Juilliard Jazz Ensemble: Tiny Desk Concert

Nikki Birch | Sept. 2, 2022
Jazz may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of The Juilliard School, but perhaps this series of Tiny Desks will change that. Tiny Desk and Jazz Night in America celebrate the 20th anniversary of Juilliard Jazz with three Tiny Desk concerts featuring performances by current students and alumni of the prestigious institution.
When the starry-eyed students of the Juilliard Jazz Ensemble first saw the Tiny Desk, they stopped short, exuding awe and wonderment. After all, several of their favorite artists had performed in this very space - and now here they were, ready to prove themselves and carry on the legacy of both the Tiny Desk and jazz.
The Juilliard Jazz Ensemble performed at the Tiny Desk in celebration of the jazz studies program's 20th anniversary. Made up of current students, the ensemble embodies the spirit of community and collaboration that is an essential part of the students' learning experience.
The ensemble opens with "June" a hypnotic composition by alto saxophonist Coby Petricone-Berg. We understand immediately despite the members' relative youth, this ensemble is not to be trifled with. A shout-out to the rhythm section is absolutely necessary, as drummer John Sturino, bassist Nico Martinez and pianist Esteban Castro lay back in the cut while ensuring the path ahead for the horns, with Jasim Perales giving us soulful trombone, is smooth like whipped shea butter. This is grade-A musicianship - everyone listening and unselfishly supporting each other.
For the final selection, Ekep Nkwelle presents her arrangement of Geri Allen's "Timeless Portraits and Dreams." Her voice soars in this contemplative ballad, a perfect closer that allows each member of the ensemble to shine as they share the hope that, "In tomorrow's world, let joy and love run free / Let's hold on to our dreams."
SET LIST
"June" (Coby Petricone-Berg)
"Timeless Portraits and Dreams" (Geri Allen, arr. Ekep Nkwelle)
MUSICIANS
Ekep Nkwelle: vocals
Coby Petricone-Berg: alto saxophone
Jasim Perales: trombone
Esteban Castro: piano
Nico Martinez: bass
John Sturino: drums
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Nikki Birch
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Director: Kara Frame
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Editor: Michael Zamora
Videographers: Kara Frame, Pierre Kattar, Michael Zamora
Audio Assistant: Jospehine Nyounai
Production Assistants: Jill Britton, Joby Tanseco, Alanté Serene
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Maia Stern
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#TinyDesk #NPRMusic #JuilliardJazz

[@andramoie]

God bless the audio engineer...

[@goldcrownkingmod]

Everything is always recorded so beautifully, in a normal room with normal objects. Yet somehow lots of stuff recorded in an actual studio is recorded and mastered so terribly.

[@hviii7452]

Indeed…

[@jrbship]

The unsung heroes of every Tiny Desk

[@chamelleandtokito]

To often forgoten how important he is 📿🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@chamelleandtokito]

Your comment made me feel with this Person you can sit down and Talk Hours and Hours about music 😁📿🤙🏽

[@RobertSlover]

the audio engineers the unsung heroes of every Tiny Desk!

[@fractuss]

Absolutely.

[@noahsherwinmusic9478]

This has to be the best mix I’ve ever heard in my life. WOW. Literally velvet on your ears.

[@RobertSlover]

good point it is very good.

[@khdroid123]

Yes sir

[@jackread5992]

talented musicians and good mics can get you really far

[@samuelgaskin3600]

It’s great, my only gripe is that piano is a little too closely mic’d for my taste.

[@beaueatbutterflyyummy4151]

Gotta give it up to the players for dynamics too

[@jonnydempster6440]

Bro is avoiding eye contact with those keys love it

[@RobertSlover]

very bill evans

[@tradutorajuliana]

lol

[@stevenpam]

tbf he should know where they are by now

[@josephjohnherbert]

@@RobertSlover only in a few moments, his influences are clearly wider than just Evans

[@RobertSlover]

@@josephjohnherbert you've obviously completely missed the point of the comment....

[@arigrey8499]

That piano player is an absolute legend are you serious? All of them did incredible and warmed my whole body with such incredible music! Bravo seriously bravo

[@barberfireman7]

I concur

[@marilynhaverly570]

That trombone! Such luscious tone. The trombone/sax duetting on the first selection is really beautiful. And, now I'll listen to the rest of the concert.

[@visualeyesmusic]

I had the pleasure of attending both Middle and High school with Jasim, the Trombonist, and he is one of the most talented people I have ever met in my entire life.

[@averagenatsumep2270]

the alto sax player is so insanely talented i’m blown away… that’s the kind of tone that i strive to have as an alto

[@biggestfanofroger]

When jazz hits, it hits different. This is pure gold, from all the players and the singer. Piano and sax are especially amazing

[@Jamaicanglitz]

Beautiful lady with a beautiful voice to match. Her voice transported to me to another solar system.🙌🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@RobertSlover]

great music super cheesy surface lyrics....

