Will's New York Nite Life

 The Appel Room

35 E 76th Street, (212) 744-1600

131 W. 3rd Street

Jon Hendrick's "Miles Ahead" at The Jazz Foundation of America

This weekend, the most romantic place in town is Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall, where events include outstanding jazz vocalists from three distinct generations and styles offering just the right blend of swing and seduction to get you in the musical mood for Valentine’s Day. The headliner in Jazz at Lincoln Center's big Rose Theater is the sumptuously-voiced Dianne Reeves – one of the gold standard of contemporary jazz singers - whose current album, “Beautiful Life,” contains what might be my single favorite song by her, a lavishly-re-imagined and de-reggae’d version of Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain.” (Friday, February 10, and Saturday, February 11) Meanwhile in the more intimate space of Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, the man of the moment is the veteran Freddy Cole, who is the torchbearer for a dynasty of musicians (including his late brother Nat and niece Natalie) that has been serenading lovers for over 75 years. (Thursday, February 9, through Sunday, February 12) On V-Day itself, the exceptional young singer Brianna Thomas takes the stage at Dizzy’s. Like Ms. Reeves and Mr. Cole, her music is rife with rhythm, romance, and constant invention – not to mention a formidable sense of humor. (Tuesday, February 14) The only thing left for JALC to do is install a flowers and candy concession somewhere on the fifth floor of the Time-Warner Center – maybe it’s not a coincidence that they call it “rose” hall.

City Center

Jazz Standard