Live from Harlem - JFA Presents: African Rhythms Alumni Quintet feat. Vishnu Wood
National Jazz Museum in Harlem58 West 129th Street, New York 10027
The African Rhythms Alumni Quintet reunites five former members of Randy Weston’s African Rhythms band for a centennial tribute to their late leader. Musical director T.K. Blue plays saxophone and flute alongside percussionist Chief Baba Neil Clarke, bassist Alex Blake, trombonist Ku-umba Frank Lacy and pianist Sharp Radway. Longtime Weston collaborator Vishnu Wood joins for a special interview and performance feature.
The group brings Weston’s compositions and arrangements back to the stage, tracing his integration of African aesthetics and jazz through West African drum polyrhythms, Ghanaian highlife-inflected horns and plucked-guitar ideas, and an orchestral approach to the piano.
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.