TONIGHT'S SHOWS
Jody Nardone Trio
5:30pm-7:15pm, $16 in advance, $17 at the door
"Thanks to a dynamic style that can shift from the whispered beauty of Bill Evans to the percussive flights of McCoy Tyner, Nardone has emerged as one of Nashville's preeminent jazz pianists. His reputation is also blowing up nationwide, where he is receiving raves in Downbeat and Jazziz for his role in the Crimson Jazz Trio, a Nashville-to-L.A. combo led by former King Crimson drummer Ian Wallace and former Vital Information bassist Tim Landers."
-Michael McCall, Nashville Scene
-Michael McCall, Nashville Scene
Dara Starr Tucker
8:00pm-10:15pm, $26 at the door
Jazz vocalist, songwriter, and cultural commentator Dara Starr Tucker makes her return to Rudy's Jazz Room. Her latest album, Time Wouldn’t Wait is a soul-stirring collection of original compositions and cinematic reimaginings that reflect on the passage of time, the beauty of impermanence, and the power of presence.
Tucker’s artistry extends far beyond the studio. A Woodshed Network Fellow, selected for the prestigious program founded by jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater, she has toured and recorded with guitarist Charlie Hunter and co-wrote the title track for Keb’ Mo’s 2020 Grammy-winning album, Oklahoma. Tucker was the silver medalist at the American Traditions Vocal Competition where she additionally won the Johnny Mercer Award and the Ben Tucker Jazz Award prizes. Her 2021 release, Dreams of Waking, reached #7 on JazzWeek’s national radio charts, while songs from her previous album, Dara Starr Tucker, were included on Apple Music's Jazz Vocal Essentials, Spotify's Best Jazz Vocals 2023 and Amazon Music's Vocal Jazz playlists, further cementing her status as a rising voice in modern jazz.
Tucker’s thought-provoking commentary and musical storytelling have garnered her national attention. She has been featured on NPR’s Jazz Night in America, NPR’s Jazz Inspired, and is the new host of "The Front Page" on Radio Free 102.3FM in Los Angeles, a station owned by Stevie Wonder.
A powerful presence on social media, Tucker uses her platform to explore race, culture, faith, film, and music—garnering a combined following of over 1.3 million across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Her videos, commentary, and songs have been featured on HBO, FX/Hulu, The OWN Network, BET.com, Revolt.com, Shondaland.com, Ebony, and Jet.
Dara Starr Tucker - vocals
Greg Bryant - bass
David M Rodgers - piano
Marcus Finnie - drums
Tucker’s artistry extends far beyond the studio. A Woodshed Network Fellow, selected for the prestigious program founded by jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater, she has toured and recorded with guitarist Charlie Hunter and co-wrote the title track for Keb’ Mo’s 2020 Grammy-winning album, Oklahoma. Tucker was the silver medalist at the American Traditions Vocal Competition where she additionally won the Johnny Mercer Award and the Ben Tucker Jazz Award prizes. Her 2021 release, Dreams of Waking, reached #7 on JazzWeek’s national radio charts, while songs from her previous album, Dara Starr Tucker, were included on Apple Music's Jazz Vocal Essentials, Spotify's Best Jazz Vocals 2023 and Amazon Music's Vocal Jazz playlists, further cementing her status as a rising voice in modern jazz.
Tucker’s thought-provoking commentary and musical storytelling have garnered her national attention. She has been featured on NPR’s Jazz Night in America, NPR’s Jazz Inspired, and is the new host of "The Front Page" on Radio Free 102.3FM in Los Angeles, a station owned by Stevie Wonder.
A powerful presence on social media, Tucker uses her platform to explore race, culture, faith, film, and music—garnering a combined following of over 1.3 million across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Her videos, commentary, and songs have been featured on HBO, FX/Hulu, The OWN Network, BET.com, Revolt.com, Shondaland.com, Ebony, and Jet.
