James Johnson III ft. Glenn Zaleski Master Pittsburgh drummer (of Ahmad Jamal, Wynton Marsalis, George Coleman, Kenny Garrett) leads all-star lineup in a special return to BLU! Featuring James Johnson III, Chris Coles, Denzel Chismar-Oliver and special guest, Glenn Zaleski!

New York City pianist & recording artist, Glenn Zalesk (Ravi Coltrane, Cécile McLorin Salvant, the Vanguard Big Band, Yotam Silberstein, Ken Peplowski, Lage Lund, Ari Hoenig), returns to the BLU Zone for this not-to-miss show!

Described as a chameleon with wide range of musical talents, James Johnson III began his musical journey playing drums at five years old. His father, Dr. James Johnson Jr., a nationally known pianist and educator sparked his passion for music. Soon Precursory to his worldwide career, he attended Pittsburgh’s high school for the creative and performing arts (CAPA) where he was under the tutelage of jazz great Roger Humphries and Greg Humphries. This laid the foundation for a stellar career that has included performing as a regular member with legendary jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal. His musical adventures have led him to play prestigious venues around the world such as North America, Europe, Africa and Japan. As a part of his portfolio he has performed with jazz masters Monty Alexander, George Coleman, James Moody, Geri Allen, Bob James, Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, Mulgrew Miller, and Kenny Werner.
 
James currently serves as a faculty member at University of Pittsburgh School of Music, Chatham University and Afro American Music Institute—a Pittsburgh institution that preserves the heritage of African American music. As a versatile percussionist, songwriter, composer and producer, James maintains a diverse freelance career. Currently, he has two solo projects: Between and Full Circle.
 
Be sure to get your tickets early for this very special show in James’ return to BLU Jazz+!
 

About Glenn Zaleski

Glenn Zaleski is one of the most in-demand pianists on the New York City jazz scene. Originally from Boylston, MA, Glenn has made a name for himself playing with the likes of Ravi Coltrane, Cécile McLorin Salvant, the Vanguard Big Band, Yotam Silberstein, Ken Peplowski, Lage Lund, Ari Hoenig, and many more. His latest album, “The Question”, features his quintet, and was released in July 2020 from Sunnyside Records.
 
His previous release, “Live at Jazz Standard” (Capri 2019), features his long-standing co-led trio, Stranahan/Zaleski/Rosato, in a live set the legendary NYC club.
 
One year prior, “Solo Vol. 1”, was released in early 2018 – his first solo piano album, as well as the first release from his own label Stark Terrace Music. In 2017 he released his second album for Sunnyside Records, “Fellowship”, prompting All About Jazz to note, “Glenn Zaleski has quickly become one of the most important pianists of his generation and it’s easy to see why.” His debut album, “My Ideal”, was released in March of 2015, also on Sunnyside, and received critical acclaim: Downbeat Magazine named it “sublime”, Jazz Times called it, “an engaging set by a talent worth watching,” and the New York Times named the record a “strong statement,” praising its “fluent but unhurried sense of phrase”.
 
Glenn has also released two popular albums with the collective Stranahan/Zaleski/Rosato: “Limitless” (Capri, 2013), and “Anticipation” (Capri, 2011), as well as a duo record with his brother, saxophonist Mark Zaleski. (“Duet Suite”, 2010)
 
In 2011, Glenn was a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, as well as a finalist for the 2011 APA Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz. He attended the Brubeck Institute Fellowship program in Stockton, CA from 2005-2007, and then finished his undergraduate studies at The New School in 2009. From 2009-2011, while working towards his graduate degree at NYU, Glenn was also on NYU faculty, teaching a variety of classes and private students.
 

$20 ($10 student w/ ID at door)