If there was any doubt about jazz’s relevance today, Donna Trunzo’s performance at the Lark Street Tavern in Albany on Tuesday, January 28th put it to rest.
This wasn’t your typical “jazz is for the old guard” moment. It proved that while jazz has vintage roots, it pulses with an energy as fresh and alive as anything on today’s charts.

The Lark Street Tavern makes a deceptive first impression. Enter through the street-side doors into a traditional bar, but head to the back room, and you’re met with intimate elegance. Cozy couches and candlelit charm evoke the spirit of jazz clubs from a bygone era—places most of today’s generation never experienced, now only cultural ghosts.

An eclectic mix of jazz fans, newcomers, and a few who’ve probably never heard a trumpet live were quickly swept into the evening.
The rhythm section, consisting of Jim Curtain (stand-up bass) and Grisha Alexiev (drums), laid a foundation rooted in tradition, while Peter Einhorn shone on guitar all night long.

Trunzo’s voice had undeniable smoky swagger that subtly commanded attention.
Throughout the night, multiple guests joined Donna Trunzo, including Gina McLaughlin (vocals), Nancy Donnelly (vocals), Hilary Carr (vocals), and Steve Horowitz (trumpet).

There were nods to the greats—tributes to the pioneers—but the band wasn’t stuck in the past. They reshaped those influences into something that felt like a conversation between eras. Though jazz isn’t the mainstream force it once was, shows like this prove it’s still vital, just in a form that fits the moment.

What stood out most was the band’s embrace of the genre’s evolution. It wasn’t just jazz playing dress-up; it was a living, breathing hybrid that bridged generations, offering a simple promise: the past has a bright future.



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