Live & Local: Jazz at Lincoln Center Celebrates the New Orleans Songbook

Members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center are currently out west on tour with a New Orleans Song book review. Luther S. Allison, Quiana Lynell, and Milton Suggs will be on stage at the Lonetree Art Center for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: The New Orleans Songbook on Friday, February 7th at 7:30 p.m. This evening celebrates the composers and inspired songs of the Crescent City, the historic epicenter of jazz.

Abi Clark of The Morning Set caught up with Luther S. Allison on his drive across the US in anticipation of this concert. He is a bandleader, educator, composer and clinician based in New York City and leads his trio and sextet in performances around the world. He has played both drums and piano alongside Etienne Charles, Jazzmeia Horn, Rodney Whitaker, Samara Joy, Joe Farnsworth among others. His debut, I Owe it All to You, featuring the Luther Allison Trio was released in the summer of 2024. On this record, he is joined by Boris Kozlov on bass and Zach Adleman on drums. Abi spoke with Luther about his latest release and connection with the music of New Orleans ahead of his return to Colorado.