The MF Art of Listening

MF Art Of Listening Featuring - Musicians creating a musical conversation on the spot. Getting back to the original love of what draws musicians into music. Trusting the music and musicians to guide and discover what it means to improvise much in the same way we communicate verbally. Drummer extraordinaire Marcus Finnie assembles a unique group of very special artists for this show, comprised of elite session artists or musicians on tour in the Nashville vicinity. Featuring Marcus Finnie on drums, Rod McGaha on trumpet, John Pahmer on piano and Ryan Madora on bass.

As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus Finnie has toured the world with Kirk Whalum, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Brett Eldredge, Kurt Elling, Charlie Hunter, Lady Antebellum, Larry Carlton, Donna Summer, India Arie, Kurt Elling, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh, Beegie Adair, Dave Koz and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists’ Jacob Whitesides, Kent Lattimore, Ledisi, Andy Mineo, Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Joss Stone, Butch Walker, Charlie Peacock, Michael McDonald, and several others.

Whether you first heard Rod McGaha as the opening act for Take 6 or as one of the featured jazz soloists with Max Roach's critically-acclaimed group, or maybe even as a featured soloist playing in front of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, one of your first thoughts had to be, “This guy makes playing great look really easy.” That's because Rod has lived a musical life that was founded on consistent, hard work behind the scenes and passionate fun and pleasure on the stage. A native born Chicagoan, Rod McGaha first showed up on Chicago's jazz scene as a young prodigy, during an era when young lions were making more than just a little roar. He constantly comments on how receiving the acceptance and guidance of legendary tenor saxophonist, Von Freeman was very important to him. Rod is quick to admit that he was blessed to to have garnered the attention of legends like Von Freeman and Clark Terry at a young age, but it is probably most telling that although he received an invite from none other than Wynton Marsalis himself, to come to New York to audition for a spot as one of the newest young lions in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, he felt that life was calling him in a different direction, to be a different kind of lion.

By the time he was 22, Rod was busy trying to find “a way” to musically express his spiritual beliefs, while utilizing his knowledge and skills in African American modern improvisation (or as it is better known as, Jazz). And, apparently that “way” is an endlessly long way. Rod has played concerts in Egypt, Japan, Germany, South Africa, Poland and Mexico. He has played in bands for Kenny Rogers, Bebe and CeCe Winans and was even the music the director for the now alternative rock sensation Shelby Lynne. One could just list the stages on which he's played (Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Chicago's legendary Jazz Showcase, to name just a few) and come to the conclusion that his has been a complete musical life. But Rod says the music is the only thing that really matters. “If I can make someone feel something through my music, then I know I'm doing it right. I want people to feel the way I felt listening to Clark Terry. I remember, I was listening to a recording of Clark Terry and it gave me great joy. He made me happy just with his music alone. That's the power of music!”

And, it is Rod's power in music that led the New York Times to proclaim that his album Preacherman was one of the top ten albums deserving greater recognition. Not one to ever rest on past achievements, Rod McGaha has continued to write and perform music that is both contemporary, and yet classic in some nature. Traveling the world and playing with such a diverse group of musical talents spurred him to create the well received United For Peace Orchestra, a 22 member juggernaut of a band, amalgamating over 7 different nationalities. Often, you'll see Rod onstage using nothing but a plunger and his trumpet, while playing a raw a capella blues. His musical philosophy is one reminiscent of the familiar Nikki Giovanni line, “... people try to speak English instead of trying to speak through it.” Rod's primary goal is to speak through music in a way that brings joy to his audiences.

John Pahmer is a jazz musician with a remarkable career spanning over a century. He has shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as Jordin Sparks, showcasing his exceptional talent and passion for music. His enduring commitment to jazz has made him a respected figure in the music industry, inspiring countless musicians and captivating audiences worldwide.

Ryan Madora is a Nashville-based producer, writer, educator, and bass player. Currently on the road with indie rock icon Jenny Lewis, she has toured and recorded with artists including Zayn, Robben Ford, Molly Tuttle, Allison Russell, and country radio personality Bobby Bones. A seasoned author and journalist, Ryan has written for Bass Player Magazine and the online publication No Treble. She published her first book, Bass Players To Know: Learning From The Greats in 2019 and was voted “6th Best Bassist of 2020” by Bass Player Magazine and Music Radar. An educator at heart, she has released multiple online courses and teaches privately.

This show is 21 and over only. All sales are final and we unfortunately cannot offer any refunds. Additional tickets may be available at the door on the day of the show even if it is sold out online.

Please try to arrive 15 minutes prior to the show start time. If you do not arrive within 45 minutes after the show start time on your ticket your seat may be resold to other patrons at the door. If you arrive after 45 minutes from the start time of the show and your ticket has been resold, although we cannot guarantee it, we will try our best to make space for you to attend the show.