SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Every season, there are only a handful of artists I know I simply have to bring to The Velvet Note.

Wayne Escoffery is one of them.

Wayne is one of today’s most respected jazz saxophonists—not because he’s flashy, but because every note he plays tells a story. Joining him is legendary bassist Curtis Lundy, whose artistry has shaped recordings and performances with some of the greatest names in jazz, along with Atlanta favorite Kevin Bales and rising star Xavier Breaker.

If you’ve been waiting for a night that reminds you why live music matters, I hope you’ll join us.

— Tamara Fuller, Owner

THE PLAYERS

Wayne Escoffery – Tenor Saxophone

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Wayne Escoffery is one of the defining voices of modern jazz. Renowned for his commanding tone, emotional depth, and fearless improvisation, Escoffery has performed and recorded with an extraordinary roster of jazz legends, including Tom Harrell, Ron Carter, Ben Riley, Eddie Henderson, and the Mingus Big Band, with whom he earned a Grammy Award. A respected educator and Professor of Jazz Saxophone at Yale University, he is equally celebrated as a composer and bandleader, consistently earning acclaim from critics and audiences worldwide. Whether delivering a whisper-soft ballad or an exhilarating swing anthem, Escoffery brings a rare combination of virtuosity, intelligence, and soul to every performance.

Curtis Lundy – Bass

A master of the acoustic bass and one of jazz’s most revered accompanists, Curtis Lundy has spent more than four decades providing the heartbeat for many of the music’s greatest artists. His distinguished career includes landmark performances and recordings with Betty Carter, Pharoah Sanders, Bobby Watson, John Hicks, and many other jazz icons. Admired for his rich, singing tone and lyrical approach to the instrument, Lundy possesses an uncanny ability to anchor an ensemble while elevating every musician around him. His artistry has made him one of the most respected bassists of his generation and a treasured figure in contemporary jazz.

Kevin Bales – Piano

Atlanta pianist Kevin Bales is widely regarded as one of the South’s most accomplished and versatile jazz musicians. Equally at home interpreting the Great American Songbook or navigating the complexities of modern jazz, Bales is celebrated for his impeccable touch, harmonic sophistication, and remarkable sensitivity as an accompanist. Throughout his career he has performed with an impressive array of internationally recognized artists, earning a reputation as the pianist many great musicians request when performing in the Southeast. His elegant musicianship and intuitive interplay make him one of the region’s most respected jazz artists.

Xavier Breaker – Drums

One of the most exciting drummers of his generation, Xavier Breaker has rapidly established himself as a dynamic force on today’s jazz scene. Combining explosive technique with remarkable musical maturity, Breaker brings exceptional energy, precision, and creativity to every performance. His versatility has led to collaborations with an expanding roster of acclaimed artists, while his ability to listen, respond, and elevate the music has earned him widespread respect among fellow musicians. Whether driving the band with thunderous swing or painting subtle rhythmic textures, Breaker represents the next generation of jazz at its finest.