TJG Joyce Wein Mentoring Series Vol.12, Ed.1 Marcus Gilmore + Ryoma Takenaga
Marcus Gilmore, Ryoma Takenaga
The Jazz Gallery1160 Broadway, New York 10001
The Jazz Gallery’s Joyce Wein Mentoring Series continues with its 12th volume, first edition: drummer Marcus Gilmore and bassist Ryoma Takenaga lead a piano trio completed by Fabián Almazán. The series brings senior musicians and mentees together as they prepare for professional performances, making this a focused meeting of Gilmore’s rhythmic approach, Takenaga’s bass work, and Almazán’s piano.
Gilmore is a multi-Grammy award winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator whose playing, in the Gallery’s words, “integrates a unique style where he is musically expanding rhythm.” His collaborators include Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Savion Glover, Ravi Coltrane, and Vijay Iyer. New York City-born Takenaga is an NYU jazz-studies student and a member of the Immanuel Wilkins Quartet. The Gallery places him among “a new generation of jazz musicians grounded in tradition and engaged with the evolving language of the music.” He has worked with Jack DeJohnette, Al Foster, Dianne Reeves, Ravi Coltrane, Gilmore, Chief Adjuah, and Lenny White.
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.