The Django will once again play host to acclaimed trombonist Conrad Herwig and his Latin Side All-Stars on Tuesday nights this January. In this special weekly engagement, Herwig will bring an ace septet to the Django stage playing Latin versions of Miles, Mingus, Hancock, and more.

 

Herwig has recorded 26 albums as a leader, receiving four GRAMMY®-nominations for his own projects. These exciting musical adventures feature an array of special guests including Randy Brecker, Ruben Blades, Michel Camilo, Joe Lovano, Eddie Palmieri, Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Valentin and many of the hottest players on the international scene.

 

We caught-up with Herwig to get the latest on his upcoming shows and latest recordings. Catch him and his acclaimed band LIVE at the Django Tuesdays starting January 7th! Reserve your table HERE.

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It’s great to have you and the Latin Side All-Stars back in January. What have you and the band been up to since you appeared here last?

I’ve been performing concerts in the U.S. and Europe. I’m looking forward to being back at the Django. Also my new album has been getting exposure on radio and streaming. It’s currently #2 on the jazz charts and received a 4 star review in Downbeat.

 

Tell us about the most recent recording?

It’s called The Latin Side of McCoy Tyner. I worked with the Latin Side All-Stars and it’s an honor to record and perform his amazing compositions.

 

What’s the hardest thing about reimagining works by such a storied artist?

McCoy Tyner was, with John Coltrane, one of the most spectacular innovators in jazz. It’s challenging to follow in such giant steps. The goal is to honor the legacy and genius of such a groundbreaking artist while simultaneously keeping the tradition of Afro-Caribbean forms.

 

I imagine people are amazed at how well the works translate into a Latin format…

It all revolves around the traditions of the Jazz and Afro-Caribbean giants who have come before. The amazing one is McCoy. We are blessed to interpret his music.

 

You’ve been running the jazz department at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Jersey. What can you report about the NEXT generation of young jazz upstarts?

Young musicians today are talented and eager to continue the quest. They have the benefit of all that has gone before. Trane, Miles, Dizzy, Bird, Palmieri, Puente. It’s a fertile ground.

 

Is the music in good hands?

Definitely. The next generation is primed and ready to launch.

 

What can people expect in January at the Django?

We’ll be performing the greatest hits from our four Grammy-nominated recordings and more. Music by John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, Charles Mingus, and McCoy Tyner all performed by an All-Star lineup of myself, Bill O’Connell, Robby Ameen, Ruben Rodriguez, Craig Handy, Alex Norris and surprise special guests on percussion.

 

If you had to pick one recording of yours that encapsulates your sound, what would it be?

The Latin Side of John Coltrane, which was Grammy-nominated.

 

What’s coming next for you?

First of all, we’re excited to return to the Django. Then we’ll have more performances in the US and Europe. A collaboration with Eddie Palmieri is upcoming, as well. And in 2026 with the centennial of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, I have several special performances on the horizon with some of the world’s greatest jazz artists.