April is the best month of the year (so far) for jazz aficionados on the Front Range, with the Denver Jazz Fest and Record Store Day returning. Our lives are about to become a little better.
The inaugural Denver Jazz Fest was a success in 2025, and this year should surpass even that celebration in terms of lineup and diversity. There are 40 performances scheduled across 15 venues from Denver to Boulder, April 7-12.
Headliners include superb vocalists Carmen Lundy (an NEA Jazz Master) and Jose James, who will apply his uniquely moving sound to the music of saxophonist John Coltrane, born a century ago this year. Among pianists, Bob James, who has cemented himself as one of the most popular keyboardists ever, with millions of albums sold, the deservedly admired Fred Hersch and former member of The Bad Plus, Orrin Evans, will appear.
Also on tap: performances from guitarist Pat Metheny, saxophonist Branford Marsalis and a celebration of the iconic Miles Davis’ 100th birthday, with an all-star lineup including trumpeter Marquis Hill. The festap promoters are also committed to local artists like Hugh Ragin teaming up with Rico Jones, and shows headlined by local favorites Hazel Miller, Eric Gunnison and more.
There’s a lot to take in, and the festival looks to be evolving into a vibrant destination event for musicians and listeners. The people of Denver, Boulder and points in between deserve a gathering like this. Information awaits at .
Record Store Day and more
The annual Record Store Day, conceived with the intent of bringing vinyl buffs into local independent retailers, is on April 18. Happily, jazz has become a bigger part of whatap offered in limited quantities, and the list of what will be available is enticing.
Thanks in no small part to “Jazz Detective” Zev Feldman, who has rescued multiple tapes from obscurity and overseen their transfer to vinyl, dedicated fans can get hold of previously unheard sets from Bill Evans, Michel Pertucianni, Yusef Lateef, Joe Henderson and Mal Waldron. Titles that appeal to me include “Fragments – The Complete 1969 Salle Pleyel Concerts” from the Cecil Taylor Unit, with torrential brilliance from pianist Taylor and saxophonists Sam Rivers and Jimmy Lyons.
The entire package is anchored by drummer Andrew Cyrille, still pushing boundaries in 2026 at 86. This is dynamic music that jumps off the turntable. And the set from pianist Ahmad Jamal and his Trio, “At the Jazz Showcase: Live in Chicago,” is relaxing and nourishing at the same time. Any addition to Jamal’s discography is welcome.
See the complete list of what will be available for Record Store Day at .
April shows at Denver Nocturne include the Eirik Haugbro Trio featuring Gabriel Mervine on Sundays and an Ella Fitzgerald Birthday Celebration with the Louisa Amend Quintet April 25…South Carolina’s Ranky Tanky appears at Gates Concert Hall on April 7…BADBADNOTGOOD plays Summit Music Hall April 29…the fine New Orleans-based quartet Nolatet promotes their new album “Somethin’ To Relax With” at Dazzle April 16, and saxophonist Ben Wendel plays there April 22…
