Friday, March 28

The Jon Lehning Quartet in the 9th Ward

Tickets: $11 advance / $15 at the door at Tickets.com, Babeville Box Office (M-F 11a-5p) or charge by phone 888-223-6000

7pm Doors 8pm Start

Plays Well With Others is the debut release from The Jon Lehning Quartet. One of Buffalo’s own, Jon Lehning grew up in Niagara Falls and went on to study music performance at the University of Buffalo. Being a local through and through, Jon has been able to tap into the wealth of musical talent located all across Western New York. With the support from local legends like Dave Schiavone, Jim Beishline, Harry Fackleman and Jack Kulp among many others, Plays Well With Others is not just a great jazz record but also a showcase of the talent found across Western New York.

Jon’s many musical influences are displayed throughout the CD with tracks ranging from Mingus to Stevie Wonder, originals to standards. With the arranging of every song being done by Jon and his pianist Jim Beishline, there is a personal touch found on every track. One of the best examples of this is the decidedly sinister rendition of “Les Feuilles Mortes” (Autumn Leaves). “It’s important to not just keep playing standards for the sake of repetition, but to find something new to say within them” says Jon. With the roots of soul and funk spread throughout the CD, tracks like “Blue Trane” take standards and give them new life in 2014. Plays Well With Others not only looks to the jazz songbook for material, but also is inspired by the genius of Stevie Wonder covering “Love Having You Around” with vocals from Michael King. Come and join The Jon Lehning Quartet in celebration of their first CD on March 28^th!