Jose Carr's Quartet

"Keeping Jazz Alive"

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About Daniel Jose Carr

Daniel "José" Carr Jr (born in Ensley) is a jazz musician, music educator and bandleader.

Daniel “José” Carr Jr. is a distinguished American jazz musician, educator, and cultural icon whose career spans more than four decades. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Carr discovered his passion for music early and pursued formal training at Alabama State University, later advancing his studies at the University of North Texas and the University of Montevallo.
As a trumpeter, Carr has led the José Carr Quartet, performing with pianist Willie Jackson, bassist Bernard McQueen, and drummer Timothy Huffman III. Since the 1980s, his weekly jazz jam sessions have become a vital institution in Birmingham, nurturing emerging talent while keeping the city’s jazz tradition vibrant.
Equally devoted to education, Carr served as a band director at multiple schools before retiring in 2014. He later became closely involved with the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, where he contributed as a board member and director of music education. His commitment to mentoring the next generation has earned him a reputation as both a performer and teacher of remarkable influence.
In 2015, Carr was formally recognized with induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of the state’s cultural heritage. His story was further celebrated in the 2023 documentary “So You Say You Play Jazz? José Carr’s True Story,” directed by Matthew Bellisario, which highlighted his role in shaping the Birmingham jazz community. 
Education & Mentorship

Daniel “José” Carr’s legacy is not only defined by his artistry as a jazz trumpeter but also by his tireless dedication to education and mentorship. For over four decades, he committed himself to shaping the future of music by teaching, guiding, and inspiring young musicians across Birmingham and beyond. His career as a band director in local schools allowed him to introduce hundreds of students to the discipline, creativity, and joy of music, many of whom went on to pursue careers as professional performers, educators, and cultural leaders.

Carr believed that music education was not simply about learning scales, notes, or theory, but about building confidence, character, and resilience. In his classrooms and rehearsal halls, he created spaces where students were challenged to push their limits, discover their voices, and find pride in their achievements. His mentorship extended beyond music, teaching life lessons about commitment, collaboration, and respect that stayed with his students long after they left his tutelage.
As the Director of Music Education for the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Carr broadened his impact by developing programs that connected young learners to the deep traditions of jazz. He was instrumental in fostering opportunities for underrepresented youth to experience music firsthand, bridging generational and cultural gaps through the universal language of jazz. His leadership also shaped the Birmingham Youth Jazz Ensemble, where he nurtured young talent, preparing them for professional opportunities and instilling in them an appreciation for the cultural heritage of jazz.
Beyond structured education, Carr’s weekly jazz jam sessions, which began in the 1980s, became a classroom of their own. These gatherings provided an informal but profoundly meaningful platform for aspiring musicians to learn directly from him and other seasoned players. In these sessions, Carr offered guidance, encouragement, and sometimes tough love, always emphasizing that jazz is as much about listening and learning as it is about playing. For many young musicians, those nights at the jam sessions were transformative, providing real-world lessons that no textbook could ever capture.
Students and colleagues alike describe him as more than a teacher—he was a mentor, a father figure, and a lifelong supporter of their dreams. His ability to balance discipline with compassion made him a beloved educator, while his insistence on excellence pushed those around him to strive for their best.
Through education and mentorship, Daniel “José” Carr ensured that his influence would ripple far into the future. His legacy is carried not only in his own performances but in the lives, careers, and successes of the many musicians he has guided. For Carr, teaching was never separate from performing—it was part of the same calling: to keep the spirit of jazz alive by passing it to the next generation.
Look At What Jose Carr Has Done Over The Years:
 

100+
Awards
And
Accolades

1000+
Performances

 

5000+
Jazz
Fans
Entertained
 

10,000+
Students
Taught
And
Mentored

OUR QUARTET

Daniel José Carr and his ensemble bring the soul of jazz to life. Blending classic tradition with fresh improvisation, the band unites seasoned musicians whose passion and artistry create unforgettable performances.

