Kevin Hays Quartet w. Ben Wendel
Jazzcultural347 West 46th Street, New York 10036
Kevin Hays brings a quartet to Jazzcultural with guest tenor saxophonist Ben Wendel. Hays plays piano, joined by Wendel, bassist Rick Rosato and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington. The evening is presented in two sets, with the same four-musician lineup scheduled for each. It is a chance to hear Hays and Wendel's piano and tenor saxophone pairing expanded by Rosato and Carrington's rhythm section.
Hays is a GRAMMY-nominated jazz pianist, born in Vancouver and raised in Los Angeles. Wendel is also a GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist, likewise born in Vancouver and raised in Los Angeles. Available background material identifies the two musicians as duet partners, including performances for piano and saxophone, but does not establish this quartet as a standing group, specify its repertoire, or provide a review of this particular act. Rosato and Carrington are named on the event listing, while no further background or critical descriptions for this date are supplied.
Jazzcultural offers a distinctive live music experience in Manhattan, housed in a space that invites close connection between performers and audience. The venue features a modestly sized room where the sound carries clearly, allowing even those at the back to catch the nuances of each set. Seating is available but limited, encouraging an attentive listening environment without the distraction of a bustling bar scene. The venue operates with ticketed shows, often featuring multiple sets that stretch into the late evening, giving you a full night of music. While there is a bar, the focus remains on the performances, making it a place to immerse yourself in the artistry of jazz. The neighborhood adds a quiet charm, making the walk to and from the venue part of the evening’s rhythm.