MARCUS GILMORE & RYOMA TAKENAGA ftg. Fabian Almazan
Marcus Gilmore, Ryoma Takenaga, Fabian Almazan
The Jazz Gallery1160 Broadway, New York 10001
Marcus Gilmore, Ryoma Takenaga and guest Fabian Almazan convene as a drums, bass and piano trio for The Jazz Gallery’s Joyce Wein Mentor Series, a mentorship project pairing senior jazz musicians with aspiring artists.
Gilmore is a multi-Grammy-winning drummer, composer, producer and educator whose playing is described as “musically expand[ing] rhythm” while supporting his collaborators. New York-based bassist Takenaga is best known for anchoring the Immanuel Wilkins Quartet’s rhythm section and has also worked with Chief Adjuah, Lenny White, Jack DeJohnette, Al Foster, Dianne Reeves and Ravi Coltrane. Almazan, a two-time Grammy nominee, has worked with Mark Guiliana, Ambrose Akinmusire and Terence Blanchard; reviewers have heard “lyricism and tension” and “stunning, continuously unfolding harmonic growth” in his music.
The Jazz Gallery offers a focused listening room experience on the fifth floor of a Midtown office building, where the audience gathers to hear progressive jazz performed by emerging and established artists. The space is designed to highlight the music without distractions: seating is arranged to bring listeners close to the performers, fostering a direct connection with the sound. There is no food service, but a bar is available, and ticket prices are modest, encouraging accessibility. Shows typically run from 7 to 11 pm on select nights, featuring multiple sets that invite deep engagement rather than casual socializing. The venue’s commitment to artistic growth is evident in its support for new compositions and collaborations, making an evening here a chance to witness jazz as a living, evolving art form in a setting that respects both the musicians and the audience.