From January 8 to 18, New York was the undisputed center of the jazz universe as NYC Winter Jazzfest returned for its 16th annual season. As usual, the festival featured a two-day marathon (January 10 and 11), with dozens of artists performing at a variety of locations in downtown Manhattan. And this year’s WJF artist-in-residence, drummer/composer Mark Guiliana, presented seven nights of performances, with a different project every night. A few of the many other highlights included sets by Joey Alexander, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Jaimie Branch, and a tribute to trumpeter Marcus Belgrave featuring Ron Carter, Sheila Jordan, Louis Hayes, and many more. Photographer Alan Nahigian captured the action.
Mark Guiliana at the Bowery Ballroom (photo: Alan Nahigian)
