SPECIAL EVENT, FROM NEW YORK CITY: PRIMARY INFLUENCES feat. DAVID HAZETLINE, STEVE DAVIS & STEVE NELSON

Sun, Jan 04

Get ready for a hard-swinging weekend of world-class jazz as three of New York City's most acclaimed musicians come together for a SPECIAL EVENT! Pianist David Hazeltine and trombonist Steve Davis have formed a new sextet called Primary Influences featuring the electrifying and dynamic Steve Nelson on vibraphone. The sextet will be debuting brand new compositions and arrangements written specifically for the group that will record in New York City following this 3-night run at Frankies. With decades of experience shaping the modern jazz landscape, Hazeltine and Davis dive deep into the music that shaped them – from bebop and hard bop roots to soulful originals – all delivered with the unmistakable NYC edge. David Hazeltine is a renowned jazz pianist, composer, and arranger whose elegant touch, harmonic sophistication, and deep swing have made him one of the most respected voices in contemporary jazz. A native of Milwaukee and a longtime fixture on the New York City jazz scene, Hazeltine has performed and recorded with legends such as James Moody, Slide Hampton, and Marlena Shaw, and is a core member of the collective band One for All. His extensive discography showcases his versatility as both a leader and sideman, blending the traditions of bebop and post-bop with a modern sensibility. Hazeltine’s playing is marked by lyrical phrasing, blues-infused lines, and a deep commitment to the jazz tradition, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal following worldwide. Steve Davis is a master trombonist and one of the most prominent voices on his instrument in modern jazz. A veteran of the legendary Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Davis has built a formidable career as both a bandleader and a sought-after sideman, performing with icons like Chick Corea, Jackie McLean, Freddie Hubbard, and Cedar Walton. Known for his warm tone, melodic phrasing, and deep-rooted swing, Davis blends the soulful tradition of hard bop with a contemporary edge. In addition to his prolific performance and recording career, he is also a dedicated educator, shaping the next generation of jazz musicians through his teaching at the Hartt School of Music.Steve Nelson is a highly acclaimed vibraphonist whose distinctive sound, lyrical phrasing, and rhythmic mastery have made him a vital figure in modern jazz. A longtime collaborator with Dave Holland, Nelson has also worked with an elite roster of artists including Kenny Barron, Jackie McLean, Mulgrew Miller, and Bobby Watson. His playing seamlessly bridges tradition and innovation, combining the shimmering melodic lines of the vibraphone with a deep sense of swing and harmonic sophistication. Equally compelling as a soloist and ensemble player, Nelson brings warmth, clarity, and emotional depth to every performance, solidifying his place as one of the leading vibraphonists of his generation. WITH CORY WEEDS alto saxophone, KEN LISTER bass and JESSE CAHILL drums