You've heard of the idea that everyone is only six degrees of separation away from any other person on earth, but when it comes to the New School for Jazz and the world of music, the planet shrinks even further. Since its founding in 1986, Jazz alumni have gone on to global success in a stunningly diverse range of musical styles. From jam bands to jazz, hip-hop and R&B to afrobeat, drum & bass to Brazilian funk, and all points in between, the school's graduates are at the forefront of creative music-making.
Tonight, the New School presents three generations of alumni at one of New York City's most celebrated venues, Highline Ballroom. In addition to the raucous subway-sax house music of Moon Hooch, and the jazzy urban sounds of Corey King & TAFFY, world-renowned guitarist Peter Bernstein was commissioned to create new music with a brand-new band just for this evening's performance.
Moon Hooch
Corey King & TAFFY
Since moving to New York City from Houston, Texas, in 2004, trombonist Corey King has become one of the hottest musicians on the scene, known for his blazing creativity and incredible versatility. When Esperanza Spalding, Ludacris, or Mark Ronson need that something extra in their band, they call this guy. King has also performed with Jason Moran, Gil Scott-Heron, Wyclef Jean, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jose James, Mary J. Blige, and countless other top artists. Along with his band TAFFY, he co-leads ERIMAJ with fellow New School Jazz alumus, drummer Jamire Williams.
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Peter Bernstein
Known for his clean, warm tone and lyrical melodic lines, guitarist Peter Bernstein was mentored by the legendary Jim Hall during his time at the New School. After playing duo with Hall (a partnership which continues today), Bernstein became one of the top names in jazz starting in the '90s, playing with Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, Joe Lovano, Christian McBride, and many more. Recently, he became a member of Sonny Rollins's quintet. Bernstein was commissioned by the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music to create a new band specifically for tonight's show, featuring fellow Jazz alumni pianist Sam Yahel and harmonicist Grégoire Maret, along with Dwayne Burno on bass and Greg Hutchinson on drums.
