A leader in the new crop of vocal talents emerging from the New York City jazz scene, Richard Cortez’s golden voice handles the Great American Songbook with a deep emotional intelligence, an unbridled passion for song, and-rare and moving-an activist’s relationship to both his material and his audience.
Richard Cortez
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About Richard

Cortez, known for his ambition and extensive knowledge of The Great American Songbook, has shared the bandstand with some of New York City’s most celebrated and respected musicians — Sullivan Fortner, Adam Birnbaum, Paul Gill, Peter Bernstein, Grant Stewart, Alexander Claffy, Joe Farnsworth, Jerry Weldon, Joe Strasser, Nicole Glover, Russell Hall and Emmet Cohen — to name a few.

Splitting his time between a number of weekly residencies at iconic LGBT venues across the city—among them: Club Cumming, Metropolitan Bar, and Rebar—Cortez has focused and refined his artistry while growing his wide fan-base. Recent performances in distinguished productions such as Live at Emmet’s Place with the Emmet Cohen Trio, or Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz at Pride with drummer/bandleader Bryan Carter, have marked the vocalist’s career for success.

Cortez’s openly gay renderings of timeless treasures by Cole Porter, Billie Holiday, Jerome Kern, and so many others deliver sweetness, self-assuredness and disarming vulnerability with a well-timed wit. Richard breathes exciting new life into this beloved material, forever reminding us that as we progress as a society, so do our stories told within these sacred songs.

Richard Cortez

Upcoming Shows

Weekly Residences

  • 9:00 pm Tuesdays
    $5 Cover
    Club Cumming

    Sponsored By

    Keyed Up!
  • 5:00 pm Sundays
    No Cover
    Rebar Chelsea

    Sponsored By

    Keyed Up!

    • The talent and musicianship of Richard and his posse are astounding! I am in awe.

    Alan Cumming
    Alan Cumming
    A leader in the new crop of vocal talents emerging from the New York City jazz scene, Richard Cortez’s golden voice handles the Great American Songbook with a deep emotional intelligence, an unbridled passion for song, and-rare and moving-an activist’s relationship to both his material and his audience.
    Broadwayworld.com
      The Richard Cortez band knows how to keep the audience in awe throughout their entire performance!! With an infectious vibe and undeniable talent, their show feels so personal and has me at Club Cumming each Saturday for New York City’s best jazz.
      Katie M.
      Raleigh, NC
      The Richard Cortez band experience is truly unique in that it combines the best elements of both traditional jazz as well as unparalleled showmanship. The crowd engagement creates the transcendent atmosphere that we’ve all been craving.
      Erin H.
      Husmann, NE
      The Richard Cortez band at Club Cumming is such a NYC treasure. The intimate venue matched with New York’s finest musicians and Richard Cortez’s amazing voice AS WELL AS his genuine, engaging stage presence makes the experience unparalleled. You are taken through a journey of love, laughs, and heartbreak allowing you to get completely lost in the “swing” of things.
      Kaelin S.
      Watching Richard perform is intoxicating. His passion for this music exudes from him out into the audience, it’s impossible not to enjoy yourself at his shows.
      Audrey W.
      A bright and warm light during an otherwise difficult time. A reminder of how music can soothe and rekindle spirit. The Richard Cortez Band, and I do mean the whole band, is an experience. Exceptional musicians, fantastic and sultry crooning, great repartee with the audience. An authentic New York City experience. I'm a groupie now for sure!
      Linda N.
      The perfect induction back into the pulse of live music. Richard leads his band with magnetic charm, suave vocals, and raucous wit, and the collection of musicians on stage is packed full of unparalleled talent and experience. So much fun!
      Claire B.
      Throw timidity out the door when you go to hear The Richard Cortez Band! They bring a contagious energy to the stage that cannot be ignored. They’ll have you up dancing and singing along to songs you’ve never heard. Not to mention, Richard never fails to feature some of New York’s best jazz musicians.
      Ariana S.
      The first live event after COVID that brought the life back in me.
      Mariah G.
      Houston, TX