Four Nights, Four Bands Celebrate Bud Powell at the Iridium, September 27-30

One of the most influential pianists in jazz, Earl Rudolph 'Bud' Powell (September 27, 1924 – July 31, 1966), along with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, was one of the founding fathers of bebop. Often called the “Charlie Parker of the piano,” Powell’s contributions as composer, pianist and bandleader will be celebrated this week at the Iridium through the interpretations of four master pianists and their ensembles, September 27-30. (...)

September 30 (8 & 10 pm), Rachel Z Trio. Rachel Nicolazzo, known simply as Rachel Z, is an undeniably talented pianist/vocalist/composer whose chops shout Shorter and Hancock while her repertoire screams Sting and Stones. Growing up in Manhattan, she began voice lessons at age two, then classical piano at seven; she attended her first opera at age nine. “My first doll house was a Metropolitan Opera House,” she notes. But on hearing “Miles’ Smiles” at age 15, she began improvising against the grain of her classical repertoire and was soon playing in a band covering Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan. She further crossed the classical-to-jazz divide by listening to Herbie Hancock’s interpretations of Wayne Shorter, launching a quintet named Nardis, and studying with Joanne Brackeen and Richie Bierach. Studies at the New England Conservatory of Music and serving as music director for a tour with Wayne Shorter helped launch her eclectic career. Over the past decade, her efforts have encompassed interpretations of everyone from classic jazz giants to contemporary pop and rock stars, including recorded tributes to Wayne Shorter and Joni Mitchell. A global tour with Peter Gabriel (2002-2004) as well as five recordings have brought her into the international spotlight, but her current Department of Good and Evil band has truly ignited audiences around the globe. Her trio features Department collaborators, bassist Maeve Royce and drummer Bobby Rae. Expect a few surprise guests!