Live Review: Ambrose Akinmusire at Village Vanguard (2025/04/22)

featuring Sam Harris (Piano), Harish Raghavan (Bass) & Justin Brown (Drums)

Ticket Price: $42.45

The last time I was at the Village Vanguard was with Uncle Rick to see Joe Lovano and Julian Lage but tonight was a bit of a different vibe from Ambrose Akinmusire and company. Even though I arrived early for the show I was unfortunately stuck on the loser wall, with a massive pillar and speaker blocking my line of sight to where Ambrose would be.

The fellow musicians that took the stage with Ambrose were all noteworthy and the star of the show was most definitely the drummer. My view of the drummer was unobstructed and my mind was blown watching him. The band played in some very odd time signatures but he had such a good groove and some of the coolest fills I've heard in a long time. He kept everything really tight and it barely looked like he was playing but he was explosive. The double bass and piano were holding steady with a few moments to show off their chops as well.

It looked like they were improvising a bit on a few songs, as Ambrose would give orders while the band was in the middle of a groove but it always flowed seamlessly. Due to the unconventional style, the music sounds dissonant and frantic at times but he stays true to his post-bop roots and often finds resolution through the transition of mixed styles.

There is a no photo policy at the Village Vanguard so you’ll just have to use your imagination but overall the late decision to attend turned out to be well worth it.

Cheers and keep rocking!