Mike LeDonne’s Groover Trio
with Dave Stryker and Joe Farnsworth
Mike LeDonne’s Groover Trio | with Dave Stryker and Joe Farnsworth
Saturday, September 27
2:00 to 3:15 PM
Iron Horse
18 Center Street
FREE
Mike LeDonne
Mike LeDonne has had the unique experience of playing with a wide spectrum of jazz legends encompassing the history of jazz. He spent his early years with swing masters like Benny Goodman and Roy Eldridge, then worked with bebop vibes innovator Milt Jackson for 11 years, eventually becoming his musical director. LeDonne also performed with Sonny Rollins, Art Farmer, and Clifford Jordan. He met Benny Golson in 1997 and spent the next 26 years in The Benny Golson Quartet.
After Jackson's passing, LeDonne joined modern jazz innovators like vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, bassist Ron Carter, and saxophonist George Coleman. Following 25 years of world travel as a pianist, he surprised everyone by unveiling his Hammond organ talents at Smoke Jazz Club's historic Tuesday gigs, forming "The Groover Quartet" and performing at venues including the International Jazz Festival of Providencia, Santiago, Chile.
Nominated for "Best Keyboards" by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2012 and winning Downbeat's "Rising Star" organ poll, LeDonne appears on over 200 recordings with 25 under his own name. Oscar Peterson called him one of his favorite pianists. He currently teaches at William Paterson University.
Joe Farnsworth
One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers today, Joe Farnsworth is known for his blazing speed, precision, and melodic playing. Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts, he grew up in a musical family with a music educator father and four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians.
After studying with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor, Joe graduated from William Paterson College, where he began collaborating with saxophonist Eric Alexander and guitarist Peter Bernstein. Moving to New York City, he led weekend jazz combos at Augie's (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club) and performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, Harold Mabern, and his brothers John and James.
Joe's illustrious career includes over 100 recordings as leader and sideman, plus jazz festivals and world tours with legends like Pharaoh Sanders, McCoy Tyner, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, and Lou Donaldson. He was the 2023 headliner for the Max Roach Centennial Celebration at the Northampton Jazz Festival. Currently drumming for McCoy Tyner and founding member of the renowned One for All Quintet, his leader recordings include Drumspeak, Beautiful Friendship, and Prime Time.
Dave Stryker
Jazz guitarist Dave Stryker stands as one of today's most distinctive guitarists with 35 CDs as a leader and appearances on over 75 recordings as a sideman. The Village Voice recognizes him as "one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years," while Hot House magazine named him Best Guitarist in 2017. He's been voted a top jazz guitarist in Downbeat Critics and Readers Polls 15 times.
Growing up in Omaha and moving to New York in 1980, Stryker cut his teeth with organist Jack McDuff before joining Stanley Turrentine's quintet from 1986-1995, performing at major festivals and venues worldwide. His last five albums reached #1 on JazzWeek Radio, including Prime with his trio and As We Are featuring John Patitucci and Brian Blade.
A prolific composer with over 150 published compositions, Stryker has worked with jazz legends including Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, and Joe Lovano. He currently teaches at Rutgers University, Indiana University, and Montclair State, while continuing to tour internationally with his various ensembles.