Princeton NJ Events Calendar

South Brunswick Jazz Café Concert – Nat Adderley Jr.

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Friday September 5, 2025
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Adderley attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, New York. His father Nat Adderley (1931–2000) was a composer and jazz cornet and trumpet player, while his uncle Cannonball Adderley (1928–1975) was a jazz alto saxophonist. In high school, he performed and wrote music for his father's group, the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Adderley also worked as a keyboardist for R&B singer Valerie Simpson. Adderley earned his B.A. degree in African American studies from Yale University in 1977. In 1981, Adderley became the music director for Luther Vandross. In addition to his work with Vandross, Adderley has worked with several other musicians. He arranged the songs for Aretha Franklin's 1983 album, "Jump To It," the string section for Doc Powell's Grammy nominated song "What's Going On" and Natalie Cole's song "When I Fall in Love." Recordings of Adderley playing piano were used by playwright August Wilson for his play The Piano Lesson in 1990. Adderley later formed the Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio. He cites his influences as Chick Corea, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. In a 2009 interview with the Star-Ledger, he said pianists "who are killing me" include Kenny Barron, Herbie Hancock, Cedar Walton and Joe Zawinul.

South Brunswick Municipal Complex 540 Route 522 (Ridge Rd.), Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 Admission $6 at the door - Light refreshments included + BYOB Doors open 7:15PM – No reservations, no advance ticket sales For more info, www.sbarts.org