Todd Coolman Quartet at Caffe Lena

This all-star combo features four renowned Jazz artists currently in town to teach the nation's finest young musicians at the Skidmore Jazz Institute. Enjoy a thrilling performance by Dave Liebman on saxophone, Dennis Mackrel on drums, Vic Juris on guitar and Coolman on bass.

Dave Liebman's career has spanned fifty years and has encompassed classical, rock and free jazz. He has played with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, McCoy Tyner and many others. Liebman is among the most important saxophonists in contemporary music . . a leader and artist of integrity and independent direction. Downbeat Magazine...

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This all-star combo features four renowned Jazz artists currently in town to teach the nation's finest young musicians at the Skidmore Jazz Institute. Enjoy a thrilling performance by Dave Liebman on saxophone, Dennis Mackrel on drums, Vic Juris on guitar and Coolman on bass.

Dave Liebman's career has spanned fifty years and has encompassed classical, rock and free jazz. He has played with Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, McCoy Tyner and many others. Liebman is among the most important saxophonists in contemporary music . . a leader and artist of integrity and independent direction. Downbeat Magazine

Dennis Mackrel joined the Count Basie Orchestra at the age of 21, becoming the final drummer hired by Basie himself. Following five years of service he went on to become the drummer of choice for the American Jazz Orchestra, the Carla Bley Big Band, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Buck Clayton's Swing Band, and the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band. He is currently a professor of music at Queens College.

Vic Juris returns to Lena's stage following a hugely well-received performance with the Chuck Lamb Trio in February. In a career that spans nearly a half-century, Juris has played in every format imaginable, including invaluable contributions to the groups of David Liebman and Gary Peacock, a superb guitar duo with Larry Coryell, and as a special guest of the Mingus Big Band. His flowing, warm toned, bop influenced lyricism and his penchant for unbridled swinging is pure magic.

Two-time Grammy award-winning bassist Todd Coolman will anchor tonight's combo. He is one of the hottest commodities in the New York jazz scene. He has performed and recorded with a virtual whos who of jazz masters including Horace Silver, Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, Benny Golson, Art Farmer, Tommy Flanagan, Ahmad Jamal, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and numerous others.

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