TJG Mentor Series Vol. 12. Ed. 2 - Logan Richardson & Esteban Castro
Logan Richardson, Esteban Castro
National Jazz Museum in Harlem58 West 129th Street, New York 10027
The Joyce Wein Mentor Series pairs saxophonist and mentor Logan Richardson with pianist and mentee Esteban Castro for a quartet performance with Harish Raghavan on bass and Damion Reid on drums. The series is built around artistic exchange between established players and emerging voices.
Kansas City-born Richardson is an alto saxophonist, composer and bandleader whose work moves between jazz, rock, soul and experimental music; DownBeat called him “one of the most gifted and transformative alto saxophonists of his generation.” Brooklyn-based Castro, born in Houston, brings an improvising approach centered on expression and lyricism. Castro has performed with Ambrose Akinmusire, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Wadada Leo Smith, while Richardson’s collaborators include Jason Moran, Joe Chambers and Pat Metheny.
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem offers a unique blend of history and live music in a space that feels like a cultural hub rather than a typical club. The venue hosts performances that range from solo piano showcases to dynamic ensembles, often featuring both emerging talents and established artists deeply connected to Harlem's jazz legacy. The room is designed for attentive listening, with seating arranged to bring the audience close to the musicians, allowing the nuances of each performance to be fully appreciated. While it does not operate as a full restaurant, there is a welcoming environment where visitors can enjoy the music without distraction. Shows are ticketed and often require advance purchase, reflecting the museum’s role as a serious venue for jazz appreciation. Your evening will be a thoughtful immersion in jazz’s evolving story, set in a space that honors its roots and ongoing creativity.