Puddingstone Music is expanding its salon series with a new jazz-focused partnership at the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, launching with a May 27 concert featuring Blue Note Records pianist Paul Cornish.
Dubbed “Jazz at The Redwood,” the series will present both up-and-coming and internationally known jazz artists in the library’s intimate Harrison Room. The collaboration marks what Puddingstone describes as a meaningful step toward incorporating more jazz into its regular programming.
The opening concert will feature Cornish making his Newport debut as a bandleader, joined by drummer Jonathon Pinson and bassist Jermaine Paul. The trio will perform compositions both new and old from Cornish’s repertoire.
The concert is set for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, at the Redwood Library, 50 Bellevue Ave. Tickets are $45 and include wine, beer, soft drinks and small bites. Advance tickets are available at PuddingstoneMusic.org.
About Paul Cornish
Cornish has built a reputation as one of the rising talents in contemporary jazz. His debut album on Blue Note Records, “You’re Exaggerating,” drew critical praise and produced sold-out shows at iconic venues including Dizzy’s in New York City.
A Houston native, Cornish attended the city’s prestigious High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, whose alumni include jazz luminaries Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Eric Harland, Kendrick Scott, Chris Dave, Walter Smith III and James Francies.
He was later one of seven jazz prodigies selected worldwide for a full fellowship to the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA, where he completed his master’s degree. Cornish was a finalist in both the 2023 American Pianists Awards and the Herbie Hancock International Jazz Piano Competition.
His collaborators have ranged across jazz and pop, including Joshua Redman, Louis Cole, Mark Guiliana, HAIM, Snoh Aalegra, Terrace Martin and Kanye West.