 
Come Watch Us Play!!

Members of the Quartet

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      Bernard McQueen, Bass

                  
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                 Willie Jackson, Keyboard/Piano

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            Timothy Huffman, Drums

                     

Our Philosophy & Mission

Our quartet is more than a collection of musicians — we are custodians of a living tradition. Guided by the artistry and vision of Daniel José Carr, we see jazz not just as music, but as a language of history, resilience, and unity. Every performance is an opportunity to celebrate the roots of jazz while breathing new life into it through creativity, improvisation, and collaboration.

We believe in the power of music to bridge generations, inspire young talent, and bring communities together. By mentoring the next wave of musicians, sharing the stage with rising artists, and engaging audiences of all ages, we ensure that the spirit of jazz remains vibrant and relevant. Our mission is not only to entertain but also to educate, uplift, and connect — reminding the world that music is both a story of where we come from and a promise of what we can become.
In every note, every rhythm, and every shared moment, our band carries forward a legacy of passion, excellence, and authenticity. We don’t just play songs — we create experiences that resonate deeply, honoring the past while shaping the future of jazz.

Our Venues

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True Story Brewing Company

True Story Brewing Company is one of Birmingham’s warmest, most vibrant gathering places — where neighborhood charm meets serious craft beer and live music. Nestled in the Crestwood area of the city, it offers a welcoming brewpub atmosphere with rustic touches, community‐oriented energy, and an emphasis on the arts and culture that reflects the spirit of the Magic City.
 

José Carr’s Jazz Quartet Performance

On Tuesday evenings, the stage at True Story Brewing comes alive with José Carr’s Jazz Jam — a tradition that has become one of the cornerstones of Birmingham’s jazz scene. José Carr, a Birmingham native and Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inductee, leads the night with his quartet, opening the set at 7:30 p.m. sharp.
The jam is more than just a performance; it’s a musical dialogue. After Carr and his group set the tone, the bandstand opens to invited musicians from around the city (and beyond), inviting them to contribute their voice, skills, and improvisational flair. It’s one of those rare music nights that rewards both expertise and passion.
Carr holds the night to high standards — not just in musicianship, but in presentation and respect for the music. There’s a dress code — no tennis shoes or sweatpants if you’re stepping up to the bandstand — and a clear sense that when music begins, the room listens. Conversations fade out, and all attention centers on the interplay of trumpet, sax, bass, drums, piano.

The Experience

  • Atmosphere: Warm, intimate, focused. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a casual music lover, you feel pulled in. The lighting dims, the chatter softens, and there’s a shared energy as each note unfolds.
  • Audience: A mix — longtime jazz fans, local musicians, young artists cutting their teeth, people just looking for something soulful and genuine.
  • Musical Style: Bebop-oriented, rooted in tradition, but with room for innovation and spontaneity. Carr and his band draw from the history of jazz greats, but deliver with freshness. 
  • Community & Legacy: These nights are part of Carr’s work to preserve and pass along jazz’s language in Birmingham — carrying on a legacy, mentoring younger players, sustaining a live music ecosystem. True Story Brewing becomes more than a venue; it’s a cultural site.
Bring the magic of live jazz to your next event! José Carr and his quartet transform every stage into a world-class experience of swing, soul, and timeless artistry. With his celebrated Tuesday Jazz Jam at True Story Brewing Company setting the standard for Birmingham’s live music, you too can book this unforgettable sound for your venue, festival, or private celebration.
🎶 Don’t miss the chance to host Alabama’s own Hall of Fame trumpeter. Secure your date today and give your guests the gift of real jazz.
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Carver theater performing arts center

Carver Theatre of The Performing Arts

Carver Performing Arts Center (formerly Carver Theatre) stands as one of Birmingham’s most storied cultural landmarks. Built in 1935 in the heart of the Fourth Avenue North civil-rights district, it was among the few theatres where African-American audiences could see first-run films during segregation. After years of decline and closure in the early 1980s, the City of Birmingham acquired the theatre in 1990, restoring it to serve as a live performance venue and home of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. 
 

