New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Melissa Gardiner Official Website) Smalls Jazz Club, New York, NY, Sat. May 14th, 5:00p.m. – 7:00p.m - Not only is Melissa planning her first album release, she is also expecting her first child!
Ironically, it fits right in with the album title, Transitions, a compilation of original compositions and jazz standard arrangements that describe her musical journey and how it relates to her life thus far. The influences and experiences are many, and the album showcases her diversity as a musician. Instead of slowing down her performance career, expecting a child seems to be a driving force for her, an occurrence that is motivational and inspirational! Don't miss it, because this album release will be the first major headlining performance event of many for this talented and creative musician.
Michael J. West from The Washington City Paper says "Melissa Gardiner (is) a Juilliard-educated trombonist whose sound is, put bluntly, badass. It's a lyrical phrasing and pacing that could fairly be called "classical," perhaps even "old school," delivered with a swagger that all but grins at you and just the hint of a growl." In Capitolbop.com, Amy Bormet says that "Melissa just finished her jazz master's degree with a full scholarship to Juilliard and a brand new album. She is one of the most optimistic people I know, and all of her attitude comes through in her playing…She went from taking lessons with Geri Allen at the University of Michigan to gigging with her in NYC."
For this event, Melissa will be performing all of the music from her album also featuring Matthew Jodrell on trumpet, Lucas Pino on tenor sax, Tomek Miernowski on guitar, Joshua Richman on piano, Joshua Crumbly on bass, and Malik Washington on drums. Smalls Jazz Club is located at 183 W 10th Street, New York, NY. If you cannot make it to the event in person, you can check out the live feed at www.smallsjazzclub.com, although if you can make it in person I assure you the difference will be worth it! The Smalls Jazz Club experience is uniquely intimate and emotionally powerful. Tickets are only $10 at the door, half the price of what it usually costs for entrance at this renowned venue.
