Recently, I had the opportunity to play in New York City at the famed Village Vanguard. It was my first time to play the club since late 1986, so the math adds up to nearly 40 years between gigs. The Vanguard is considered by most musicians I know to be the best-sounding jazz club in the world. Many of the most-cherished “live” jazz recordings were made there, and it literally feels like a dream coming true to hear the sound of your own drumming in that hallowed space. Drummers like Elvin Jones, Louis Hayes, Mel Lewis, and Paul Motian have been recorded there, in addition to youngbloods like Eric Harland, Mark Guiliana, and Marcus Gilmore. as well as in-betweeners such as John Riley with The Jazz Orchestra and myself with John Abercrombie, Michael Brecker, and Marc Johnson. My wife made the trip back east — and somewhat back in time […]

August 2026 Issue