Dara Starr Tucker - vocals
Greg Bryant - bass
David M Rodgers - piano
Marcus Finnie - drums
Legend Meets Brilliance feat. Don Aliquo & Marc Payne
11:00pm-1:00am, $10 at the door
Don Aliquo is a celebrated jazz artist in the greater Nashville area. Active for over two decades, he is a respected saxophonist, composer, recording artist, and educator. Pianist, Marc Payne, a Nashville native, is among a handful of young artists whose brilliance inspires and fuels the area's thriving jazz scene. Together they meet to brandish their "no holds barred" approach to the music. Get ready for an explosive night of sound as two of Nashville's jazz titans collide! Together, this dynamic duo is set to unleash their "no holds barred" approach to music, promising an evening of raw energy, spontaneous improvisation, and modernistic genres with one foot in tradition and the other in the future. Experience the thrilling sound that fuels Nashville's vibrant jazz scene!
UPCOMING SHOWSFULL CALENDAR
Mar 8

2nd Annual "Women of Music Unite"
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $18 at the door
Come celebrate International Women’s Day with us at Rudy’s and show your support for these amazing talented ladies from our Nashville Jazz scene! A fun night honoring many of the best like Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and many more! We will have drink specials for the ladies!!
Featuring:
Stephanie Adlington
Sarah Jane Nelson
Dallas Starke
Crustal Miller
Kelli Cox
Katie Blomarz
Wendy Burns
Courtney Boyd
Featuring:
Stephanie Adlington
Sarah Jane Nelson
Dallas Starke
Crustal Miller
Kelli Cox
Katie Blomarz
Wendy Burns
Courtney Boyd
Rudy's Jazz Jam
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $12 at the door
Rudy's hosts the official pro jazz jam. Come out and experience some of music city's best as they take the stage with Nashville's next generation of jazz performers! You will hear a variety of young, old, new and undiscovered players showing what they can do on stage. Part of the jazz tradition and what jazz embodies is the unknown and spontaneous exploration of new musical territory with new musicians sitting in live on stage; you never know who or what to expect other than the unexpected!
We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.
We welcome all ages to this show and have a $10 food or beverage minimum.
Mar 9

Jerome Degey & Friends
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Jerome Degey is a platinum and gold producer, orchestrator, arranger, and guitarist based in Nashville. He is originally from Paris, France. With his French and Afro-Caribbean family heritage and Parisian upbringing, Jerome has developed a deep appreciation and talent for seamlessly blending global influences into his work, making him one of his generation's most sought-after musicians and producers.
Most recently, Jerome produced, orchestrated, arranged, and mixed Max Abrams' new album, Samba Americana. This expansive project features sophisticated philharmonic orchestrations and intricate rhythms, highlighting his ability to fuse jazz with Latin and world music.
In addition to his production and arranging work, Jerome is a passionate performer. He fronts the world jazz band Caravan Tales, a project that blends jazz with world music. He also leads his own Jazz Quartet, where his virtuosity as a guitarist and composer shines. He performs regularly in Nashville with prominent players such as Marcus Finnie and Teymur Phell or legends like Danny Gottlieb, Duffy Jackson, and Chester Thompson.
Throughout his expansive career, Jerome has collaborated with a remarkable array of renowned artists from across the globe, spanning numerous genres, including Jonathan Edwards, Mick Hucknall (Simply Red), Murray Head, Spyro Gyra's Jay Beckenstein and Tom Shuman, Grace & the Victory Riders, Cunnie Williams, Duffy Jackson, Kenia, Les Étoiles, Rolando Faria, Eloisia, Monica Nogueira, Ishtar Alabina, Elissa Khoury, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Mangala Camara, Ayo, Martin Solveig, DJ Yass, Matt Pokora, Leslie, Matt Houston, Jerome "Jay" Sebag, Sofia Mestari, Teri Moise, Iva Fruhligova, Daniel Levy, Michel Delpech, Pascal Obispo, Yannick Noah, Bénabar, Irma and many others.
Most recently, Jerome produced, orchestrated, arranged, and mixed Max Abrams' new album, Samba Americana. This expansive project features sophisticated philharmonic orchestrations and intricate rhythms, highlighting his ability to fuse jazz with Latin and world music.
In addition to his production and arranging work, Jerome is a passionate performer. He fronts the world jazz band Caravan Tales, a project that blends jazz with world music. He also leads his own Jazz Quartet, where his virtuosity as a guitarist and composer shines. He performs regularly in Nashville with prominent players such as Marcus Finnie and Teymur Phell or legends like Danny Gottlieb, Duffy Jackson, and Chester Thompson.
