ROCHESTER, NY (October 17, 2025) — The Jared Pauley Quintet will perform a soulful tribute to jazz organ legends at the Ossie Davis Theater on Friday, November 7, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., captivating audiences with a blend of classic and contemporary jazz.
The concert will honor iconic figures such as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, and Richard “Groove” Holmes, showcasing the quintet’s dynamic take on their influential works. The event promises an evening filled with vibrant melodies and intricate rhythms that pay homage to the rich legacy of jazz organ music.
The Jared Pauley Quintet, led by New York City-based keyboardist, composer, producer, and educator Jared Pauley, specializes in vibrant performances blending classic jazz influences with contemporary grooves and Latin-inspired rhythms. Hailing originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Pauley began his musical journey on guitar at age 10 but shifted to piano as a teenager, eventually establishing himself in NYC’s jazz scene.
Pauley’s work often pays tribute to jazz legends while incorporating fresh elements. For instance, the group has presented soul-stirring homages to organ greats like Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, and Richard “Groove” Holmes. Past performances include tributes to Chick Corea, spanning jazz, Brazilian, and Latin rhythms.
The quintet—sometimes performing in quartet formation—features rotating collaborators drawn from the jazz world. Notable musicians have included trumpeter Duane Eubanks, drummer Cengiz Baysal, bassist Jeremy Heuler, drummer Mike Clark, percussionist Elizabeth Pupo-Walker, saxophonist Adam Hutcheson, guitarist George Nazos, and vocalist Tamuz Nissim. These lineups bring intricate rhythms and diverse textures to their sets, from samba and bossa nova to boogaloo and Latin jazz.
A highlight of their discography is the 2019 Ropeadope release On Capitol Street, an album bursting with South American flavors that elicit an “autonomic foot-tapping response,” according to All About Jazz reviewer Roger Farbey. Tracks like “Slush,” “Questions,” “Piphi’s Pellets,” “Jetson’s Tune,” “Carry My Weight,” “Something in the Air,” and “I’ll Sing You This Melody” showcase Pauley’s multi-instrumental prowess on Rhodes electric piano, piano, organ, electric bass, and claves, held together with expert variety. The album reflects Pauley’s broad industry experience as a performer, educator, composer, concert producer, talent agent, archivist, author, and researcher. Earlier works include the 2013 release Systematic, also available on Bandcamp.
Pauley’s influences span icons like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and George Duke, as noted in his 2016 All About Jazz “Take Five” interview, where he discussed the evolving state of jazz and desert island picks including In a Silent Way and The New Standard.
With about 1,500 monthly listeners on Spotify, the Jared Pauley Quintet continues to carve a niche in modern jazz, balancing homage and innovation. For more, explore their music on platforms like Bandcamp and Spotify.
Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/Pauley_Nov2025 to secure their spot for this highly anticipated performance.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.