahm.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

April 6 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Elizabeth Stanley in "Carried Away"

Inspired by her current role as Claire De Loone in the Broadway revival of On the Town, leading lady Elizabeth Stanley pays homage to the witty and poignant songbook of the show's creators and original stars, Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Ms. Stanley explores some of the legendary duo's unforgettable hits ("Just In Time," "Make Someone Happy") and celebrates their collaborations with the great American composers Leonard Bernstein, Cy Coleman, Morton Gould and Jule Styne. Ben Brantley of The New York Times said of Ms. Stanley: "a paradigm of refined comic exaggeration...her singing voice slides between operatic trills and lowdown purrs."
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

April 7-11 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30PM & 11:00PM
Eliane Elias

Pianist/singer/songwriter Eliane Elias is known for her distinctive and immediately recognizable musical style which blends her Brazilian roots and her sensuous, alluring voice with her virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills. Made in Brazil, scheduled for release on March 31, 2015 on Concord Jazz, marks a musical homecoming for Elias. In her three-decade long career as a solo artist, Made in Brazil results from the first time she's recorded a disc in her native Brazil since moving to the United States in 1981.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

April 13 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Todd Murray in "Croon: When A Whisper Became A Song"

Todd Murray is a respected international interpreter of The American Songbook. His deep, heartfelt baritone caresses the gorgeous melodies and lyrics of Rogers and Hart, Cole Porter, Burt Bacharach and Leonard Cohen with vocals reminiscent of Elvis Presley and Bing Crosby. Murray takes the audience from the time before the microphone through each decade since. The show has been lauded from New York to LA, and his CD's and song writing have garnered rave reviews. Rex Reed writes, "Todd Murray has all the spot-on ingredients: a throaty and mellow baritone, perfect diction, meticulous phrasing and great time. Matinee-idol looks don't hurt either, but it's his material that brings back the floating relaxed memories of the big-band era...a cabaret prince headed for the big cabaret throne." Murray is supported by veteran New York City musicians Alex Rybeck on piano, Steve Doyle on bass, Sean Harkness on guitar, and Dan Gross on drums.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

April 14-18 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
James Carter Organ Trio

By the time Detroit native saxophonist James Carter emerged on the New York jazz scene 1988 he was already a sensation, "it was akin to the second coming... not since the 1960s had someone emerged with so potent a combination of astounding advanced and extended techniques, fiery intensity, and unfettered imagination." (All About Jazz). Now, Carter the mature artist is firmly established as one of the leading saxophonists of his generation, well versed in everything from striaght ahead to gypsy-jazz to funk. His new release, "Django Unchained," is his second to celebrate music popularized by gypsy guitar legend Django Reinhardt, but this time within the modern sounds of Carter's favored ensemble, the organ trio.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

April 16 (Thursday) at 6:00PM
Tim Homer's "Time's Circle"

The ensemble, Time's Circle, is a group founded by veteran composer/drummer, Tim Horner, exploring original compositions in the tradition of jazz. Most recently Tim released his second CD of his extraordinary work, "The Head of the Circle", moving up to number 15 on the Jazz Charts. Joining him on his Birdland Jazz debut will be Dean Johnson on bass, Ted Rosenthal on piano, Mark Sherman on vibraphone with guest artist Ema Mitrovic on vocals. Members of the band have also included Ted Nash, Joe Locke, Vic Juris, Steve Allee, Jim Ridl, John Hart, Scott Robinson, Martin Wind, Marc Mommaas, and Ron Horton among others. Tim Horner has been part of Grammy nominated projects including those of artists Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Roseanna Vitro, and most recently Ann Hampton Callaway's critically acclaimed "From Sassy to Divine".
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

April 20 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Natalie Douglas in "Hello Dolly...the Music of Dolly Parton"

The Broadway at Birdland concert series is proud to announce the return of singer Natalie Douglas to the stage. Her concert, "Hello Dolly: The Music of Dolly Parton", is a celebration of the beloved singer, actor, and songwriter.
All tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

April 21-22 (Tuesday-Wednesday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
The Beegie Adair Trio featuring Monica Ramey

The legendary Beegie Adair Trio will be playing the historic Birdland Jazz Club and joining the trio will be special guest, vocalist Monica Ramey. Their performances 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 is thrilled to return to Birdland and to bring their musical mates, Roger Spencer and Chris Brown.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

