Live Jazz at Ornithology Jazz Club NYC
Wednesday night was one of those nights that reminds you why live jazz in New York City is unlike anything else in the world. My band took the stage at Ornithology Jazz Club — our home base in Brooklyn and the spot where we perform every third Monday of each month — and we had a genuinely great time.
Chris McCarthy — piano
The Magic of Playing the Same Tunes Every Night
We played almost the same set of music we always do, with just a few small variations in the setlist. But that’s the thing about jazz improvisation: the set might look the same on paper, and yet each performance takes the band to a completely different place. Every time we dig into these tunes, we discover new musical moments — moments that couldn’t have happened any other night.
I’m always intrigued to see what cadenza Ben is going to play, what Adam is going to come up with on his sticks, which voicing Chris is going to throw into the pot. That unpredictability is what makes it special. One of the most beautiful things about playing jazz and improvising is that even when every musician brings the same personality, taste, and concept to the bandstand — every night will still be different.
Ben Solomon
The NYC Jazz Scene in Full Force
Before our set, Eviatar Slivnik’s band played the early slot, and I caught their last two tunes. They sounded incredible — a lineup featuring some of the finest talents working in the New York City jazz scene today: Eviatar Slivnik, Eden Ladin, Felix Moseholm, and Ben Solomon. A real reminder of just how much talent is alive and active in this city right now.
Adam Arruda — drums
The Importance of Live Jazz Community
I’m very thankful for this special night. Seeing people come out on a Wednesday evening is a powerful thing — it reminds me how important it is to have a community of music lovers who show up and support live jazz. These nights don’t happen without an audience willing to be there, present, and open. Thank you to everyone who came out to Ornithology Jazz Club. It means everything.
If you’re looking for live jazz in NYC, Ornithology is one of the best rooms in the city. We’re there every third Monday of the month — come say hello.
Personnel
Giuseppe Cucchiara — bass
Adam Arruda — drums
Chris McCarthy — piano
Ben Solomon — tenor saxophone
