The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts has a lot of high-profile graduates including some of the best known musicians in the world, such as Harry Connick, Jr. and the Marsalis brothers. The school continues to churn out A-list talent.
The latest is pianist Nick Sanders. Originally focused on classical music, he switched to jazz after an encounter with the great pianist Danilo Perez. The academy’s loss is our gain.
Sanders earned a Master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2012, where Perez is among the distinguished faculty. He had already made his debut at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival back in 2005.
Last month Sanders released is debut album, Nameless Neighbors (Sunnyside). Fred Hersch (pictured with Sanders on right at top), another mentor whose approach to jazz differs considerably from that of Perez, produced the record.
It features Sanders’ band, bassist Henry Fraser and drummer Conner Baker, on a compelling collection of originals along with a few unusual covers including the Inkspots’ classic “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire.” The three musicians met during college, and have formed an enduring bond.
Show times are 8 and 10 PM.
