Bill Charlap Quartet
Birdland315 West 44th Street, New York 10036
Bill Charlap brings a quartet to Birdland for a late-evening set built around piano, tenor saxophone, bass and drums. Charlap is joined by saxophonist Nicole Glover, bassist David Wong and drummer Carl Allen. The four-piece billing expands on the pianist’s familiar trio setting, with Glover’s tenor adding another melodic voice to the group.
Born in New York City, Charlap began playing piano at three. He is known for his interpretations of American popular songs and has performed with Phil Woods, Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Wynton Marsalis, Freddy Cole and Houston Person. His family background runs through Broadway and jazz: his father was Peter Pan composer Moose Charlap, while his mother, singer Sandy Stewart, toured with Benny Goodman. Critical notices for Charlap’s trio help sketch the pianist’s approach: The Guardian called its music “just perfect,” highlighting fresh treatments of standards, while the BBC praised his “subtle” ear and “peerless” command of arrangement in mainstream jazz. Blue Note has called the trio “one of the great working jazz groups of our day.”
Birdland offers a refined jazz experience in a room where the audience sits at tables close to the stage, allowing every note to reach you clearly. The venue features a full menu with dishes like New Orleans-style gumbo alongside a well-stocked bar, making it easy to enjoy a meal or drinks while listening. Each show is ticketed per set, encouraging focused listening as the music unfolds in roughly 45-minute segments. The club’s walls echo decades of jazz history, having hosted legends and continuing to attract top contemporary artists. Located in Manhattan’s Theater District, the space balances a serious music environment with the energy of a night out, where attentive audiences savor the performances without distraction. Booking ahead is essential, as the club fills quickly for its celebrated lineup.