Roland Barber In Concert

Roland Barber In Concert at the Jazz Cave at the Nashville Jazz Workshop on Saturday, September 10th, 2022. Bandleader and trombonist Roland Barber is joined by Rahsaan Barber (sax), Bruce Dudley (piano), Todd Parks (bass), Akil Thompson (drums).

The band takes the stage at 7:30pm CST (Doors at 7:00pm).

Live Performance Tickets ($35)

Roland has achieved a powerful, soulful and spiritual artistry as a jazz performer, so much so that Curtis Fuller (John Coltrane’s only trombonist) exclaimed upon hearing him, “Now THAT’s what jazz trombone is all about!” Roland’s style is a synthesis of jazz’s finest elements – sporting a keen, fluent command of the bebop language, tempered with a compelling sense of melodic “voice” that’s rooted in the swagger and soul of the blues and swing traditions.

“To me, it ain’t really jazz, if it ain’t got no blues in it…”

This was indeed the pervasive sentiment in the house that Roland Barber grew up in…the same notion passed down through the generations of musicians in Roland’s family. (In fact, that quote is attributed to Roland’s grandmother, Zepher – herself a musician, teacher and inspiration to many.) Indeed, many jazz students begin their studies by looking into the “blues scale,” and it’s quite a worthy focus to orient new-comers to the language of jazz! But when this “blues melodicism” rests in the hands of skillful, savvy communicators – it moves from being elementary vocabulary to powerfully evoking the most vital things – from romance to protest, security to adventure, the familiar to the exotic. Drawing from a deep, blues ethos and taking aim at modern, fresh soundscapes, Roland will present new arrangements and compositions featuring his signature trombone playing (and a surprise or two, along the way)…Expect soulful and artful communication! Expect some on-time music you can feel! Roland is very glad to be joined by a crew of musical titans each in their own right – phenomenal saxophonist (and twin brother) Rahsaan Barber, bassist Todd Parks, pianist Bruce Dudley, and drummer Akil Thompson.

Policies: The Jazz Cave is a BYOB establishment, with no alcohol or food service. You are free to bring alcoholic beverages and snacks. We sell soft drinks and bottled water. The Jazz Cave is a listening room, and we ask patrons to keep conversation to a minimum and silence cell phones. Audio and video recording is prohibited. TICKET SALES ARE FINAL. We do not issue refunds. Masks are recommended for all patrons.

About Roland:

Native of Nashville, TN, known around the world as “Music City,” trombonist Roland Barber enjoys a career full of diverse and exciting musical pursuits at the highest level. Roland has achieved a powerful, soulful and spiritual artistry as a jazz performer, so much so that Curtis Fuller (John Coltrane’s only trombonist) exclaimed upon hearing him, “Now THAT’s what jazz trombone is all about!” Roland’s style is a synthesis of jazz’s finest elements – sporting a keen, fluent command of the bebop language, tempered with a compelling sense of melodic “voice” that’s rooted in the swagger and soul of the blues and swing traditions. Roland employs a warm, personal tone that is lyrical and full, yet ready to burn with heat and intensity when the moment presents itself. Roland is also known for his masterful plunger-mute playing – a gem in the music of jazz that goes back to Tricky Sam Nanton of Ellington’s orchestra and a study has been passed down the generations, most directly to Roland through mentors Steve Turre and Al Grey.