The consistency of impressive quality in the worlds of jazz and blues in Nashville allows fans to enjoy great music year-round. The amount of noteworthy events makes it impossible to cite everything and everyone, so here’s a sampling of 2024 items that deserved attention.
Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music grew its reputation as a vital center for academic research and study in the jazz world as assets from the extensive and thoroughly unique Phil Schaap Jazz Collection — bequeathed to the school after Schaap’s death in 2021 — began to be available to the public. The undergraduate ensemble Blair Big Band, under the direction of Ryan Middagh, continued its tradition of excellence as well, with an array of performances and competition wins.
Another longtime local mainstay, the Nashville Jazz Workshop, added a new artistic director in David Rodgers. Co-founders Roger Spencer and Lori Mechem transitioned into full-time roles as mentors and performers while remaining active participants in the workshop’s various concerts and classes. The NJW’s Jazz Cave venue remains a hotspot for not only fine local artists, but top national performers as well. Their mission of presenting, extending and promoting the jazz message was buttressed by the continuing presence of Rudy’s Jazz Room, which once again offered shows six nights a week from local, regional and national artists. Outstanding releases from Jeff Coffin, Sofia Goodman, Kandace Springs and Ben Graves were part of a steady stream of notable homegrown jazz recordings.
Discussing the recently arrived Phil Schaap Jazz Collection and the continued success of the Blair Big Band
Blues stalwarts Piper & the Hard Times began the year by winning the International Blues Challenge competition in Memphis, then capped it by releasing their marvelous, long-in-the-making debut Revelation. Nashville is blessed to have Carol Ann’s Home Cooking Cafe as well as Papa Turney’s BBQ/Miss Zeke’s Juke Joint. Both offer marvelous food, while Papa Turney’s features spicy blues concerts and Carol Ann’s is known for its R&B, soul and blues jam sessions. These locales are havens where those who treasure classic material can hear the real deal. Other memorable moments included a rare Dan Penn live performance with The HercuLeons at 3rd and Lindsley, the release of a fine new LP called Friendlytown from soul legend Steve Cropper and the 10th anniversary of Jason Eskridge’s monthly performance series Sunday Night Soul.
It’s unfortunate that reliable entities are often undervalued. But not every city has a radio station specializing in both contemporary and classic jazz, like Fisk University’s WFSK. Or shows on local outlets that spotlight blues, soul and R&B, such as DJ Erica’s Soul of the City, airing 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays on community station WXNA (which also is home to Pete Wilson’s historic treasure trove Nashville Jumps, still airing Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m.), or Marquis Munson’s Soulphonic Sounds, airing 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays on WNXP. Original programming on local radio is becoming scarce in lots of cities, but Nashville DJs’ dedication to sharing the music they love is emblematic of the attitude across the spectrum of jazz, blues, soul and R&B communities in Nashville.
Talking with stellar songsmith and producer Brittany Howard, counting down the year’s top local albums and more