[@creamlass]

@@RobertSlover i have only heard jazz vocals with ridiculously cheesy lyrics. Jazz is kinda cheesy in general, i think it’s endearing

[@RobertSlover]

@@creamlass pure ignorance. "strange fruit" billie holiday.

[@creamlass]

@@RobertSlover ill give it a go, thanks for the suggestion!

[@RobertSlover]

@@creamlass if i may id also recommend "kind of blue" by miles davis its a perfect album. ("blue in green" is my favorite) it helped to start me on my pursuit of music and iv never looked back. nina simone is also really great.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - Coby Petricone-Berg: *June* (5:29 / 5:35) 6:39 - Geri Allen, arranged by Ekep Nkwelle: *Timeless Portraits and Dreams* (14:25) [14:49 - Tiny Desk team]

[@Nickee_Sonicjinn]

Wow, the first piece was composed by the alto saxophonist Coby Petricone-Berg! It's so luscious and fluent that it sounds like a classic piece but apparently, it's a brand-new song! Thanks for the outstanding performance, Julliard's students and alumni~ 😍😍😁😁 The 15 minutes was like honey to my ear.

[@8020drummer]

super clean, mature, and soulful

[@nnodalo]

Man… during the first 90 seconds, my eyes were closed, head bobbing, and I almost cried tears. I get lost in music but tonight was different. Just amazing from start to beginning. Same level of performance as Los Hacheros.

[@babsalabs3984]

Pianist is realllly feelin' it, always love to see that

[@MatthewCastro]

Been loving all the jazz music they’ve been uploading lately

[@DaMonster]

Right off the bat the interplay between Coby's incredible language and Esteban's incredible comping - Ahhhhh (chef's kiss)

[@jazzsingerlady]

RIP Geri Allen 💙 Lovely work by all, thank you for sharing your beautiful gifts with us!

[@TonyMullinsMusician]

Ribbon mics with horns! Match made in heaven❤

[@Zaidemeit]

What is Jazz but Authentic, American classical music!! Kudos to these young musicians embracing this most American form of music!!! I just wish more of our young, black brothers and sisters embrace this rich, musical form and legacy left by our ancestors. Rap, despite its monetary reward, just doesn't measure up to the authenticity and discipline of jazz, which emanates from The Souls of Black Folk!!!

[@blazeesq2000]

I just can't tell if the whole thing was composed or improvised. That is kind of the point at a music school on this level. It sounds like the best of John Coltrane mixed with a certain cinema verite aesthetic. Just The sax and trombone part starting at 4:50 is amazing.

[@andrewmccoy1885]

With jazz, you’ve got the head (melody) and all the rest is improvised. But yeah, super tight language. So tight is almost sounds composed so I see where you are coming from.

[@JJBerthume]

@@andrewmccoy1885 And they were listening and playing off of each other's lines so well

[@madagrace]

The pianist is like a mad scientist! Incredible!

[@molekojosephvernontladi8721]

A very enriching programme. It is an exquisite path that will ensure jazz has a future; that jazz is timeless so generations to come will learn, enjoy and appreciate this musical artform.

[@palitolitola]

Coby Berg !!! Amazing sax sound and solo!!! That was a great dissertation of the theme !!!! Love it !!!! LOVE IT !!! You guys are our new young lions !!!

[@bunmio9220]

The ensemble is just beautiful.

[@inklesswells]

A bunch of confident, distinctive decisions made here about what to play and how to play it. Geri Allen would have enjoyed hearing this.

[@MissLiveLaughLove1]

Those solos on that final piece literally had my shoulder blades tingling. And then the vocalists "Ohs" came in on top of the instrumentalists, fabulous! 👏👏👏

[@brianledukesongwriter7366]

These Musicians are all awesome!! I could listen to you sing and play your Jazz numbers all day!! Great performance!! 👏👏👍😃🎸🎶

[@aitanarios1155]

I love the girl's voice!! Very relaxing and beautiful

[@CollinShook]

John Sturino yea man!!!!!!!!!

[@georgneufeld7392]

Dude's not even looking at the keys! Good stuff!

[@Quartet4ever]

Absolutely love this. Thanks for sharing these talents artists on the Tiny Desk platform.

[@rowanquayle7598]

Some crisp tones from the Trombone & Sax!!! 🎷🎶🔥

[@TheDanSebastian]

What an absolutely beautiful first tune! Wowza.

[@bjflute1]

Go head Sister, what a beautiful instrument you have….stay on the path…❤️

[@khdroid123]

The singer is incredible!

[@sumabatman]

My man Jasim Perales on the trombone! Get it bro!!

