The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston has long been a pioneer in the education of jazz art­ists. A half–century ago, NEC inaugurated the first fully accredited jazz studies program at the conserva­tory level with a groundbreaking curriculum designed by Jaki Byard and George Russell. This week, Jazz Standard presents two nights of performances by some of the most lauded jazz graduates and faculty members from the NEC. This stellar ensemble includes several musicians who have performed as leaders on our stage and record­ed extensively as leaders. Veteran jazz journalist Bob Blumenthal hailed pianist Fred Hersch as “one of the most sensitive and genuinely lyrical players in jazz”; the 15–time GRAMMY Award nominee is also a leading jazz educator, having taught at NEC, The Juilliard School, The New School and The Manhattan School of Music. A winner of Guggenheim and MacArthur Fellowships, Miguel Zenón joined the NEC faculty in 2009; his album Esta Plena was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY award in the Jazz category in 2010. Donny McCaslin’s sometimes startling virtuosity and his distinctive voice as a composer have been on display since his days with the groups of Gary Burton and Dave Douglas; Blow. (Motema Music) is his latest release.   Fred Hersch – piano Miguel Zenón– alto saxophone Donny McCaslin – tenor saxophone Jorge Roeder – bass Richie Barshay – drums