The Jazz Side of JT with Steve Leslie
Saturday, January 24th, 7:30 PM
Nashville Jazz Workshop
Featuring:
Steve Leslie – Acoustic Guitar & Vocals
Pat Coil – Piano
Viktor Krauss – Upright Bass
Kyle Tupper – Drums
Join us at the Nashville Jazz Workshop for The Jazz Side of JT, a captivating evening exploring the rich musicality and subtle sophistication of James Taylor’s iconic catalog—through a jazz lens.
Long admired by the jazz community, Taylor's songs have been interpreted by artists such as Larry Goldings, John Pizzarelli, Wynton Marsalis, Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Flora Purim, New York Voices, Oscar Castro-Neves, and Shirley Horn. His deep connection to the Great American Songbook—reflected in his thoughtful renditions of classics like My Romance, Almost Like Being in Love, and My Heart Stood Still on his 2020 release American Standard—makes his music a natural match for jazz exploration.
Leading this tribute is acclaimed songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist Steve Leslie, bringing his celebrated “jazz side” to the NJW stage with fresh, imaginative arrangements of Taylor’s timeless songs. Supported by an all-star ensemble—Pat Coil, Viktor Krauss, and Kyle Tupper—this performance blends heartfelt storytelling with sophisticated harmony, swing, and improvisation.
About Steve Leslie
Steve Leslie has enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career as a professional songwriter, with cuts by Kenny Rogers, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Darryl Worley, Rhonda Vincent, Neal McCoy, Ricky Skaggs, Darius Rucker, Jake Worthington, and many more. He is a multiple BMI award-winner and received a Grammy Certificate for the title track of Ricky Skaggs’ 2004 Best Bluegrass Album of the Year, Brand New Strings.
As a mentor and co-writer, Leslie played an important role in the early careers of Erin Enderlin, Chris Stapleton, and Abbey Cone.
A dedicated educator, he has served as Adjunct Professor of Jazz History at Tallahassee Community College and as a guest clinician and lecturer at Morehead State University, MTSU, and Berklee College of Music. He also taught songwriting at Belmont University and continues to teach at the Nashville Musicians Association and the Nashville Jazz Workshop.
Leslie has released three CDs, written the music and book for the full-length musical Umbrella, and tours nationally with “How Sweet It Is! Steve Leslie Sings James Taylor” through Epic Arts Management. He holds a BM in Guitar/Jazz Studies from Morehead State University.