[@fractuss]

Mighty fine. Interesting piano, the player and the instrument.

[@angelawilliamsproverbs3155]

Love it, and she sing sooo beautiful 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 bravo !!!!

[@RobertSlover]

great music super cheesy surface lyrics....

[@martialag]

She is beautiful and talented 😍

[@Kayla_chosen1]

They sound amazing.. what a way to relax the mind

[@ClixbyFace]

One of the best things I've ever heard

[@miriammeisliklee1305]

I am so glad they did a piece by the amazing Geri Allen. She was a a wonderful musician and colleague.

[@creativeted2035]

Schroeder killing that 🎹...Dopeness!!

[@penguinista]

Spine tingling. What a joy. All hail the tiny desk!

[@bridgette9229]

Lovely 😍 talent the whole lot of them 🤩

[@evan5690]

Jasim killed it on the trombone. Went to school w that guy!

[@cdemarcomusic]

JOHN STURINO IS THE MAN!!!!!!!!

[@1marttie]

You folks are phenomenal, thank you!!

[@guitar_player_bernie]

more Juilliard! Nice!

[@stellalopez5385]

Very good, thank you very much for this, love you so much, please come to marseille

[@ethanburton9180]

I love this video! Everytime this video comes up in my recommended I always give it a listen. Love the first tune by Coby, the rhythm section gives me Poinciana vibes while the tune itself gives me Pensativa vibes. I love both those tunes, so needless to say I love that first tune especially!

[@hotlava768]

Nico Martínez on the bass!

[@Hairless-Bear]

I'm hearing some Double Rondo on the River (Pedro's Getaway) in the first one

[@AlbertScoot]

This takes me back to when I used to live in Kalamazoo.

[@dragon32210]

Loving the double bass!

[@bjeffrey1863]

Band...WOW!

[@p34chzz87]

DUDE THIS IS AMAZING

[@Thayn76]

Gente, que banda incrível! ❤

[@duncancofell8960]

Crazy ensemble. Really liking the alto player, very modern sax ideas and tone

[@julihansen]

Thanks for a pleasant journey!!

[@sirclock6340]

Mr. Castro has my heart - incredible musician

[@kayceebrowning]

Wow. My heart

[@rh0daaa]

Absolutely gorgeous ensemble

[@vornamenachname8167]

Was soll aus euch bloß werden, wenn ihr jetzt schon so gut seid. Super Session. 🙏🏻

[@Thayn76]

Quando a cantora começou a cantar, eu já fiquei arrepiada!

[@morrigan236]

Such a great band with such great chemistry!

[@TumimuT]

Yes. Just yes ❤

[@JayAuditions]

Cleared it 🙌🙌 let’s go alma mater!

[@imbees2]

Upright bas. I’m feelin it

[@itisnottaken4444]

The first piece gives me New Orleans on a rainy day vibes Iove it

[@jazzjens]

Wonderful music, verrry endearing people ❣

[@lilykoslow1998]

Go Esteban! Listening from Montreal

[@BillSNYC]

Breathtakingly beautiful! The future is bright!!!

[@Jose_diazlife]

Singer wooooooow, what a band

[@pretlowharris6446]

Amazing sound engineering!

[@musicwithmissemma]

Been waiting for this one 💕💕💕

[@danielmartchek3989]

Yes Ekep!!!! Proud to have worked with her back in the day at City Winery

[@lillypad0205]

the girl IS SO CUTE STOP

[@katyagrossman2974]

You guys sound incredible !!!

[@IndoorHighs]

They made me time travel

[@daltinhorp]

So happy that tiny desk are back like before :D

[@theagbaman]

Wow!!! The future is bright!!! Applause 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾

[@hohnenford]

Ekep you're unbelievable! that tone !!!!

[@leontakahashi7194]

i can't believe i missed this upload, everything about it is amazing

[@aralolu]

Beyond beautiful

[@pbenson56fran]

Sounds very good

[@brendau94]

absolutely stunning playing and mixed by the gods themselves

[@peytonphelps4896]

Another tiny desk W they really don’t miss

[@zainabazahra2000]

Dude!! This is heaven

[@camfolks]

Can’t wait to join u guys

[@benreilly595]

Student debt in the room equals over 10 million minimum. Beautiful music though

[@hlelosings7606]

Big faaaaaaacts

[@marvinbell7007]

Is the Tiny Desk area acoustically treated? The sound is great.

[@Karch.Dah-Veed]

Musical wisdom beyond their years.

[@rockie945]

Love, love and more love

[@Funkyjazzomatic]

Gold!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mikeymad]

I wanted a much longer set. Great sound and great playing. Thanks - when is the album coming out?

[@jasunmahaffey2756]

Beautiful. So clean.

[@khdroid123]

Very talented group of musicians

[@XSiegfried]

Gracias.