Throughout his expansive career, Jerome has collaborated with a remarkable array of renowned artists from across the globe, spanning numerous genres, including Jonathan Edwards, Mick Hucknall (Simply Red), Murray Head, Spyro Gyra's Jay Beckenstein and Tom Shuman, Grace & the Victory Riders, Cunnie Williams, Duffy Jackson, Kenia, Les Étoiles, Rolando Faria, Eloisia, Monica Nogueira, Ishtar Alabina, Elissa Khoury, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Mangala Camara, Ayo, Martin Solveig, DJ Yass, Matt Pokora, Leslie, Matt Houston, Jerome "Jay" Sebag, Sofia Mestari, Teri Moise, Iva Fruhligova, Daniel Levy, Michel Delpech, Pascal Obispo, Yannick Noah, Bénabar, Irma and many others.
Giovanni Rodriguez & 12 Manos
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
A Nashville favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene and electric night of Salsa dancing! Multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Rodriguez, one of Nashville's leading percussionists, bassists and favorite on the Salsa and jazz scene, plays the sounds of salsa, bachata and percussion-driven rhythms with some of the most seasoned veterans in the Nashville Latin music scene. Giovanni Rodríguez timbales/vocals, Melvin Macias (piano/vocals), Yosvany Cordero (conga/bongo), Michael S. Morton (flute/vocals), Isoel Villarrubia (bass).
For this show general admission tickets are available for standing and sitting in the front section of the room near the stage with the dance floor. Tickets for bar seats and tables are available as well. General admission tickets for the front section are not guaranteed to have seats as we will have a large part of the front section seating cleared for the dance floor. General admission tickets will have standing room as well as limited seating. Only our tables and bar seats will have guaranteed seating for this show.
For this show general admission tickets are available for standing and sitting in the front section of the room near the stage with the dance floor. Tickets for bar seats and tables are available as well. General admission tickets for the front section are not guaranteed to have seats as we will have a large part of the front section seating cleared for the dance floor. General admission tickets will have standing room as well as limited seating. Only our tables and bar seats will have guaranteed seating for this show.
Mar 11

PT Gazell & The Side Effects
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $12 at the door
Hot, swingin, smooth, original, clean, lyrical, faster than a speeding bullet, diatonically chromatic, one of a kind, masterful, the swinginest, Oh yeah, like what? Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, Louie Jordan, Ben Webster, Sweets Edison, ...that's what!
With 6 Solo CDs under his belt, including his double Grammy nominated 2011 and 2016 releases, “2 Days Out” and “A Madness To The Method,” PT Gazell continues to expand the musical boundaries for the harmonica. Using his own signature model instrument, the Gazell Method diatonic, he proves that the harmonica is capable of much more than what most of us believe.
PT likes to think of his performances and CDs as an ongoing musical conversation between himself and his fans. Judging by the music he delivers, he’s quite a compelling and articulate speaker. No other player combines his phrasing, his melodic style, his song choices and his improvisational abilities… His singular style may draw comparisons to others, but in the end, it’s a style all his own.
Join PT Gazell & The Side Effects for two sets of Gazell method inspired Jazz Standards, American Songbook Selections and Swing Classics. PT will be ably assisted by Jimmy Sullivan on Bass, Andy Reiss on Guitar and Chris Brown on Drums.
Dig It!
With 6 Solo CDs under his belt, including his double Grammy nominated 2011 and 2016 releases, “2 Days Out” and “A Madness To The Method,” PT Gazell continues to expand the musical boundaries for the harmonica. Using his own signature model instrument, the Gazell Method diatonic, he proves that the harmonica is capable of much more than what most of us believe.
PT likes to think of his performances and CDs as an ongoing musical conversation between himself and his fans. Judging by the music he delivers, he’s quite a compelling and articulate speaker. No other player combines his phrasing, his melodic style, his song choices and his improvisational abilities… His singular style may draw comparisons to others, but in the end, it’s a style all his own.
Join PT Gazell & The Side Effects for two sets of Gazell method inspired Jazz Standards, American Songbook Selections and Swing Classics. PT will be ably assisted by Jimmy Sullivan on Bass, Andy Reiss on Guitar and Chris Brown on Drums.
Dig It!
