Wayne Tucker and The Bad Mothas
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
Wayne Tucker and The Bad Mothas bring a five-piece band to Birdland for an early-evening set led by Tucker on trumpet and vocals. He is joined by Miles Tucker on tenor sax, David Linard on piano and keyboard, Tamir Shmerling on bass, and Diego Ramirez on drums. The group’s music draws together jazz, soul, gospel, funk, R&B, and singer-songwriter traditions, with room for groove-driven songs and improvisation.
New York-based Tucker is a trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and bandleader who has continued to lead the Bad Mothas alongside work as a collaborator and recording musician. His credits include performances and recordings with Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, the Roots, Elvis Costello, and Jon Batiste. His albums When I Was a Child, Wake Up and See the Sun, and Encouragement pair personal storytelling with improvisation and rhythmic drive. Tucker describes his approach plainly: “I think my music is 100% vulnerable,” adding that he is “unafraid to express that true uniqueness.”
Birdland offers a refined jazz experience in a room where the audience sits at tables close to the stage, allowing every note to reach you clearly. The venue features a full menu with dishes like New Orleans-style gumbo alongside a well-stocked bar, making it easy to enjoy a meal or drinks while listening. Each show is ticketed per set, encouraging focused listening as the music unfolds in roughly 45-minute segments. The club’s walls echo decades of jazz history, having hosted legends and continuing to attract top contemporary artists. Located in Manhattan’s Theater District, the space balances a serious music environment with the energy of a night out, where attentive audiences savor the performances without distraction. Booking ahead is essential, as the club fills quickly for its celebrated lineup.