John Minnock and Dave Liebman Return To Feinstein's/54 Below

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents critically jazz vocalist John Minnock on September 20, 2019 at 9:00 PM. For his second engagement at Feinstein's/54 Below, the new-breed vocalist will present an encore presentation of the music from his 2018 release Right Around The Corner as well as fresh new renditions of jazz classics. In his energetic live show John presents jazz, blues and cabaret classics in a way that has never been heard before with the help of special guest, National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and Grammy nominee Dave Liebman on saxophone. John's experiences as an openly gay man offers up a unique perspective that is at once eye-opening, touching and down right fun. Supported by a stellar rhythm section including pianist/arranger Enrique Hanenine (whose latest album The Mind's Mural hit #1 on the NACC Radio Chart) bassist Carlos Mena and drummer Pablo Eluchans, John's new "gay-ahead jazz album" is a groundbreaker as it explores LGBTQ subject-matter in a jazz setting.

John Minnock's debut at Feintstein's/54 Below in March was a rousing success. Broadwayworld.com said of his performance: "At 54 Below, Minnock's outstanding technical ability, paired with evocative lyrics and superb showmanship proved that he is a dynamic musical force to be reckoned with in New York City." For this encore performance, Minnock will present his fan-favorite hits as well as some new arrangements and songs. "I am so thrilled to be returning to 54 Below," said Minnock, adding, "there is no room like it in New York City." View the photo gallery from Minnock's debut on Broadwayworld.com here!

On Right Around The Corner, John brings a much-needed, fresh perspective to the vocal jazz genre. In John's own words: "In writing the original songs, it became clear 'it had to be jazz". This genre offers the flexibility to fully express yourself (as Madonna might say). At one point in writing, I had a specific question and I asked my pianist "can I do this..?" and he responded "you can do anything, it's jazz"'. Right Around The Corner has been well received by critics. "On this recording, Minnock shows us he can sing it all. He is clearly an artist who pushes the boundaries of music and art with his vocal instrument," said Dee Dee McNeil of Musical Memoirs and All About Jazz says: "Right Around the Corner is a welcome addition to male jazz vocals, a subgenre in need of greater membership like this."

Minnock's first album, Every Day Blues, introduced his signature wit and candor as he explored the American songbook from the perspective as a gay man in today's world. His long-running show of the same name, presented through the years at the Metropolitan Room, the Triad Theater and, most recently, Don't Tell Mama, has been an audience favorite, attracting a diverse cast of attendees from inquisitive cabaret fans to serious jazz listeners. Right Around The Corner features a mix of material frequently performed at his live show ("Skylark", "Moon River", "I Love Being Here With You", "You Don't Know What Love Is", "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans") and impressive original compositions that tell stories of gay life that are seldom heard on the bandstand.

John Minnock is a native New Yorker who has been "telling it like it is" in the cabaret and vocal jazz scene for over a decade. Recipient of the Hot House Jazz Fans Decision Award in 2016, John is a classically trained musician who immediately blossomed when he saw Ruth Brown's live show, which incorporated energy, enthusiasm, and her personal life experiences. While John has performed myriad styles from r&b, funk, soul and classical, jazz and blues have been the genres in which he is most comfortable.

Jazz and blues were, essentially, borne of the life experiences of an oppressed and discriminated against group - African Americans. The sound developed in and around New Orleans. Various cultures (beyond African Americans) have contributed their own experience and styles to the art form - and for John as a gay man, this same thing occurred in an evolutionary manner. "I personally understand oppression and have experienced discrimination. I believe this is an underlying reason I gravitate toward the music."

John Minnock plays Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on September 20, 2019 at 9:00 PM. There is a $25-35 cover charge and $25 food and beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available here. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00 are only available by calling (646) 476-3551.

Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, is a performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, Feinstein's/54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. Feinstein's/54 Below presents iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popular music and has set a new standard for culinary excellence worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage.

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