Mike LeDonne Quartet
9:30–11:00PM, Mack Avenue Records Pyramid Stage
One of the finest pianists on the New York scene today, Mike LeDonne’s resume provides a wonderful snapshot of jazz history. While working at Jimmy Ryan’s in the early ‘80s (at the time, one of New York’s oldest jazz clubs), LeDonne came under the influence of some of the old masters, including Roy Eldridge, Papa Jo Jones and Vic Dickerson, among others. He went on to work with the Art Farmer-Clifford Jordan Quintet, Grady Tate, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Charles McPherson, Milt Jackson, Sonny Rollins and Benny Golson. He has also led trios that have included Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Billy Hart, Pete LaRoca and Louis Hayes. Most recently, he has worked with Bobby Hutcherson.
Along with his many recordings as a sideman, LeDonne has recorded eight albums as a leader. His album ‘Bout Time (1988) was named “Record of the Year” in the 1989 Jazz Journal Critics Poll and The Feeling of Jazz (1990) was chosen as one of the “Top Ten Records of 1991” in a JazzTimes Critics Poll. Other notable releases include his tribute to Milt Jackson, Bag’s Groove (2000), and his latest, Then and Now (2001).
LeDonne, featured here on the B-3 organ, is joined by Eric Alexander (tenor sax), Peter Bernstein (guitar) and Joe Farnsworth (drums).
