John Stenger Group: Philly Special

Philadelphia has produced some of the most important musicians in the history of jazz, but its historic and continued influence on the jazz tradition is not as widely known as it should be.  John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Billie Holiday, Michael Brecker, Jimmy Smith, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Heath, Kenny Barron, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Sun Ra, Ari Hoenig, Paul Motian are a few of the great musicians who were born in Philly or who spent significant periods of their career there.  Pianist John Stenger grew to appreciate Philly’s gritty and vibrant musical tradition during his nearly fifteen years of living and playing music there and on Tuesday Nights in October John pays homage to that rich musical tradition.

John Stenger Group: John Stenger – piano, Dru Heller – drums, Matt Smiley – bass (Tim Wendel appearing on guitar the 16th, 23rd and 30th)

John Stenger is an accomplished musician with a unique and personal voice, informed by his deep love of many different styles of musical expression – from bluegrass to rock to samba, classical and spontaneous free improvisation. John has performed on more than 25 albums, music directed numerous professional theater productions, and his playing and writing have been heard on television, radio, and in person across the country.  Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, John became serious about jazz while in high school and continued his studies in New York City at the New School and finished his degree at New York’s Queens College. John was based in the Philadelphia area from 2002 until 2016 and performed with jazz icons such as Bob Mintzer, Dick Oatts, Pedrito Martinez, Brian Lynch, Mongo Santamaría, Will Lee and Bernie Worrell. Since moving to Colorado in 2016, John has played with groups Conjunto Colores, Quemando, Orquesta La Brava, and Son Moreno, and he continues to freelance as pianist and keyboardist in a variety of other genres.

Nocturne Jazz & Supper Club presents

John Stenger Group: Philly Special

Tuesdays through October – 7 pm

An $8 per guest artist fee applies to this show- Reservations are recommended!