Mon Mar 24

Pureum Jin and the Empress - Recording Release

Mon, March 24
7PM / $25 | $7 Fees
Get Tickets
Blues Alley

1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007

Pureum Jin

Experience the electrifying debut of The Empress, an all-female saxophone quartet led by award-winning saxophonist Pureum Jin. Celebrating the release of their album Square One (March 21, 2025, via Cellar Live), the group redefines jazz with fresh takes on standards and originals. Recorded at Van Gelder Studio, this project is a bold statement on artistry and representation in jazz. Don’t miss this powerhouse ensemble as they bring swing, spontaneity, and extraordinary musicianship to Blues Alley!

The Empress | Square One

Award-winning saxophonist Pureum Jin introduces The Empress, an all-female saxophone quartet redefining jazz with their debut album, Square One. Set for release on March 21, 2025, through Cellar Live, this album pays homage to jazz legends like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane while making a powerful statement about representation and artistry in jazz. The Empress delivers a collection of jazz standards and originals with unmatched artistry, breathing new life into timeless compositions while channeling the energy and spontaneity of New York’s vibrant jazz scene.

For Jin, Square One is more than just an album—it’s the culmination of over a decade of inspiration. Having been the only female member of Michael Lutzeier’s Supersax Korea project in the early 2010s, she dreamed of recreating that music with an all-women ensemble. Now, with Lutzeier’s stunning arrangements and her own reimagining of classics like Everything Happens to Me, The Empress brings a fresh perspective to traditional jazz.

Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Recording Studio—a dream location for Jin—Square One is engineered by Maureen Sickler and produced by Pureum Jin herself, reinforcing the project’s commitment to representation at every level. “Jazz is still a world where being a parent can make things harder,” Jin shares, “but instead of waiting for the industry to change, I decided to create my own space.” Launching during Women’s History Month, Square One is a bold statement: women belong at the forefront of jazz. "We can play this very hardcore music," Jin asserts. “That, simply, is my message.”

This performance marks The Empress’s debut at Blues Alley. From the energy of swing to dazzling interplay and rock-solid teamwork, you will witness the powerful artistry of female bandleaders like never before.

Pureum Jin – Soprano & Alto Sax
Erena Terakubo – Alto Sax
Chelsea Baratz – Tenor Sax
Leigh Pilzer – Baritone Sax
Allyn Johnson – Piano
Kris Monson – Bass
Kofi Shepsu – Drums

Co-Presented with the Embassy of Korea

Visit Website
Watch Video

Mon, March 24

7PM / $25 | $7 Fees
Get Tickets

*Please note:
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.

Upcoming Events

Tue, February 18, 7:00 PM

Soul Trombonist Herm Hopkins Celebrates the music of Lou Donaldson

Get Tickets →

Tue, February 18, 9:30 PM

Soul Trombonist Herm Hopkins Celebrates the music of Lou Donaldson

Get Tickets →

Wed, February 19, 7:00 PM

Blake Aaron & Althea Rene - Smooth Jazz Guitar Series

Get Tickets →

Wed, February 19, 9:30 PM

Blake Aaron & Althea Rene - Smooth Jazz Guitar Series

Get Tickets →

Thu, February 20, 7:00 PM

John Lamkin III: Celebrate the Sound of Soul and R&B

Get Tickets →

Thu, February 20, 9:30 PM

John Lamkin III: Celebrate the Sound of Soul and R&B

Get Tickets →

Fri, February 21, 7:00 PM

Kim Waters

Get Tickets →

Fri, February 21, 9:30 PM

Kim Waters

Get Tickets →

Sat, February 22, 7:00 PM

Kim Waters

Get Tickets →

Sat, February 22, 9:30 PM

Kim Waters

Get Tickets →

Sun, February 23, 5:30 PM

Kim Waters

Get Tickets →

Sun, February 23, 8:00 PM

Kim Waters

Get Tickets →

Mon, February 24, 7:00 PM

Linda Harris Cole - Emerging Artist Mondays

Get Tickets →

Mon, February 24, 9:30 PM

Linda Harris Cole - Emerging Artist Mondays

Get Tickets →

Tue, February 25, 7:00 PM

Carly Harvey "Recording Release Celebration"

Get Tickets →

Tue, February 25, 9:30 PM

Carly Harvey "Recording Release Celebration"

Get Tickets →

Wed, February 26, 7:00 PM

Kevin Jackson - Smooth Jazz Guitar Series

Get Tickets →

Wed, February 26, 9:30 PM

Kevin Jackson - Smooth Jazz Guitar Series

Get Tickets →

Thu, February 27, 7:00 PM

The Baylor Project

Get Tickets →

Thu, February 27, 9:30 PM

The Baylor Project

Get Tickets →

Fri, February 28, 7:00 PM

The Baylor Project

Get Tickets →

Fri, February 28, 9:30 PM

The Baylor Project

Get Tickets →

Sat, March 1, 7:00 PM

Four80East and Jeff Kashiwa

Get Tickets →

Sat, March 1, 9:30 PM

Four80East and Jeff Kashiwa

Get Tickets →

Sun, March 2, 5:30 PM

Four80East and Jeff Kashiwa

Get Tickets →

Sun, March 2, 8:00 PM

Four80East and Jeff Kashiwa

Get Tickets →

Mon, March 3, 7:00 PM

Women in Jazz - Hannah Marks Quartet - Emerging Artist Mondays

Get Tickets →

Mon, March 3, 9:30 PM

Women in Jazz - Hannah Marks Quartet - Emerging Artist Mondays

Get Tickets →

Tue, March 4, 7:00 PM

Hazel Mitchell-Bell "Sings the New American Songbook"

Get Tickets →

Tue, March 4, 9:30 PM

Hazel Mitchell-Bell "Sings the New American Songbook"

Get Tickets →

Wed, March 5, 7:00 PM

Marcus Mitchell "A Night of Sax" Birthday Bash

Get Tickets →