On May 16, 2024, Kurt Rosenwinkel returned to the Village Vanguard with a quartet featuring Mark Turner on tenor saxophone, Ben Street on bass, and Jeff Ballard on drums. This performance was part of a series that showcased the enduring synergy among these musicians, who have a rich history of collaboration dating back to the 1990s. Notably, their 1996 recordings at Smalls Jazz Club were released in 2024 as The Next Step Band: Live at Smalls 1996, highlighting the group's longstanding musical rapport. (kurtrosenwinkel.bandcamp.com)
At the time of this engagement, Rosenwinkel was preparing for the release of The Next Step Band: Live at Smalls 1996, an album that captures the raw energy and improvisational prowess of the quartet during their formative years. This project underscores the group's evolution and the deep musical connections that have developed over nearly three decades. (kurtrosenwinkel.bandcamp.com)
The May 2024 set at the Village Vanguard was a testament to the quartet's enduring chemistry and their ability to push the boundaries of jazz improvisation. The performance was met with enthusiasm from the audience, reflecting the group's continued relevance and the timeless appeal of their collaborative sound.
