Standards in Orbit Richard Cortez and Esteban Castro perform songs from the past, played for the future. Together Castro and Cortez will deliver unique and re-envisioned performances of all your favorite jazz standards with immense heart and feeling.    After 7 sold out appearances at Birdland, the stars have once again aligned and vocalist/storyteller Richard Cortez returns to Birdland.  Cortez, who has been acclaimed for his “golden voice and unbridled passion for song” by Broadway World, brings his vast knowledge of the Great American songbook and quick wit to an entirely new show with even higher stakes — the audience will determine a portion of the set list!  Cortez will be joined by award winning and internationally celebrated pianist, Esteban Castro.  A Steinway Artist and long time protege of 17x Grammy Award nominee Fred Hersch, Esteban Castro’s wise-beyond-his-years emotional intellect paired with his deep understanding of jazz harmony and daring, modern approach to playing have placed the 21 year old in the finals of both the 2023 American Pianist Association Awards and The Herbie Hancock Competition.