Regi Wooten & Friends
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
Known as “The Teacha”, Regi Wooten is one of the most innovative, talented and dynamic musicians around the scene, and has pushed the boundaries of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and even bluegrass to some of the most extreme musical limits. From picking, slapping, strumming, thumping, and tapping to some of the most ear bending advanced chords you’ll hear on any instrument, Regi has earned world-wide notoriety and comparisons to other innovators such as Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and Chuck Berry. Perfecting, creating and discovering new techniques and jazz theory while incorporating and layering into strong funk grooves for keen listeners to uncover and pick up on is one of his many notable fortes.
At only nine years old Regi started teaching his younger brother Victor Wooten bass guitar and Joseph Wooten keyboards, and soon the Wooten Brothers Band was formed featuring; Regi on ukelele, Roy on drums, Rudy on Saxophone, Joe on Keys and Victor on bass. Regi was ten years old at the time, Roy was nine, Rudy was eight, Joseph was five and Victor was two. The rest, as they say, is Musical History.
Assembling a cast of Nashville's best, Regi Wooten and Friends dig deep into the roots of funk, jazz, blues, rock, and soul. You never know who might jump on stage! Don't miss a beat!
At only nine years old Regi started teaching his younger brother Victor Wooten bass guitar and Joseph Wooten keyboards, and soon the Wooten Brothers Band was formed featuring; Regi on ukelele, Roy on drums, Rudy on Saxophone, Joe on Keys and Victor on bass. Regi was ten years old at the time, Roy was nine, Rudy was eight, Joseph was five and Victor was two. The rest, as they say, is Musical History.
Assembling a cast of Nashville's best, Regi Wooten and Friends dig deep into the roots of funk, jazz, blues, rock, and soul. You never know who might jump on stage! Don't miss a beat!
Mar 12

Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
6:00pm-8:15pm central, $14 at the door
Hot Club Gypsy Jazz Thursdays; Rudy’s French Connection
Every Thursday we honor our New Orleans and French roots and Rudy’s comes alive with a variety of small groups in the style of gypsy jazz swing. We bring you music inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with "Hot Club" gypsy jazz swing. Known for fierce tempos and effortless improvisation, our Hot Club Gypsy Thursdays are sure to entertain, inspire, and bring you back to some authentic "jazz manouche" with groups either led or curated by New Orleans LA native Brook Sutton.
There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
Every Thursday we honor our New Orleans and French roots and Rudy’s comes alive with a variety of small groups in the style of gypsy jazz swing. We bring you music inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with "Hot Club" gypsy jazz swing. Known for fierce tempos and effortless improvisation, our Hot Club Gypsy Thursdays are sure to entertain, inspire, and bring you back to some authentic "jazz manouche" with groups either led or curated by New Orleans LA native Brook Sutton.
There’s no better place to chill, cozy up and relax after work. Imbibe French Quarter inspired cocktails or a glass of Côtes du Rhône, and enjoy some gumbo and beignets, while listening to the rhythm and mood of hot club jazz in Nashville’s most intimate and romantic room.
“Disney Songs Reimagined” with the Miles Damaso Quartet
9:00pm-11:15pm central, $15 at the door
All original jazz arrangements of some of the finest songs from Disney movies with an incredible band lead by Miles Damaso on drums, with Don Aliquo on saxophone, Pat Coil on piano and Leland Nelson on bass.
Miles Damaso is a percussionist, music educator, and composer-arranger based out of Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to leading his own group, he recently has been the drummer for the Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective and the J.C. Clements Band. Miles also frequently performs with groups throughout the south and midwest playing a wide variety of music.
Passionate about sharing the gift of music with people, Miles currently teaches students across the United States and has assisted school music programs in Iowa, Indiana, and Tennessee. Miles also desires to enrich music education in schools around the country through his compositions. Having completed his undergrad at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Miles is currently pursuing a master’s degree as an associate instructor at Middle Tennessee State University, as well as continuing a music career composing, performing, and privately teaching in the Nashville area.
Pianist Pat Coil has toured Japan, South America, Europe and the U.S. with such artists as Michael McDonald, Carmen McCrae, Olivia Newton John, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Woody Herman and many others. Pat has recorded with many artists including Natalie Cole, Trisha Yearwood, Ernie Watts, Carmen McCrae, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Peter Cetera, Woody Herman, Scott Henderson, and Michael McDonald.
