January 18: Rod McGaha presents Miles Davis
Celebrate the centennial of jazz icon Miles Davis with Jazz on the Move on January 18, as acclaimed trumpeter Rod McGaha leads a powerful exploration of one of the most influential artists in American music history. From cool jazz and hard bop to modal jazz and fusion, Davis reshaped the sound of jazz multiple times across his groundbreaking career, launching generations of legendary musicians and redefining artistic innovation. McGaha—praised by Max Roach, Clark Terry, and Victor Wooten for his originality and depth—brings both virtuosity and insight to this tribute, blending live performance with engaging narration. Presented by the Nashville Jazz Workshop at the Frist Art Museum, this free community event honors Miles Davis’s enduring legacy while bringing his revolutionary spirit vividly to life for audiences of all ages.
Rod McGaha is exactly what working musicians strive to be, a potent combination of virtuosity and unfettered artistic passion. Whether you first heard him as the opening act for Take 6 or as one of the featured jazz soloists with Max Roach's critically acclaimed group, or maybe even as a featured soloist playing in front of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, you would likely be inclined to think “this guy makes playing great look really easy.” That's because he’s lived a musical life that was founded on consistent, hard work behind the scenes and passionate fun and pleasure on the stage. As he says: “If I didn't love playing so much, I would have quit. Years ago.”
A native-born Chicagoan, Rod McGaha first showed up on Chicago's jazz scene as a young prodigy, during an era when young lions were making more than just a little roar. He credits receiving the acceptance and guidance of legendary tenor saxophonist, Von Freeman, as being crucial in his early career. “When I teach in clinics, I remember how eager I was to get better and how important it was for me to be called one of Von's ‘horses,’” said McGaha. “When I teach kids today, I recognize that look in their eyes. I'm just as happy for them, as I was for me. I understand their excitement and their fear.”
By the time he was 22, McGaha was busy trying to find “a way” to musically express his spiritual beliefs, while utilizing his knowledge and skills in African American modern improvisation (better known as jazz).
The New York Times proclaimed McGaha’s Preacherman album one of the top ten albums deserving greater recognition and his vast performing credits include concerts in Egypt, Japan, Germany, South Africa, Poland, and Mexico, as well as playing on legendary stages like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Chicago’s Jazz Showcase. McGaha has performed in bands for Kenny Rogers, Bebe and CeCe Winans, and served as music director for Shelby Lynne.
Accolades:
“(Rod is) An important new and original voice.” – Max Roach / jazz great
“When I first heard “Trees” (performed by McGaha), I got that same feeling I got when I first heard Wynton Marsalis. Some musicians just have that thing!” – Clark Terry / jazz great
“Rod McGaha is a one of a kind musician and has his own identity on the trumpet – an instrument that millions of people play- and that's saying something.” – Jeff Coffin / Dave Matthews band
“Rod McGaha doesn't think he has the luxury of ever releasing music he doesn't feel deeply. I for one am glad that he connects us to his heart each time he connects to his mouthpiece.” – Kirk Whalum / Grammy-winning jazz artist
“Rod is a special talent. Whether playing trumpet, writing, or arranging, he speaks with a voice that is uniquely his own. That is why I use him on my projects.” – Victor Wooten, Grammy-winning jazz performer
Jazz on the Move is a free community program presented by the Nashville Jazz Workshop at the Frist Art Museum that brings the history and spirit of jazz to life through a dynamic blend of live performance and engaging education. Featuring a professional jazz ensemble alongside insightful narration, each installment centers on a legendary jazz musician—exploring their music, influence, and lasting impact on this great American art form.
Now a long-running Nashville tradition in its 20th year, Jazz on the Move showcases some of the city’s finest jazz musicians and educators, offering audiences an accessible and inspiring entry point into jazz history. Lively performances are woven together with storytelling and musical examples, creating an experience that is as entertaining as it is informative.
Designed for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Jazz on the Move celebrates jazz as a living, evolving art form—honoring its past while sparking curiosity and connection in the present.