Fred Hersch © Andrea Canter

Over the past twenty years, Fred Hersch’s numerous recordings have included his work with in solo, duo, and trio formats; in tributes to Monk, Strayhorn, Evans and other muses; and in both small and larger ensembles exploring free improvisation. His classical roots have not been overlooked—recently he has toured with concert pianist Christopher O'Reilly in a program entitled "Heard Fresh: Music for Two Pianos," and has combined talents with pianist Jeffrey Kahane and violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, as well as sopranos Renée Fleming and Dawn Upshaw; he also has appeared as a soloist with orchestras across the U.S. and Europe. Honors in addition to his Guggenheim Fellowship have included grants from The National Endowment for the Arts and Meet the Composer, four composition residencies at the prestigious MacDowell Colony, and the Gay and Lesbian American Music Award (GLAMA)—four times. Teaching has always been a priority for Fred Hersch. A faculty member at the New England Conservatory for ten years, he has taught at The New School and Manhattan School of Music and is currently a visiting professor at Western Michigan University. Among his students are many who have become star performers themselves, including Brad Mehldau and Ethan Iverson of the Bad Plus.

Drew Gress © Andrea Canter

In addition to acclaimed trio releases on Palmetto, Hersch completed his Leaves of Grass project in 2005, a large-scale work setting Walt Whitman's poetry to music for two voices (Kurt Elling and Kate McGarry) and instrumental octet; the Palmetto recording appeared on numerous “best of the year” lists. Last year, he also appeared on a duo recording with opera star Renee Fleming (Haunted Heart, Decca), and in 2006 released a highly acclaimed solo recording, Amsterdam: Live at the Bimhuis (Palmetto). Earlier in 2006, he became the first pianist to have a solo week at the Village Vanguard.

Bassist/composer Drew Gress has become a fixture on the modern jazz scene. His early career was centered in the Washington, DC area, where he played with Marc Copeland and later Gary Peacock. After settling in New York, Gress began long-standing collaborations with Dave Douglas and Tim Berne. A founding member of the cooperative quartet, Joint Venture, Gress currently leads a New York-based quartet, Jagged Sky, performing his original compositions. He has also performed with the Paul Smoker Trio, Fred Hersch Trio, Dave Douglas’ String Group, Tim Berne's Paraphrase, Andy Laster's Hydra, Erik Friedlander's Chimera, and the Lynne Arriale Trio. Of his recording Spin & Drift (2001, Premonition Records), Thomas Conrad, Downbeat, “a superbly articulate bassist…but his primary interest is composition and arrangement and collective concept.” His 2005 release, Black Butterflies (Premonition), was cited on many “best of the year” lists.

Nasheet Waits © Barry Quick

Hersh’s long-time collaborator, drummer Nasheet Waits was encouraged to follow in the footsteps of his father, drummer Fredrick Waits, who played with such legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, and McCoy Tyner. Hired by Max Roach as a member of the M’Boom ensemble, Nasheet went on to work with Antonio Hart and later Jason Moran, for whom he continues to hold the percussion chair as a member of Band Wagon. He has also worked as a member of Andrew Hill’s Nonet. His recording credits include Geri Allen, Hamiett Bluiett, Jaki Byard, Ron Carter, Steve Coleman, Joe Lovano, Jackie McLean, Joshua Redman, Wallace Roney, Jacky Terrason, Mark Turner, and many others.

In any configuration, Fred Hersch is a must-see/must-hear performer. With a stellar trio and the serious ambience of the Village Vanguard, this is a residency that demands the attention of any fan of modern melodic jazz.

The Fred Hersch Trio performs at the Village Vanguard in Manhattan, 178 Seventh Ave South, May 8-13. Visit www.villagevanguard.com for reservations and information. The Fred Hersch Trio will perform at the Regatta Bar in Cambridge, MA on May 15^th. More about Fred Hersch at www.fredhersch.com