During his L.A. years, Pat played on many movie and TV scores, including Star Trek - Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Murphy Brown, Dionne Warwick & Friends, Growing Pains, Major Dad, Spencer For Hire, The Grammy Awards and many more. He played for various artists on the Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, & Conan O’Brien. Living now in Nashville TN, Pat continues his successful career composing, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. He has composed, produced and performed on hundreds of underscores heard on a variety of media all over the world. Pat taught jazz piano, combos, and improvisation at Middle Tennessee State University, and was an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University Of North Texas.
Pat has recorded six solo jazz albums of his own, the third one being a collaboration with Lyle Mays. “True North” and his new album “Birdhouse” are available at patcoil.com, cdbaby.com and I-Tunes. Pat currently tours with Michael McDonald and Lynda Carter. He also makes numerous appearances with his own group. Pat has a new release of his original music, “Music For Humans….and Other Species”. For more information, please visit patcoil.com.
Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing”. “Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition.
Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire. Notable collaborations include a duo recording with eclectic pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label. Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew. Don is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.
Hailing from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Leland Nelson has developed an impressive body of work as a bass player in the Nashville area. As a former NYC resident his primary focus is jazz and jazz-adjacent styles, having worked alongside New York musicians such as pianist Matt Baker and tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm. His focus on these styles continues in Nashville, as shown through his work with The Sofia Goodman Group, Trulah, Mark Hartsuch, Ted Ludwig, Marc Payne, Liz and Cynthea Kelley, Marguerite Beane and Josh Karas. He is the proud host of The Spotlite Sessions, a 6pm jazz session on the first Wednesday of every month at Living Waters Brewing, and is also a founding member of one of Nashville’s newest jazz fusion bands, Gratuitous Mr. Mayo!
Beyond jazz, Leland offers much versatility as a sideman in the indie pop, bluegrass, country and worship music communities. Since the summer of ‘21, he has played locally and on tour with Kayley Bishop, Zach Top, Zach Bryan, Kylie Frey, Will Jones, Old Hickory, Mae Estes, Emma Zinck, Kensie Coppin, Andy Buckner, Greenwood Rye, Christen Ball and Brennley Brown.
Miles Damaso is a percussionist, music educator, and composer-arranger based out of Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to leading his own group, he recently has been the drummer for the Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective and the J.C. Clements Band. Miles also frequently performs with groups throughout the south and midwest playing a wide variety of music.
Passionate about sharing the gift of music with people, Miles currently teaches students across the United States and has assisted school music programs in Iowa, Indiana, and Tennessee. Miles also desires to enrich music education in schools around the country through his compositions. Having completed his undergrad at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Miles is currently pursuing a master’s degree as an associate instructor at Middle Tennessee State University, as well as continuing a music career composing, performing, and privately teaching in the Nashville area.
Pianist Pat Coil has toured Japan, South America, Europe and the U.S. with such artists as Michael McDonald, Carmen McCrae, Olivia Newton John, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Woody Herman and many others. Pat has recorded with many artists including Natalie Cole, Trisha Yearwood, Ernie Watts, Carmen McCrae, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kenny Rogers, Travis Tritt, Peter Cetera, Woody Herman, Scott Henderson, and Michael McDonald.
During his L.A. years, Pat played on many movie and TV scores, including Star Trek - Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Murphy Brown, Dionne Warwick & Friends, Growing Pains, Major Dad, Spencer For Hire, The Grammy Awards and many more. He played for various artists on the Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, & Conan O’Brien. Living now in Nashville TN, Pat continues his successful career composing, recording, performing, producing, arranging and teaching. He has composed, produced and performed on hundreds of underscores heard on a variety of media all over the world. Pat taught jazz piano, combos, and improvisation at Middle Tennessee State University, and was an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University Of North Texas.
Pat has recorded six solo jazz albums of his own, the third one being a collaboration with Lyle Mays. “True North” and his new album “Birdhouse” are available at patcoil.com, cdbaby.com and I-Tunes. Pat currently tours with Michael McDonald and Lynda Carter. He also makes numerous appearances with his own group. Pat has a new release of his original music, “Music For Humans….and Other Species”. For more information, please visit patcoil.com.
Saxophonist Don Aliquo’s playing has been described as “smooth as silk...with an unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing”. “Growth” his newest release, explores new territory with intriguing compositions and ample solo space for Aliquo’s inspired improvisations. The eight originals are both complex and open, which shows him expanding his boundaries not only as an instrumentalist and improviser, but also as a composer. The music is an electrifying modern outing with one foot in the future and one in the tradition.
Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd “Sun and Shield” features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire. Notable collaborations include a duo recording with eclectic pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label. Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew. Don is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.
Hailing from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Leland Nelson has developed an impressive body of work as a bass player in the Nashville area. As a former NYC resident his primary focus is jazz and jazz-adjacent styles, having worked alongside New York musicians such as pianist Matt Baker and tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm. His focus on these styles continues in Nashville, as shown through his work with The Sofia Goodman Group, Trulah, Mark Hartsuch, Ted Ludwig, Marc Payne, Liz and Cynthea Kelley, Marguerite Beane and Josh Karas. He is the proud host of The Spotlite Sessions, a 6pm jazz session on the first Wednesday of every month at Living Waters Brewing, and is also a founding member of one of Nashville’s newest jazz fusion bands, Gratuitous Mr. Mayo!
Beyond jazz, Leland offers much versatility as a sideman in the indie pop, bluegrass, country and worship music communities. Since the summer of ‘21, he has played locally and on tour with Kayley Bishop, Zach Top, Zach Bryan, Kylie Frey, Will Jones, Old Hickory, Mae Estes, Emma Zinck, Kensie Coppin, Andy Buckner, Greenwood Rye, Christen Ball and Brennley Brown.
Mar 13

Will Goble Group feat. Greg Tardy & Dave Potter Album Release
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $16 at the door
Bassist Will Goble brings his trio featuring Nashville regulars Dave Potter and Gregory Tardy To Rudy's Jazz Room to celebrate the release of his third full length album as a leader, "The Charm of Every Season."
Goble and Potter, longtime collaborators in Jason Marsalis's Vibes Quartet as well as their own projects, reunite once again with Tardy, a veteran of groups led by Bill Frisell, Elvin Jones, Andrew Hill, Tom Harrell and a prolific bandleader with 18 albums to his credit. Potter is well-known to Nashville audiences for his nostalgic 80s highwire "Retro Groove" project, while Tardy is a longtime Tennessee staple who has presented numerous original offerings from the Rudy's stage.
In this new intimate trio setting, Will draws from sources that reflect his many influences as a bassist and bandleader raised in rich southern musical traditions. The trio covers quite a lot of ground while keeping things simple - popular songs of the 20th century, original music, hymns, spirituals, and of course, the Blues. The mission is clear: to swing, groove, and to connect with anyone who lends an ear.
Goble and Potter, longtime collaborators in Jason Marsalis's Vibes Quartet as well as their own projects, reunite once again with Tardy, a veteran of groups led by Bill Frisell, Elvin Jones, Andrew Hill, Tom Harrell and a prolific bandleader with 18 albums to his credit. Potter is well-known to Nashville audiences for his nostalgic 80s highwire "Retro Groove" project, while Tardy is a longtime Tennessee staple who has presented numerous original offerings from the Rudy's stage.
In this new intimate trio setting, Will draws from sources that reflect his many influences as a bassist and bandleader raised in rich southern musical traditions. The trio covers quite a lot of ground while keeping things simple - popular songs of the 20th century, original music, hymns, spirituals, and of course, the Blues. The mission is clear: to swing, groove, and to connect with anyone who lends an ear.
Stephanie Adlington
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $22 in advance, $23 at the door
Stephanie Adlington, otherwise known as, "The Siren Of The South", is an Award Winning singer, songwriter, and vocal coach. Born and raised in Grafton, WV, Miss Stephanie is a graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London, England, and also attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and (pre-college) Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. While in London, Stephanie recorded with the folk-rock band Renaissance, which produced three critically acclaimed international albums.
“Her take on the great American songbook is unrivaled. Her sound stood up well when played next to iconic artists such as Ella Fitzgerald. Do yourself a favor and get to know and appreciate this ascendant music star” Leslie Stoval - NPR San Fransisco
Miss Stephanie has received many recent accolades, including the 2018 & 2020 Nashville Industry Music Awards for “Best Jazz Vocalist”, and 2021 Josie Award for “Best Jazz/Blues Vocalist”
“Disarmingly engaging as a songwriter, particularly with her southern Willow Sway” - Cabaret Scenes Magazine (NYC)
Known for her unique vocal styling, an evening with Miss Stephanie carries her audience back to the prohibition era - a scandalous rendezvous in a wicked speakeasy, where swagger goes and bourbon flows. Her show titled, "The Jazz, Pearls, and Bourbon Revue" is a throwback to the glorious days of old school jazz: think top-shelf juke joint meets Southern hospitality. Drink in an infusion of bourbon, Johnny Mercer, Billie Holiday, Patsy Cline, and Fats Waller and you just sidled up to the bar next to, "The Siren Of The South ''.
