The mountains. The mesa. And world-class jazz… year 'round.
Jazz happens here
Jazz happens here
The mountains. The mesa. And world-class jazz… year 'round.
The 16th Annual
FRANK MORGAN TAOS
JAZZ FESTIVAL
november 11- 14
Steve Figueroa, piano; Milo Jaramillo, bass; David Flores, drums
Free – reservations are required. Two people per reservation. Reservations will open Nov. 1.
Wed. Nov. 11
Taos Country Club– 3:00 & 7:00 PM
2 Free Opening Day Shows!
Back by popular demand! Red Hot & Red, the premier Native American jazz trio, has opened the last three Taos Jazz Festivals and knocked us out each time with their colorful mix of traditional and Latin jazz. All three band members have Native American roots. Pianist and band leader Steve Figueroa hails from Laguna Pueblo. Bassist Milo Jaramillo is from Isleta Pueblo, and drummer David Flores' family roots date back to the Indigenous Native American and Sonoran Mexico desert Yaqui Tribe.
Their music reflects the varied influences in their backgrounds– Steve and MIlo were both mentored from an early age by renowned saxophonist Doug Lawrence. In addition to their work with Red Hot & Red, the band members work with numerous other successful New Mexico bands including the Julia Keefe Native American Big Band, Calle 66, Baracutanga, and Doug Lawrence's Los Nuevo Mexicanos Band.
Red Hot & Red– and Special Guest.
Thurs, Nov. 12
HARWOOD Museum– 7:00 PM
“…hints of Aaron Copland and Pat Metheny in a piano trio setting that
shows how hard-swinging a player Savage is.” – CADENCE
​
Matt Savage has had a remarkable 20+ year professional career as a jazz pianist and bandleader in ensembles of different sizes. He’s played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Jon Faddis, among others.
As a composer, Matt has garnered wide respect both as a pianist and composer. Most of the songs on Matt's albums are his originals. He also wrote and recorded the score for the full-length documentary film, "Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story". Matt tours across the US and worldwide, performing at renowned venues like the Kennedy Center, Birdland and the Blue Note, and in many US and international jazz festivals.
Matt Savage Trio
Fri. Nov. 13
Taos Center for the Arts– 7:30 PM
"David Sanchez is one of the most distinctive voices in modern Afro-Caribbean jazz."– Mark Bank, DAILY JAZZ BLOG​
Rhythm, history, and Caribbean spirit come alive as GRAMMY and LATIN- GRAMMY Award–winning saxophonist David Sanchez returns to the TCA stage with his vibrant new project, "Tambó". Inspired by the powerful musical traditions of Puerto Rico, Haiti, and Colombia, the music pulses with Afro-Caribbean rhythm, expressive contemporary improvisation, and deep cultural roots.
Sánchez tours the world as a bandleader, bringing his mix of mainstream jazz with Pan-African influences to global audiences. He is also a member of the SFJazz Collective, an all-star octet representing the SFJAZZ institution. As jazz critic Howard Reich says, "Technically, tonally and creatively, Sanchez seems to have it all." His performance here last year was so thrilling, we had to have him back. Don’t miss this immersive night of music, heritage, and celebration!
David Sanchez "Tambo"
Grace Kelly
David Sanchez
"Tambo"
Matt Savage
Trio
Red Hot & Red
& Special Guest
Sat. Nov. 14
Taos Center for the Arts–
two performances: 3:00 & 7:30 PM
Adam Bravo, piano; Cooper Appelt, bass; Ross Pederson, drums
$30 / $25 (TCA & Taos Jazz Bebop Society members)
$40 Family Ticket (For 1 or 2 adults with children/youth– 5 persons total)
There's always something new and unexpected when Grace Kelly appears. Her unique mixture of pop-infused jazz, spectacular sax skills and heartfelt songs have brought Taos audiences to their feet every time. Her blazing talent on the saxophone showed up at a very early age… she was only 12 when she met Frank Morgan and he asked her to perform with him. He mentored her until his death in 2007– which is a major reason why Grace returns for the Festival each year to honor him. This year, Grace will be performing Taos favorites, along with new songs from her upcoming album, "Missing Piece". "Before I fell in love with the saxophone and jazz, I fell in love with songwriting. I wrote my first song when I was 7, and from that moment I knew there was something magical about putting my emotions into words and music." – Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly
