Christian McBride, only 30 years old, has arguably become the most acclaimed acoustic and electric bassist to emerge from the jazz world in the 1990's. He has worked with a diverse cast of talented musicians, from Chick Corea to Pat Metheny, from Kathleen Battle to D'Angelo, from Diana Krall to Bruce Hornsby, from Quincy Jones to Sting. Mentored by Wynton Marsalis, McBride rose to the top quickly. As a young musician, McBride toured first with Roy Hargrove’s band, and then, beginning in 1990 …

Bassist Avishai Cohen leads an incredible international band this October 13 at Cheney Hall, in Manchester CT. The International Vamp Band is a truly international ensemble. Featuring Avishai on piano and electric bass, it includes Eric McPherson on drums (replacing Antonio Sanchez), Yagil Baras on acoustic bass, Avi Lebovich on trombone, flute and vocals, Yosvany Terry on tenor and alto saxophones and chekeré, and Diego Urcola on trumpet and flugelhorn. Their music is a synthesis of traditi …

One of the brightest new trumpet stars to come out in the 1990s, Verve recording artist Nicholas Payton combines references to his New Orleans heritage, the Young Lions’ brand of hard bop, and a warm sound. Born in 1973, in New Orleans, Louisiana, son of a musical family, he has been playing Jazz for over twenty years, since he was only eight. A lifelong son of New Orleans, Payton is well aware of the shadow of Louis Armstrong. His homage to Satchmo comes not only in his choice of instruments …

Expect innovation, excitement and creativity this Fall at Cheney Hall. Once again, Cheney Hall will host some of the top Jazz acts in the nation. September marks the return after two years of the fabled Milltown Jazz Series-a concert series graced in the past by Chick Corea, Kenny Garrett, Brad Mehldau and Thomas Chapin. This time the line up features three outstanding young bands: The Christian McBride Band, Avishai Cohen and the International Vamp Band, and Nicholas Payton and the Soul Patr …