“Her take on the great American songbook is unrivaled. Her sound stood up well when played next to iconic artists such as Ella Fitzgerald. Do yourself a favor and get to know and appreciate this ascendant music star” Leslie Stoval - NPR San Fransisco
Miss Stephanie has received many recent accolades, including the 2018 & 2020 Nashville Industry Music Awards for “Best Jazz Vocalist”, and 2021 Josie Award for “Best Jazz/Blues Vocalist”
“Disarmingly engaging as a songwriter, particularly with her southern Willow Sway” - Cabaret Scenes Magazine (NYC)
Known for her unique vocal styling, an evening with Miss Stephanie carries her audience back to the prohibition era - a scandalous rendezvous in a wicked speakeasy, where swagger goes and bourbon flows. Her show titled, "The Jazz, Pearls, and Bourbon Revue" is a throwback to the glorious days of old school jazz: think top-shelf juke joint meets Southern hospitality. Drink in an infusion of bourbon, Johnny Mercer, Billie Holiday, Patsy Cline, and Fats Waller and you just sidled up to the bar next to, "The Siren Of The South ''.
Geoff Pfeifer Quartet
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
The Geoff Pfeifer Quartet, gritty, edgy, the real deal NYC style jazz. Saxophonist Geoff Pfeifer brings some of Nashville's top jazz cats out, and you'll be sure to feel the energy. Playing a mix of original material and Wayne Shorter tunes.
Geoff Pfeifer, a Nashville based musician and composer, has been living and performing in Nashville since 2005. Geoff studied saxophone with Ted Nash and Ralph Lalama and composition with Mike Holober and Jim McNeely. He is a saxophonist and arranger with the R&B band Chubby and The Dots and plays the 2nd Tenor Saxophone chair in The Establishment Big Band. Geoff has shared the stage with David Liebman, Jim McNeeley, David Amram, Chico O’Farrill, Arturo O’Farrill, Frank Kimbrough, Ben Allison, Michael Blake among many other musicians.
Geoff Pfeifer, a Nashville based musician and composer, has been living and performing in Nashville since 2005. Geoff studied saxophone with Ted Nash and Ralph Lalama and composition with Mike Holober and Jim McNeely. He is a saxophonist and arranger with the R&B band Chubby and The Dots and plays the 2nd Tenor Saxophone chair in The Establishment Big Band. Geoff has shared the stage with David Liebman, Jim McNeeley, David Amram, Chico O’Farrill, Arturo O’Farrill, Frank Kimbrough, Ben Allison, Michael Blake among many other musicians.
Mar 14

Bruce Dudley Trio w/ Jim Ferguson and Marc Widenhofer
5:30pm-7:15pm central, $16 at the door
Bruce Dudley is a Steinway Concert Artist and has been performing jazz piano for over 40 years on concert stages, in clubs, and private residences throughout North and South America. He specializes in the Great American Songbook, as well as in the rich history of American jazz styles, from Ragtime and Stride to Modernism, Post Modernism, and performance of original music. In addition to his work as a solo artist, he leads a trio, quartet, and larger ensembles, with horns and/or strings, while also enlisting the award winning voice of his wife, Sandra Dudley. An active educator, Dudley has presented clinics across Canada, the United States, and in Colombia, South America. His recordings as a leader include DPSW Quartet - Live at the Cave (2019), The Solo Sessions (2012), Mostly Monk (2010), and Semblance (1997). Dudley has also performed with artists Aretha Franklin, Crystal Gayle, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Herb Ellis, Randy Brecker, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Ink Spots, and has played keyboards for over 35 touring Broadway shows, including Beautiful, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, among others.
Bruce Dudley has published articles for Downbeat magazine and presented scholarly research at conferences in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. His book 25 Piano Etudes in Idiomatic Styles was published in 2021 by Keuka Waters Music.
Dudley is Associate Professor of Music at Belmont University. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Technology from New York University.
