Chris Beck Quartet
The Django2 6th Avenue, New York 10013
Chris Beck brings his quartet to The Django for a set led by the drummer-composer behind the debut album The Journey. The bill does not name the other three musicians, but the music is framed around Beck’s hard-swinging approach and his command of classic straight-ahead jazz. Expect a quartet setting that makes room for his soulful writing and rhythmic perspective, rather than a specific album-release or guest-featured program.
A Philadelphia native raised in a musical family, Beck moved to New York City in 2006 to establish himself on the jazz scene. His work pays homage to straight-ahead jazz while bringing in elements of his African roots and Gospel upbringing, a combination the venue calls “refreshing and soulful.” Beck has worked with pianist Cyrus Chestnut, saxophonist Oliver Lake, bassist Rufus Reid, pianist McCoy Tyner, and guitarist Mark Whitfield, among many others. That history places this Django date within the ongoing New York work of a drummer whose playing is described as both hard-swinging and powerful, and whose compositions connect established jazz language with the musical influences that shaped him.
The Django offers a subterranean jazz experience inspired by Parisian boîtes, with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls that frame a stage equipped with a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system. The venue combines two cocktail bars and an open dining area where you can enjoy an elevated menu alongside live performances every night. The evening unfolds with a focus on attentive listening, enhanced by award-winning cocktails crafted by Natasha David and a selection of small plates and dinner options. Shows require a cover charge and reservations are recommended to secure your spot. The setting invites you to settle in for a night of rich jazz sounds, fine food, and carefully mixed drinks, all within the cellar level of the Roxy Hotel, creating a distinct mood that feels both exclusive and welcoming.