In final concert of the series, Geller Jazz showcases the ‘Art of the Quartet’

Clark University will present the final concert in the acclaimed Geller Jazz Series on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Razzo Hall. “Art of the Quartet” will feature jazz luminaries Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Benito Gonzalez (piano), Buster Williams (bass), and Lenny White (drums) in an evening designed to showcase the talents at the intersection of tradition and innovation.

The concert will begin with a special opening set by jazz vocalist Ekep Nkwelle and her quartet.

Tickets are $20 — or $5 with a Clark ID — and are available online. Clark University alumni may purchase tickets at the discounted price by typing ALUMNI in the field that asks for a Clark ID number.

“The Geller Jazz concert has become a cornerstone of musical life at Clark, bringing world-class jazz artists to our community, igniting a passion for the music in a whole new generation of students, and bridging generations together through the shared experience of live jazz,” says Professor Matt Malsky, the Tina Sweeney, M.A. ’49, Endowed Chair in Music. “It’s inspiring to see this tradition continue for one more year.”

The “Art of the Quartet” features four influential and visionary jazz musicians who have contributed to the landscape of modern jazz with decades of groundbreaking work and collaborations with jazz legends across genres.

Nicholas Payton, a Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer who was born and raised in New Orleans, is known for his bold musical vision that blends the history of jazz with contemporary sounds. With a distinctive approach to trumpet playing, Payton has created a sound that challenges and transcends traditional boundaries.

Benito Gonzalez, an acclaimed Venezuelan pianist who combines a long lineage of American jazz traditions with rhythms from around the world, hasworked with dozens of the greats, and is known for the Afro-Latin patterns and his rhythmic drive. Intricate solos are a cornerstone of his ensembles.

Buster Williams, a living legend in jazz bass, has spent over five decades performing with luminaries such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, and Wayne Shorter — to name just a few. His ability to meld intricate harmonies with deep groove has made him one of the most respected bassists in jazz history.

Lenny White, a visionary drummer, was a key figure in jazz fusion with the iconic band Return to Forever. His work in both straight-ahead jazz and fusion has set a new standard for jazz drumming with its intensity, precision, and creativity.

Opening artist Ekep Nkwelle, a rising star in the jazz scene, is a Cameroonian-American jazz vocalist who has carved her musical path from Washington, D.C., to New York City. She attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University, and The Juilliard School, and has performed with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Russell Malone, Cyrus Chestnut, and Peter Washington, along with young stars like Emmet Cohen and Endea Owens, leading to countless collaborations.

The Geller Jazz Series at Clark University is renowned for bringing world-class jazz to the Worcester community, showcasing both established legends and emerging talents in the genre. Selma Geller, a New York City philanthropist who died in 2007, was deeply concerned about the lack of musical educational opportunities available to the current generation of students. Her gifts to Clark University for music scholarships and musical performances are a testament to her desire to bring the original American musical art form to the Clark community. Through this concert series, the University has fostered a deeper appreciation of jazz and its continued evolution, offering a platform for innovative musical expression.