Jazz Church of Houston Revival Series

The Moody Center for the Arts hosts the Jazz Church of Houston Revival Series led by artist and radio host Tierney L. Malone. The three-part series presents original and innovative multimedia performances, each highlighting an aspect of the history of Jazz in Houston from 1900 to the present. 

Part I: This performance will introduce the histories of the music, musicians and venues of the Houston Jazz scene. The presentation will spotlight stories about Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet and the Eldorado Ballroom, highlighting connections with Jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and John Coltrane. The Jazz Church of Houston All-Stars, featuring some of the most talented Jazz musicians from Houston, will perform throughout the evening.

 Part II: This performance will explore the early days of Jazz in Houston from 1900 to 1950. The presentation will chart the evolution of Jazz from the historic African American community of the 4th Ward through the era of prohibition and the golden age of swing. Highlighted histories will include the bands that played at the Rice Hotel, the first Jazz festival in Texas held in Houston in 1922, and connections with Jazz legends Jelly Roll Martin, Jack Teagarden, Louis Prima and Leon McAuliffe. The soundtrack for the evening will be performed by The Boom Town Brass Band, a group specializing in music from the 1920s and 1930s.

Part III: The final performance of the series will celebrate the major impact Houston has had in the world of Jazz. The evening will present a roll call of talented musicians from the Houston Jazz scene, both past and present, from living legends like vibraphonist Harry Sheppard and crooner Horace Grigsby, to young masters such as Jason Moran, Helen Sung and Robert Glasper. The event will culminate with a Jazz Jam session featuring four generations of Houston Jazz musicians.