April 23-25 (Thursday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton

After years of touring with The Rolling Stones, Sting, Chris Botti, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Beyonce, Dionne Warwick, Dolly Parton, Alicia Keyes, Aretha Franklin, Nine Inch Nails, and many others, vocalist Lisa Fischer's life often seems like an endless shuffle between planes, trains, and automobiles. But despite her astonishing range, perfect intonation, her mastery of the stage -- not to mention a memorable Grammy Award tie with Patti LaBelle or millions of youtube views for her duet with Mick Jagger on "Gimme Shelter" -- her name was rarely if ever on the marquee. That is, until Morgan Neville's Oscar-winning 2013 documentary "Twenty Feet from Stardom," finally turned the spotlight on Lisa, Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and other legendary backing vocalists. Now Ms. Lisa Fischer and her band Grand Baton are in demand at concert halls and clubs around the world. It's an exciting new chapter for an artist who had early career success but eschewed the trappings of celebrity in favor of the satisfaction of making honest music every night. But some things will never change, the sweetness of her smile, her visible pleasure in watching her bandmates, the glamorous-girl-next-door quality that make fans all over the world think she's their own secret discovery.
All tickets $50, $10 food/drink minimum

April 26 (Sunday) at 6:00PM
Victoria Shaw "Under the Covers" with Robin Meade

The Broadway at Birdland concert series it proud to announce the return of singer/songwriter Victoria Shaw in "Under The Covers." The one-night-only event will take place on Sunday, April 26 at 6pm. Hosted by award winning songwriter Victoria Shaw, Under The Covers has become a favorite recurring highlight at Birdland, featuring a wide variety of top-selling songwriters and musical acts from across the pop, rock and country worlds, and offering intimate acoustic performances of huge hit songs - along with the little-known stories behind them. Victoria's special guest will be Robin Meade, lead news anchor for HLN's morning show "Morning Express" with Robin Meade. Meade released a country musical album titled "Brand New Day" in 2011.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

April 27 (Monday) at 7:00PM
Brian Gallagher "All That's Ahead" featuring Megan Hilty

The Broadway at Birdland concert series is thrilled to present singer/songwriter Brian Gallagher in a concert celebrating the release of his new CD, "All That's Ahead." The one-night-only event will take place on Monday, April 27 at 7pm. Singer/songwriter Brian Gallagher recorded "All That's Ahead" in Los Angeles this past year. The recording is a collection of 11 original songs reflecting on the familiar theme of relationships at their most emotional moments; euphoric beginnings and ill-fated demises. It represents a musical collaboration between Gallagher and his wife, Megan Hilty, whose vocals are heavily featured on the record. Backed by a full band with an ever-evolving line-up of special guests, the concert will be a celebration of the album, and the friends, associates, and inspirations that made it possible.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

April 28 - May 2 (Tuesday-Saturday) at 8:30 & 11:00PM
Joey DeFrancesco with the City Rhythm Orchestra

Joey DeFrancesco comes from a musical family. His Grandfather Joseph DeFrancesco (his name sake) was a reed man. His father "Papa" John DeFrancesco is a fine jazz organist in his own right. Currently, Joey continues to tour with his own group, and other all-star projects. His latest release "One For Rudy" is a tribute to the legendary recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder. Joey has played a key role in the development of numerous modern organs & keyboards that replicate the classic Hammond organ/Leslie speaker sound associates, and inspirations that made it possible.
All tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

Birdland will also feature the following recurring monthly engagements:
April 5, 12, 19 (Sundays) at 6:00PM
Jazz Party with Natalie Douglas

Vocalist Natalie Douglas is a Nightlife Award, Backstage Bistro Award & seven-time MAC Award Winner, who The Times of London's Clive Davis called, "a true force of nature," in his Five Star review of her February 2014 London performance. In June, Natalie received The Mabel Mercer Foundation's 2014 Margaret Whiting award. Natalie and her trio kick off a Birdland residency with a special Birthday Edition of Jazz Party on January 18th.
Photo by Bill Westmoreland.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

April 6, 13, 20, 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, Billy Stritch 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 food/drink minimum

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 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 tickets $25, $10 food/drink minimum

April 3, 10, 17, 24 (Fridays) at 5:15PM
The Birdland Big Band

With Guest Conductor Rob Middleton?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 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 tickets $40, $10 food/drink minimum

April 4, 11, 18, 25 (Saturdays) at 6:00PM
Barbara Carroll

Barbara is an elegant jazz pianist, composer and vocalist, long recognized as one of the premier players of swinging jazz piano and expressive vocals.
All tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum

April 5, 12, 19, 26 (Sundays) at 9PM & 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 tickets $30, $10 food/drink minimum