What’s sexier, more seductive, than an evening of sumptuous Southern cuisine paired with live jazz and some smooth Luther Vandross? If you’re looking to win big with your sweetie this Valentine’s weekend, Good Times Jazz might be exactly what you need.
Savannah’s premiere jazz nightclub hosts critically acclaimed Nat Adderley Jr. and his quartet for two nights of hot licks and heavy grooves on Friday and Saturday.
Adderley, son of Jazz legend, Nat Adderley Sr. grew up among some of the genre’s heaviest hitters — his father and uncle, alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, worked regularly with Ray Charles, Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
Adderley picked up piano at age five with a precocious knack for songwriting, so much so, that by the time he was 11, his uncle had already recorded his tune, “I’m on My Way,” for a 1967 jazz record. In high school Adderley met friend and life-long collaborator, Luther Vandross. After graduating from Yale, Adderley teamed up with Vandross to become his arranger, music director, and co-writer. The powerhouse team worked together more than 20 years until a stroke in 2003 ended Vandross’s music career.
Credit: Photo provided
Credit: Photo provided
Adderley returned to his jazz roots, writing, arranging, and performing his own material in top clubs across the United States, Europe, and Asia. “I am so excited about bringing my jazz quartet to Savannah,” emphasized Adderley.
“My wife and I briefly visited the city a couple of years ago, and we had such a beautiful time. A standout moment was when we took one of the African American History walking tours. It was fantastic and absolutely unforgettable. We also decided to go to Good Times. I was unfamiliar with the venue, and I just was not expecting it to be all that it was! We had a beautiful time. We talked about how I sure would love to play this club. Well, it's actually happening, and we are thrilled! We’ll be performing our take on jazz standards, honoring some legends, including my dad and uncle, and we’ll, of course, include some from Luther Vandross.”
Credit: Jonah Krier/Savannah Morning News
Credit: Jonah Krier/Savannah Morning News
Chef Joe Randall has prepared a special menu for the weekend performances. Randall, integral to Savannah’s Southern cuisine scene since 1999, knows how to make the perfect, nuanced, four-course Valentine’s meal. Prime Rib, Pan Roasted Red Snapper, and Roasted Duckling Ala Orange are prix fixe entre options for the evening. Dessert includes from-scratch cheesecake with raspberry sauce and white chocolate banana bread pudding topped with bourbon custard sauce.
“With a talent like Nat Adderley Jr. coming to town, I want to ensure the weekend’s food offerings are top shelf and on par to complement the exceptional music,” said Randall. “It’s honor and pleasure to create fine Southern-inspired fare at Savannah’s only premiere jazz club.”
Reservations are required. Due to ongoing COVID safety concerns, Good Times Jazz requires masks be worn when not eating, when at the bar, when restaurant staff are present at the table, and at all points when guests are not seated.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Nat Adderley, Jr. bringing his serenading music to Good Times Jazz for Valentine's Day
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