"Dudley’s well-schooled piano style is guided by dominant but subtle right-hand figures that galvanize one of the most cohesive trios in town." THE NASHVILLE SCENE
"Dudley, whose fluent lines jet around the keyboard, absorbing motifs into the stream, without a split second of hesitation, at any point of rhythm in the bar, are stunning to listen to…" HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD
"Dudley plays the piano with such grace and authority that he has quietly become the pianists that other pianists go to hear." HOUSTON POST
"As the leader, Dudley set the evening’s tone with a supple, rich blend of assertive melodic statements, delightful accompaniment, first-rate phrasing, counterpoint and harmonizing." Ron Wynn - ArtsNash
Bruce Dudley has published articles for Downbeat magazine and presented scholarly research at conferences in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. His book 25 Piano Etudes in Idiomatic Styles was published in 2021 by Keuka Waters Music.
Dudley is Associate Professor of Music at Belmont University. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Technology from New York University.
"Dudley’s well-schooled piano style is guided by dominant but subtle right-hand figures that galvanize one of the most cohesive trios in town." THE NASHVILLE SCENE
"Dudley, whose fluent lines jet around the keyboard, absorbing motifs into the stream, without a split second of hesitation, at any point of rhythm in the bar, are stunning to listen to…" HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD
"Dudley plays the piano with such grace and authority that he has quietly become the pianists that other pianists go to hear." HOUSTON POST
"As the leader, Dudley set the evening’s tone with a supple, rich blend of assertive melodic statements, delightful accompaniment, first-rate phrasing, counterpoint and harmonizing." Ron Wynn - ArtsNash
Will Goble Group feat. Greg Tardy & Dave Potter Album Release
8:00pm-10:15pm central, $21 in advance, $22 at the door
Bassist Will Goble brings his trio featuring Nashville regulars Dave Potter and Gregory Tardy To Rudy's Jazz Room to celebrate the release of his third full length album as a leader, "The Charm of Every Season."
Goble and Potter, longtime collaborators in Jason Marsalis's Vibes Quartet as well as their own projects, reunite once again with Tardy, a veteran of groups led by Bill Frisell, Elvin Jones, Andrew Hill, Tom Harrell and a prolific bandleader with 18 albums to his credit. Potter is well-known to Nashville audiences for his nostalgic 80s highwire "Retro Groove" project, while Tardy is a longtime Tennessee staple who has presented numerous original offerings from the Rudy's stage.
In this new intimate trio setting, Will draws from sources that reflect his many influences as a bassist and bandleader raised in rich southern musical traditions. The trio covers quite a lot of ground while keeping things simple - popular songs of the 20th century, original music, hymns, spirituals, and of course, the Blues. The mission is clear: to swing, groove, and to connect with anyone who lends an ear.
Goble and Potter, longtime collaborators in Jason Marsalis's Vibes Quartet as well as their own projects, reunite once again with Tardy, a veteran of groups led by Bill Frisell, Elvin Jones, Andrew Hill, Tom Harrell and a prolific bandleader with 18 albums to his credit. Potter is well-known to Nashville audiences for his nostalgic 80s highwire "Retro Groove" project, while Tardy is a longtime Tennessee staple who has presented numerous original offerings from the Rudy's stage.
In this new intimate trio setting, Will draws from sources that reflect his many influences as a bassist and bandleader raised in rich southern musical traditions. The trio covers quite a lot of ground while keeping things simple - popular songs of the 20th century, original music, hymns, spirituals, and of course, the Blues. The mission is clear: to swing, groove, and to connect with anyone who lends an ear.
The Aaron Lessard Group
11:00pm-1:00am central, $10 at the door
Aaron Lessard is a Nashville Jazz/Fusion guitarist. His show brings a barrage of melodic and high flying guitar along with a stunning trio to back him. A product of the Berklee College of Music, Lessard’s influences range from greats like Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield, and Robben Ford. His mix of original compositions and covers bring forth a unique musicality to create a spectacular evening.
This iteration of the Aaron Lessard Group consists of:
Aaron Lessard - Guitar
Brook Sutton - Bass
Nioshi Jackson - Drums
This iteration of the Aaron Lessard Group consists of:
Aaron Lessard - Guitar
Brook Sutton - Bass
Nioshi Jackson - Drums



