New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Shore Fire Media) The Iridium has an historic lineup on tap for May, with guitar giant Ted Nugent joining the Les Paul Trio and Neil Young/E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren performing with his acoustic duo. In addition to honoring Les Paul with its trademark Les Paul Mondays series (special guests this month also include Jane Weidlin of The Go Go's and Alex Skolnick), the club will pay tribute to the legacies of Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher and jazz icon Miles Davis. Here are just a few of the May standouts:
Danny Aiello with Special Guests The Bronx Wanderers & Hassan (5/4): You may know Oscar-nominated actor Danny Aiello from his roles in Spike Lee's 'Do The Right Thing' or 'The Godfather' series, but on this night he'll be performing tracks from America's favorite songbook with his 8 piece jumpin' jazz swing band. The New York Times said Aiello "has the bounce of his idols Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and Louis Prima, and the throaty lyricism of another idol, Tony Bennett."
Nils Lofgren Acoustic Duo (5/7) - Joining Neil Young's band and recording on 'After the Gold Rush' was only the start for Nils Lofgren, who was just 18 years old at the time. Lofgren toured and recorded extensively with Young throughout the 70's and 80's in addition to releasing his own critically acclaimed solo material. He joined Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band in 1984 and continues to perform and record with Springsteen as well a stunning array of other artists that in recent years has included Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, and David Crosby.
Ray Manzarek & Michael McClure Explore The Doors: Poetry, Music And Words (5/10-11) - Co-founder of The Doors Ray Manzarek teams up with legendary beat poet Michael McClure for an unforgettable night of music and spoken word. Manzarek's keyboard work with The Doors stands among the most iconic in rock and roll, and McClure (who co-penned the Janis Joplin hit "Mercedes Benz" in addition to his celebrated poetry, prose, and plays) is widely recognized as a prominent influence on Jim Morrison's songwriting.
Ted Nugent with The Les Paul Trio (5/16) - Ted Nugent emerged as a true guitar hero in the 1970's, releasing a string of platinum albums featuring massive radio anthems like 'Hey Baby,' 'Stranglehold,' 'Dog Eat Dog' and 'Cat Scratch Fever.' Throughout his lengthy and celebrated career, Nugent has released more than 30 albums and sold over 30 million records. For half the night, he'll sit in with The Les Paul Trio for a one-of-a-kind collaboration only The Iridium could present. He'll wrap up each set backed by an electric bass and drums for some of his biggest hits.
Miles Davis From Birth Of The Cool To Bitches Brew (5/19-5/22): Some of contemporary jazz's finest players join forces to honor the one and only Miles Davis for four consecutive nights. Performers include Grammy-winner Randy Brecker, Tom Harrel, Jeremy Pelt, Dave Liebman, Eric Alexander, George Cables, Lonnie Plaxico, and Billy Drummond.
A Tribute to Rory Gallagher with The Les Paul Trio (5/23): In addition to honoring its namesake's legacy, this special edition of Les Paul Mondays will pay tribute to the late guitarist Rory Gallagher. The night will begin with a panel discussion and slideshow featuring family members, music critics, and historians. Following the talk, The Les Paul Trio will take the stage with special guests including Davey Knowles (Back Door Slam), Innes Sibun (Robert Plant), Jimmy Suhler (George Thorogood), Scott Holt (Buddy Guy), Roger Earl (Foghat), and more.
Also appearing at the Iridium in May are the Aimee Allen Quartet, Jack Donahue, Oz Noy, Dave Wekcl, & Will Lee, William Armstrong Group, The Mahavishnu Project Plays the Music of Jeff Beck, The Cookers, Leon Redbone, The Phoebe Legere Quintet, Gary U.S. Bonds Plays Creedance Clearwater Revival, Eyal Vilner Big Band, Fat Cat Big Band, 'A Tribute to the Music of Stevie Wonder' by Bill Warfield, Cedar Walton, Jevon Jackson, Peter Washington, & Lewis Nash, and Terese Genecco & Her Little Big Band.
About The Iridium:
Deemed "hallowed ground" by legendary guitarist Steve Miller, The Iridium stage has played a part in launching the careers of countless artists, though it may be known best as The Home of Les Paul. Called "The Father of the Electric Guitar," Paul performed at The Iridium weekly for more than 12 years until his passing in 2009. Today, the Les Paul trio continues on in his honor, showcasing the diversity of the electric guitar every Monday night with world class special guests that have included Jeff Beck, Zakk Wylde, Steve Miller, and Ted Nugent, who will perform May 16.
For a complete calendar of events at the Iridium in April, visit:
https://www.theiridium.com/calendar
The Iridium on the Web:
https://www.theiridium.com
https://www.facebook.com/iridiumjazzclub
https://www.youtube.com/user/IridiumLIVE
https://twitter.com/iridiumjazzclub
