Jazz Cafe: Beat Kaestli

“Kaestli achieves much the same spellbinding effect as José James on For All We Know.”
-JazzTimes Magazine

“His distinct principle of sparseness sets him apart from the rest. A deeply felt Mood Album.”
– Jazzthing, Germany

“A likably suave jazz singer… a persuasive new album.”
–Nate Chinen, New York Times

“Soulful [and] sensitive”
-Jon Hendricks

“If Astrud Gilberto has a male counterpart, it’s Beat Kaestli, a sublimely mellifluous singer whose work is smooth as satin, slow, easy, and savory.”
-Acoustic Music

“Kaestli is the ballad master of the Y chromosome.”
– C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

“The magnetic and exciting musicianship of Beat Kaestli who is simply one of the most exciting jazz vocalists around.”
-Grady Harp, amazon.com

“Beat Kaestli is suave and elegant, precise and stylish.”
-Tom Hull, Village Voice, NYC

Beat Kaestli is an internationally acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, arranger and producer. In 1993 he moved to New York City and was awarded a scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. While honing his craft alongside noteworthy Jazz performers, such as Jane Monheit, Jason Moran, and Stefon Harris, he immersed himself in Manhattan’s fiercely competitive music scene, emerging as a seasoned performer. He now appears in clubs such as The Blue Note, Birdland, Dizzy’s at Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), The Jazz Standard, and The Stone, performing with Jazz greats, like Esperanza Spalding, Jon Hendricks, Gregoire Maret, Joel Frahm, Billy Drummond, Magos Herrera and Hendrik Meurkens. In 2005, Beat was the chosen vocalist for the Glenn Miller Orchestra, thrilling audiences in concert halls across the USA.

Since the release of his acclaimed CD “Happy, Sad and Satisfied” in 2006, he’s been touring the world extensively with his own projects, showcasing his music in renowned clubs and at festivals on 6 continents. In 2007, he earned the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation Scholarship to complete his Masters degree at the Aaron Copland School of Music. 2010 was highlighted by his major Jazz label debut “Invitation” (Chesky), an eclectic array of American Standards, which lead to a 12-month CD feature on Swiss Airlines in 2011, tours in the US, Canada, Costa Rica, Europe, Mexico, Brazil and Qatarl.

Both his CDs “Far From Home” and “Invitation” were included in the official 2010 GRAMMY Selection for “Best Jazz Vocal Album.”

Doors at 6:30. Following our featured artist is an Open Mic hour.
$10 Members, $15 non-members, includes snacks and a beverage (wine, beer, soda)

The Jazz Cafe is curated by John Wilmeth and Steph Walker. Music Director pianist John Wilmeth is a multi-instrumentalist with experience in many genres. He has worked with the likes of Jerry Garcia, Boz Scaggs, Al Jarreau, James Moody, and Jon Hendricks. Open Mic Emcee Steph Walker is a singer of many genres, and a poet, and has performed at such popular jazz venues as Silvana’s, Flute Bar, The Metropolitan Room, and The Triad.

The John Wilmeth Jazz Trio includes: Dave Meade, renowned drummer/percussionist.  Dave has worked with a wide spectrum of artists and musicians, including Nancy Wilson, Keely Smith, and Tony award winning singers Leslie Uggams, Paulo Szot, and Diahann Carroll. Meade has toured with Aretha Franklin, The Mamas and the Papas, and the Arturo O’Farrill Afro Cuban Orchestra, to highlight a few.  Back in the day, Dave played nightly at the world-famous Rainbow Room; and bassist Ratzo Harris, a Thelonious Monk Competition semi-finalist, has worked with such musicians as Les Paul, Charles Lloyd, and Betty Carter. “Ratzo Harris plays bass that’s living root and steel girder.” (blogcritics).

“Wonderful! A step back in time.” -D. Berkowitz, Asheville, NC

“Totally delighted the whole evening! Classic intimate place, delightful people, and energy the whole time!” – W. T., Brentwood, New York, NY

“The venue for the music was wonderful. There were round tables complete with table clothes and nice mood lighting. The chandeliers were dimmed and it was a nightclub atmosphere. The music was excellent and then there was an open mike so I got to see a number of talented neighborhood folks get up and do their thing. Some people even felt moved to dance. I loved it!” -G. Walsh, Fair Lawn NJ