The series features world-class players, appearing one Sunday in July and one in August.
What could be more inviting than listening to the sounds of great jazz artists, cast out over the Hudson River, at sunset, for free.
On Sunday, July 10th the series opens with a vibrant and prolific player, a jazz saxophone icon on the New York Jazz scene for quite a number of years.
A working member of the Maynard Ferguson Big Band and Joe Hendersons' Big Band, who for many years has been recognized as a Band leader in his own right.
He is also very well known for his collaboration with his 'better half'; Pianist, Composer, Arranger Toshiko Akiyoshi, playing with their Big Band.
This very distinguished Tenor Saxophonist, Flautist, Arranger and Composer, with his own very distinctive sound is none other than: Lew Tabackin.
He has several recordings out on the market as a leader, the most recent of which is: Lew Tabackin Quartet, on Multisonic Records, 2010.
Lew is the Winner of Downbeats 2010 Critic's poll, and is a nominee for Flautist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2011.
Then, On Sunday, August 7th, a talented lad, who at the age of 79 has set a major precedent in the field of jazz as one of the most recorded studio drummers ever will take the stage.
He has such record dates under his belt as Quincy Jones "Walking in Space", and spent six years as staff drummer on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show".
He was also Peggy Lee's Drummer, and It was while he was working with Peggy that a whole new career opened up for him; they were invited to a party and while at that party someone suggested that everyone perform something else, something other than their normal avocations.
The guests were baffled by him when he got up, and recited a Shakespearean soliloquy, so from that point on Peggy would make a point of asking him to come up to the mike and sing.
This was the beginning a whole new career for him that launched on to the scene a new baritone voice, the likes of which had not been heard since Billy Eckstine, Arthur Prysock, Joe Williams and Johnny Hartman. Jammin' is pleased to present a one-of-a-kind vocal stylist, who is the epitome of style and flair in the great vocal tradition, and of all that really entails, the one, the only, Mr. Grady Tate.
Riverbank State Park is located at 679 Riverside Drive in New York, between Riverside Drive and The Hudson River, the entrance to the Park is at 145th street and Riverside Drive.
On sunny days the Concert Venue is "The Mainstage".
If it rains Concerts are indoors in an auditorium.
Jammin' On The Hudson Concerts are from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, and are free!
