Chris Beck Quartet
The Django2 6th Avenue, New York 10013
Chris Beck brings his quartet to The Django for an evening led by the drummer and composer behind his debut album, The Journey. The billing names a quartet but does not identify the other musicians, so the focus is on Beck’s leadership and his approach to straight-ahead jazz: hard swing, soulful writing, and a personal blend of musical influences. The Django’s cellar-level room at the Roxy Hotel presents live music nightly alongside its dinner menu and cocktails.
Born into a musical family in Philadelphia, Beck moved to New York City in 2006 to establish himself on the jazz scene. He has since worked with pianist Cyrus Chestnut, saxophonist Oliver Lake, bassist Rufus Reid, pianist McCoy Tyner and guitarist Mark Whitfield, among others. The Django calls Beck a “hard-swinging, powerhouse drummer and composer,” and describes his music as paying homage to classic straight-ahead jazz while drawing on elements of his African roots and Gospel upbringing. That perspective is central to the music: a drummer-composer’s bandstand built around swing, melody and the traditions that have shaped his voice.
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.