José Carr’s Jazz Quartet Performance at Carver

When José Carr takes the stage at the Carver Performing Arts Center, audiences can expect an evening steeped in jazz tradition, deep artistry, and community spirit. As a celebrated Birmingham native, trumpeter José Carr brings more than performance—he carries forward Alabama’s jazz legacy.
In events such as the Swinging Jazz Jam Session, Carr has joined other local and visiting artists (including high school ensembles and national institute-affiliated musicians) to mentor, improvise, and create. These performances are as much about connection and education as they are about music. Under his leadership, the stage becomes a meeting place of generations: seasoned pros and emerging talent, steeped in respect for jazz’s history while pushing its boundaries. Audiences at the Carver for José Carr’s performance can expect masterful trumpet work, strong ensemble interplay, improvisation, dynamic energy, and moments of musical storytelling.

Experience the soul of Birmingham jazz with José Carr live at the historic Carver Performing Arts Center. His Hall of Fame trumpet sound and dynamic quartet deliver an unforgettable night of swing, soul, and timeless artistry. Book José Carr today and make your event extraordinary.
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Denim On 7th

Denim On 7th is a stylish, vibrant lounge & bar located in Birmingham’s lively Lakeview District. With chic décor, curated drink & food menus, and an atmosphere that balances upscale elegance with casual charm, it’s a go-to spot for people who want more than just a night out—it’s a full experience. The venue features beautiful “garden” spaces, optioned VIP rooms (like their Wine Cellar and Rose Garden), and regularly hosts live music events, making it perfect for social evenings, special gatherings, or simply enjoying great jazz in a refined setting.
 

José Carr’s Jazz Quartet Performance at Denim On 7th

Every 1st & 3rd Sunday, Jazz enthusiasts gather at Denim On 7th for “Jazz In The Garden”, starring José Carr & Friends. Carr, a proud Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame trumpeter, brings his soulful trumpet, brilliant improvisation, and deep connection to jazz tradition. These shows aren’t just performances—they’re moments. As the evening air warms, guests enjoy smooth jazz under soft lighting, sipping fine beverages, and sharing the kind of live music energy that turns regular Sundays into memory-making nights.

Make your next event extraordinary. Book José Carr Jazz Quartet today at For Your Next Event.
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🎺 Bring Jazz to Life with José Carr  Jazz Quartet. 🎶
From the intimate stage at True Story Brewing Company, to the historic grandeur of the Carver Performing Arts Center, and the elegant garden lounge of Denim On 7th — José Carr, Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame trumpeter, transforms every venue into an unforgettable experience. His quartet blends timeless tradition with modern soul, captivating audiences with every note.

✨ No matter the stage, José Carr Jazz Quartet delivers world-class artistry that elevates events into lasting memories. Book him now and give your guests the gift of true jazz excellence.

Bring the energy of live jazz to your next event.

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Cross Sections of The Team

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Highlights & Achievements

Over the years, José Carr and his ensemble have built a reputation for excellence that reaches far beyond the stage. From intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals, the quartet has brought the timeless sound of jazz to diverse audiences and venues. Their performances have graced cultural institutions such as the Birmingham Museum of Art, where sold-out shows brought communities together in celebration of music and culture. They have also headlined events like International Jazz Day, joining the global stage in honoring the universal power of jazz.


Beyond concerts, the quartet's presence has been felt in educational and community spaces, where music becomes more than entertainment — it becomes inspiration. Through mentorship, collaborations with young musicians, and partnerships with schools and cultural organizations, the group has played an active role in nurturing the next generation of artists.
The band’s achievements are not only marked by applause, but also by impact — in every city, every event, and every student touched by their music. Their journey stands as proof that jazz continues to thrive, evolve, and connect people across boundaries, with José Carr and his ensemble leading that legacy with distinction.