Willie Jones III Quartet Ft. Jeremy Pelt
Grammy-winning drummer Willie Jones III leads a powerhouse quartet in this special engagement, showcasing the kind of electrifying hard-bop artistry that made him a cornerstone of Roy Hargrove's acclaimed quintet and the driving force behind Hargrove's RH Factor. Known for his dynamic rhythmic expression and ability to honor jazz traditions while pushing creative boundaries, Jones has built his reputation alongside legends including Wynton Marsalis, Sonny Rollins, and Herbie Hancock, earning recognition as one of modern jazz's most respected and in-demand drummers.
Joining Jones is trumpet master Jeremy Pelt, a multiple DownBeat Rising Star whose commanding presence and fiery bebop velocity have made him a first-call musician for jazz luminaries from Ravi Coltrane to Jimmy Heath. Pelt brings his signature intensity and scope to the bandstand, capable of building "bebop on top of bebop" with microscopic cadenzas that leave audiences breathless.
The rhythm section features rising star pianist Tyler Bullock II, a Juilliard graduate who has quickly established himself working with Samara Joy, Sean Jones, and as regular pianist with The Roy Hargrove Big Band. Anchoring the quartet is bassist Mike Gurrola, a protégé of John Clayton whose warm-hearted bass work has made him a sought-after musician for everyone from Benny Green to Kenny Burrell.
Expect to hear the hard-driving swing and sophisticated interplay that defines Jones's approach as a bandleader. His recent albums like Fallen Heroes (2021) and The Willie Jones III Sextet Plays the Music of Max Roach (2013) have earned widespread critical acclaim from The New York Times, showcasing his ability to honor jazz masters while maintaining his own distinctive voice. The quartet format allows for the kind of intimate musical conversation and "dynamite rhythm section" energy that has made Jones's live performances legendary.
This is part of a multi-night residency at Black Cat, giving the quartet time to develop their musical chemistry and explore deeper into their repertoire of hard-bop classics and contemporary compositions.