Thu Jun 12
Zach Brock Quartet
9:30PM / $35 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
Zach Brock
Grammy-winning violinist Zach Brock returns to Blues Alley for his highly anticipated second appearance as a leader, bringing with him a powerhouse lineup: Jim Ridl (piano), Dean Johnson (bass), and Tim Horner (drums). Known for his genre-defying virtuosity and soaring improvisations, Brock blends deep lyricism with firebrand swing in a set that promises both soul and spectacle. This is an unmissable night of boundary-pushing modern jazz from one of the violin’s most vital voices.
The Zach Brock Quartet unites four acclaimed jazz artists in a group defined by deep musical intuition, creative risk-taking, and lyrical fire. Led by Grammy Award-winning violinist Zach Brock, the quartet features pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Dean Johnson, and drummer Tim Horner—each a veteran performer with a singular voice. Their music blends dynamic interplay and bold improvisation with a strong sense of storytelling, offering audiences an immersive modern jazz experience.
Zach Brock is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in jazz violin today. Since joining Snarky Puppy in 2007, he has contributed to multiple Grammy-winning albums including Culcha Vulcha, Live at the Royal Albert Hall, and Empire Central, which features his original composition “Honiara.” As a solo artist, Brock has released acclaimed albums on Criss Cross and GroundUP Music, and has collaborated and toured with artists including Stanley Clarke, Phil Markowitz, Matt Ulery, and Frank Vignola. Named a Rising Star Violinist in DownBeat Magazine’s Critics Poll, his performances span chamber jazz, fusion, and modern creative music, with tours across five continents.
Jim Ridl is a celebrated pianist and composer known for his lush harmonic sensibility and expressive phrasing. A longtime member of Dave Liebman’s ensemble, Ridl has also performed with Pat Martino, Randy Brecker, and Joe Locke. His compositions have been featured in jazz, orchestral, and multimedia settings, and his solo and ensemble work continues to receive acclaim. In addition to performing, Ridl is a respected educator and composer-in-residence.
Dean Johnson brings a melodic, grounded approach to the bass that has made him one of New York’s most trusted sidemen. His resume includes work with Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, and Joe Lovano, and he’s known for his adaptability across classic and modern jazz. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Johnson has toured internationally and appeared on numerous recordings. He also teaches at NYU and the Vermont Jazz Center.
Tim Horner is a drummer of deep swing and refined sensitivity, with a career that includes performances with Toots Thielemans, Maria Schneider, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Werner, and Roseanna Vitro. A graduate of Berklee and recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Performance Grant, Horner is also a composer and bandleader whose original work is featured on several albums. His experience across big band, trio, and vocal settings brings depth and dynamism to every performance.
Together, the Zach Brock Quartet delivers music that is intimate yet electric—grounded in tradition, driven by curiosity, and shaped by decades of shared musical language. Their live performances offer audiences a compelling mix of technical mastery, melodic clarity, and fearless improvisation.
9:30PM / $35 | $7 Fees Get Tickets
1. Final sale, no refunds, not transferable.
2. $15 food/beverage minimum per person not included in ticket price.
3. Seating first come at the door. Doors open 6 PM & 8:45 PM respectively.
4. Photography or Recording of any kind is prohibited during the performance.
5. Keep conversation to a minimum during the performance.