Name: Lovell Bradford Trio: Passion Dance: The Music of McCoy Tyner
Start: 2026-01-23T19:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-23T22:00:00-05:00
Location: Caffè Vivace - Cincinnati, OH

Lovell Bradford Trio: Passion Dance: The Music of McCoy Tyner

Lovell Bradford — piano
Lovell “Skip” Bradford Jr. — bass
Malcolm Charles — drums
Jazz pianist Lovell Bradford brings his trio to Caffè Vivace for an inspired tribute to the legendary McCoy Tyner, celebrating the powerful harmonic language, driving rhythm, and deep spirit that defined Tyner’s legacy. Known for his strong touch, modal fluency, and commanding sense of swing, Bradford approaches this music with both reverence and personal voice—honoring the source while keeping the music alive and present.
This performance will explore Tyner’s iconic compositions alongside music closely associated with his career, highlighting the bold left-hand quartal harmonies, blues-rooted intensity, and rhythmic propulsion that changed the sound of modern jazz piano. Bradford’s trio brings clarity, energy, and deep empathy to the music, making this a meaningful night for listeners familiar with Tyner’s work—and an exciting entry point for new ears.
Lovell Bradford is a renowned Charlotte, NC-based jazz pianist, educator, and bandleader whose musical style seamlessly blends gospel, jazz, and R&B influences. A native of Gary, Indiana, his musical journey began in church, where his grandmother served as the pianist and his first teacher. He went on to formalize his education, studying music at Central State University in Ohio, which broadened his musical horizons. Bradford established his professional career in the Columbus, OH jazz scene before relocating to Charlotte, where he has become a respected fixture in the local music community. He is an accomplished performer, having shared the stage with jazz luminaries such as Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Slide Hampton, and Wes Anderson. In addition to performing frequently with his own quartet, he is a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct professor of piano at Davidson College and an educator with JazzArts Charlotte. He can be heard on a number of top recordings in both the gospel and jazz traditions.
A $15 food/drink minimum applies per person, per set. Tickets are non-refundable, with a one-time transfer available when requested at least 24 hours in advance. Check-in within 15 minutes of set time is required to hold seats.