Peak Jazz Series: Skylar Tang Quartet

"Every now and then, a musician comes along who has a vision and focus that you just know will affect the world—a sense of high artistry, skill, and profound leadership. Skylar Tang is one of the ones in her generation who fits this description." — Sean Jones

Trumpeter and composer Skylar Tang is one of the most exciting young voices in jazz today. As a young Juilliard student, Tang had already recorded on Joshua Redman’s recent album, had an original piece played by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, toured internationally, and headlined Montreal Jazz Festival.

Raised in California's Bay Area, Tang discovered jazz through her father's record collection, where Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Bill Evans sparked a lifelong passion. She began playing trumpet at age nine, started composing as a teenager, and quickly distinguished herself with both remarkable technical ability and an original musical voice.

Her composition "Kaleidoscope" earned first prize in Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Student Composition & Arranging Contest. While studying at Columbia University, she was invited by saxophone great Joshua Redman to record on his 2025 album Words Fall Short.

Now based in New York City, Tang leads a quartet: pianist William Schwartzman, bassist John Murray, and drummer Rudy Royston. Together they create performances that balance adventurous improvisation with lyrical melodies, thoughtful compositions, and energetic interplay. The quartet has performed throughout the United States and recently appeared at the 2026 Montreal Jazz Festival.

She has shared stages with Joshua Redman, the SFJAZZ Collective, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sean Jones, and Rufus Reid.

Don't miss the opportunity to hear one of jazz's rising stars in the intimate listening room of Caffè Lena.

The Peak Jazz Series is made possible by the generous support of Joseph & Luann Conlon in memory of Joel Moss.

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