Jihee Heo Trio
The Django2 6th Avenue, New York 10013
Jihee Heo brings her trio to The Django for an evening led by the New York-based pianist and composer. The bill identifies a trio performance, with no additional musicians or special program announced, so the focus is on Heo’s small-group writing and piano playing in the cellar-level Manhattan room. This is a chance to hear the pianist in the format that produced her 2020 trio record Are You Ready?.
Born in Incheon, South Korea, Heo is a jazz pianist and composer based in New York. Her 2015 nonet album, Passion, marked a large-ensemble outlet for her artistic voice; Are You Ready?, recorded with drummer Rodney Green and bassist Marty Kenney and released by OA2 Records, followed in 2020. That trio album has been featured by DownBeat, All About Jazz, France Musique, MM Jazz Korea, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s monthly album roundup, and the New York City Jazz Record. Heo holds a master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music and a bachelor’s degree from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. DownBeat praised her “beautiful legato touch,” citing sturdy lyricism, lustrous harmonies, and delicate, detailed figures.
The Django offers a subterranean jazz experience inspired by Parisian boîtes, with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls that frame a stage equipped with a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system. The venue combines two cocktail bars and an open dining area where you can enjoy an elevated menu alongside live performances every night. The evening unfolds with a focus on attentive listening, enhanced by award-winning cocktails crafted by Natasha David and a selection of small plates and dinner options. Shows require a cover charge and reservations are recommended to secure your spot. The setting invites you to settle in for a night of rich jazz sounds, fine food, and carefully mixed drinks, all within the cellar level of the Roxy Hotel, creating a distinct mood that feels both exclusive and welcoming.