With the COVID-19 pandemic sapped jazz of its lifeblood—live, in-person audiences—musicians improvised new ways of connecting. For guitarist Mike Moreno, that meant starting a podcast and livestream series. From his New York apartment, Moreno and a special guest would chat about life and music, followed by live duo set. Since starting the series in Fall 2020, Moreno has played with a who's who of jazz guitarists, including the likes of Mike Stern, Mark Whitfield, Ben Monder, Marvin Sewell, Ben Monder and beyond.But while Moreno stretched his work into a new medium, he leaned on a reliable musical foundation—jazz standards. In particular, Moreno dove deep into jazz standards from classic films, teaching an online course, and performing them solo in concert, below:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQlESM_SOckMoreno's interviews and performances have drawn listeners from all around the world, sustaining a sense of community during a time of isolation.This Friday, September 24, Moreno returns live to The Jazz Gallery stage, playing two sets alongside frequent collaborators Jon Cowherd on piano, Matt Brewer on bass, and Obed Calvaire on drums. To get a sense of what's in store, check out the quartet performing at Smalls last month, with Taylor Eigsti filling in on piano.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL0PaW5t5bQThe Mike Moreno Quartet plays The Jazz Gallery on Friday, September 24, 2021. The group features Mr. Moreno on guitar, Jon Cowherd on piano, Matt Brewer on bass, and Obed Calvaire on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. $25 general admission ($10 for members), $35 reserved table seating ($20 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.