Rhoda Scott, originally from NJ and living in France for most of her 40 plus -year career, is one of the world’s most celebrated jazz organists. Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies and Gregory Burrus Productions have come together to present these premier artists during her annual limited appearance in the City of Newark.

Rhoda Scott is an acclaimed American soul jazz organist and singer, often referred to as “The Barefoot Lady” because she prefers to play the organ without shoes. Born on July 3, 1938, in New Jersey, she grew up in a musical household and was drawn to the organ at a young age. Her father, a minister, introduced her to gospel and spiritual music, which greatly influenced her style.

Scott’s career took off in the 1960s, and she became known for her soulful and rhythmic playing. She eventually moved to France, where she has spent most of her career and gained significant recognition. In addition to her jazz performances, she has also been a church organist for decades. Her contributions to music have made her a beloved figure in both the jazz and church music communities.

Joining Rhoda on the Stage will be:

Mark Whitfield

Mark Whitfield is a renowned American jazz guitarist, celebrated for his soulful and versatile playing style. Born on October 6, 1966, in Lindenhurst, New York, he graduated from Berklee College of Music and quickly made a name for himself in the jazz world. Whitfield has collaborated with legendary artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, and Herbie Hancock, among others. His debut album, The Marksman, released in 1990, marked the beginning of a successful recording career.

Whitfield remains active as a performer, recording artist, and educator, sharing his expertise through master classes and private instruction. He has also worked on Grammy-winning projects, such as For Jimmy, Wes and Oliver with the Christian McBride Big Band.

Jerome Jennings

Jerome Jennings is a drummer, activist, bandleader, sideman, and Emmy
Award winning composer. His debut recording ‘The Beast’ is a reflection
of the every day joys and traumas of black life in the U.S. It was named
one of the top three Jazz releases by NPR, received a four star rating in
Downbeat Magazine, and was nominated for the prestigious French
‘Grand Prix du Disque’ award for Album of the Year in 2016. Jerome’s
sophomore recording, ‘Solidarity’, released November 2019 was
recognized by NPR as best music that spoke truth to power of 2019.
Jerome earned a MM from the prestigious Juilliard School in Manhattan
NY. In 2014, he passed Jazz At Lincoln Centers Swing University 301
history course: The most comprehensive study of jazz from a non
performance perspective, available. Jazz At Lincoln Center has Jerome
Jennings on file as an accredited jazz scholar. He was the Resident
Director of The Juilliard Jazz Orchestra from fall 2017 to 2021. Jerome is
professor of jazz history at Montclair State University.

Jerome is a pertinent performer. He has composed music for and is
musical director for Maurice Chestnut’s dance production Beat’s Rhymes
and Tap Shoes. To date Jerome has performed, toured and recorded with
legendary musicians like Sonny Rollins, Hank Jones, Gerald Wilson,
Christian McBride, Large Professor, Ron Carter, George Cables, Dee Dee
Bridgewater, Wynton Marsalis (J@LC), The Count Basie Orchestra, Philip
Bailey, Henry Butler, and countless others. He has also made recordings
and shared the stage with contemporary musicians Sean Jones, Camille
Thurman, Jazzmeia Horn, Tadataka Unno, Christian Sands, Charenee
Wade, and Bokani Dyer to name a few.