Join us for another edition of the New London Big Band Spotlight Series! Throughout 2025 NLBB will be featuring many of the incredible artists on its roster in exciting, smaller group ensembles. Join us on February 12th to hear NYC jazz guitarist & composer Gianni Gardner!

Gianni Gardner is a jazz guitarist and composer based in New York City, leading the quintet Ascent, which performs original compositions inspired by artists like Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, and John Coltrane. Ascent features international and NYC-based musicians, including saxophonist Mackenzie McCarthy, pianist Francesco Pollon, bassist Conway Campbell Jr., and drummer Peru Eizagirre.

A recent graduate of Manhattan School of Music (M.M. ’24), Gianni studied with renowned jazz artists such as Mike Moreno, Marc Cary, and Ingrid Jensen. He regularly performs with Ed Fast and Conga Bop and Sean Nelson’s New London Big Band, appearing at venues like Birdland and The Side Door Jazz Club.

In June 2024, Ascent recorded their debut album, set for release in January 2025, showcasing a dynamic mix of styles from hard-swinging jazz to emotional ballads.