Solo Jazz Piano & Artist Talk

Wajdi Cherif: jazz pianist and composer, moderator and guest performer: Carol Sudhalter, Flute.

Join jazz pianist and composer Wajdi Cherif for an evening of music and conversation as he presents his latest project, “Jazz Explorations 2024”, featuring original compositions and reimagined jazz standards. Wajdi Cherif will perform solo piano pieces and talk about his career, creative process, and the evolution of his music into different formats. Moderated by fellow musician and guest performer Carol Sudhalter, the event will conclude with an audience Q&A. Enjoy an intimate evening of music, dialogue, and insights into a creative journey in jazz.

Inspired by modern jazz piano greats such as Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett or Chick Corea, Wajdi Cherif creates enchanting music that blends jazz with other genres, taking listeners on a colorful musical journey. Wajdi Cherif’s music offers an enchanting fusion of jazz with various genres, taking listeners on a captivating and diverse musical journey. His compositions beautifully evoke a wide range of emotions and explore harmonic colors with depth and nuance. Through his performances, Wajdi Cherif pushes the boundaries of jazz, creating a harmonious blend of melodic storytelling and expressive harmonies.

Born into a family of musicians, Carol Sudhalter studied theory and Third Stream music with Ran Blake and Phil Wilson at the New England Conservatory of Music, after receiving her B.A. degree from Smith College. She has performed with notable artists such as Etta Jones, Jimmy Heath, Chico Freeman and Gary Bartz, and has appeared in renowned NYC jazz clubs and festivals across the U.S., Italy, and the U.K. Her work has been highlighted in many publications including The Huffington Post, The New York Times and five books on jazz. Carol was nominated in 2012 for the International Down Beat Readers’ Jazz Poll, placing 9th in the Best Jazz Flutist category.

Support Mention: “This project is made possible in part with a Flushing Town Hall Space Grant, and public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts.”

Photo credits: Yusuke Yamanouchi (Wajdi Cherif). Gus Philippas (Carol Sudhalter).