Rated the #1 Jazz Club in New York City (Secret NYC), Smoke Jazz Club begins the month of May with a heartfelt homage to the great, intrepid saxophonist Wayne Shorter. For one-night only May 3, today’s top artists celebrate the music and legacy of Shorter “who shaped the color and contour of modern jazz as one of its most intensely admired composers (The New York Times). The month continues with two leading female vocalists leading their respective quintets: Paula West May 4-7, then Lezlie Harrison May 31. Drummer George Coleman, Jr., a longtime friend of SMOKE Jazz Club, returns May 17th with his latest album, Resurgence. Please scroll down for the complete schedule or visit SMOKEjazz.com.
Sasha Berliner – vibraphones
Russell Hall – bass
“Imaginative interpretations of Shorter’s compositions” —Glide Magazine
Palladium is dedicated to celebrating the music and legacy of Wayne Shorter, the icon of modern music who passed away on March 2, 2023. He was 89. Performing works encompassing the full spectrum of his extensive legacy, the group includes his contributions to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, the Miles Davis Quintet, Weather Report, and his solo albums from the classic Blue Note era to the 21st Century. Endorsed by Shorter and curated by Jesse Markowitz, Palladium features a rotating cast of some of the most vibrant musicians on the New York jazz scene.
Ed Cherry – guitar
John Chin – piano
Sean Conly – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
“She remains as assertive and playful as ever in concert, and her voice, at once earthy and omnipotent, has lost none of its power.” —SF GATE
California-based vocalist Paula West makes a rare New York City appearance leading a stellar quintet. West is a favorite of audiences and connoisseurs for her perceptive and original interpretations of lyrics and her adventurous repertoire. The New York Times says, “For the jazz singer Paula West, the American songbook, from Irving Berlin through Bob Dylan, is a banquet from which she selects favorite dishes and stirs in her own secret ingredients to make them her own.” Jazz Times compliments her “impeccable, if occasionally offbeat, taste.” Her complementary group includes guitarist Ed Cherry, pianist John Chin, bassist Sean Conly, and drummer Jerome Jennings.
“One of the most studied (and copied) saxophonists on the planet” —Downbeat
Chris Potter, a world-class soloist, accomplished composer, and formidable bandleader, leads an exciting and adventurous quartet. Potter has performed or recorded with Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, the Mingus Big Band, Jim Hall, Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Ray Brown, and Steely Dan, among many others, and has emerged as a leading light of his generation. Jazz Times called him “a figure of international renown.” The New York Times adds, “Chris Potter has earned his stature as the most commandingly skilled saxophonist of his generation, an improviser of deft insight and athletic poise.”
Brian Charette – piano and organ
Paul Bollenback – guitar
George Coleman Jr. – drums
Daniel Sadownick – percussion
Drummer George Coleman Jr. celebrates his latest album Resurgence (Released 02.12.23) leading the group that recorded it. This music is described as bringing together the soul of Memphis and the rhythm of Cuba. The son of jazz icons, George Coleman Sr. and Gloria Coleman, George Jr. has been immersed in music his entire life. He has performed with Joey DeFrancesco, Dakota Staton, Gregory Porter, and Brian Charrette. Charrette joins Coleman in this impressive quintet with alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo, guitarist Paul Bollenback, and percussionist Daniel Sadownick.
Tim Warfield – saxophone
Bruce Barth – piano
David Wong – bass
Johnathan Blake – drums
“There’s little doubt that Terell Stafford is a master” —All About Jazz
Acclaimed trumpeter Terell Stafford leads his impressive all-star quintet with saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Bruce Barth, bassist David Wong, and drummer Johnathan Blake. His extensive resume includes performances and recordings with Bobby Watson, Benny Golson, Kenny Barron, Frank Wess, Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, and McCoy Tyner. Tyner called Stafford “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player.” He combines a remarkable gift for melody with spirited and adventurous lyricism. The New Yorker says, “Hearing Stafford’s work as a whirlwind trumpeter in decades past, with the bands of Bobby Watson and others, you could practically taste his promise. True to predictions, Stafford has developed into a distinguished bandleader and composer whose horn playing still startles with its verve and conviction.”
Kevin Hays – piano
Vicente Archer – bass
Bill Stewart – drums
“Payton's genius virtuosity captivated both faithful fans and anyone in the NPR crowd just discovering his music for the first time.” —NPR
Nicholas Payton leads an all-star quartet featuring pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Vicente Archer, and drummer Bill Stewart. Born and based in New Orleans, Payton is a master trumpeter and pianist steeped in the music of his hometown, but who explores the many other lanes that encompass the entirety of Black American Music. He has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Doc Cheatham, and Joe Henderson, among many others, and is widely considered one of the most important artists of our time. In a review, the Chicago Tribune reports, “No descriptive label or category could be affixed to Payton’s solos, which were as brashly original as they were technically imposing.”
Antoine Drye – trumpet
John DiMartino – piano
Yoshi Waki – bass
Russell Carter – drums
Vocalist Lezlie Harrison, whose burnished, soulful alto strikingly illuminates a distinctive blend of standards, classic ’70s soul, and her original music, leads a quintet with trumpeter Antoine Drye, pianist John DiMartino, bassist Yoshi Waki, and drummer Russell Carter. Drawing her diverse repertoire from foundational sources like the soul music of her childhood, the gospel she sang in her grandfather’s church, and the omnipresent traditional jazz standards throughout her life, Harrison creates captivating and personal music that listeners love. The New York Amsterdam News says, “Lezlie Harrison has asmoky sensuous voice that keeps you on the edge of your chair.”
Every Wednesday-Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
212-864-6662
In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations visit our website (link below).
MAY 2023
Wed May 3, Palladium “The Music of Wayne Shorter”
Sarah Hanahan – alto saxophoneSasha Berliner – vibraphones
Russell Hall – bass
“Imaginative interpretations of Shorter’s compositions” —Glide Magazine
Palladium is dedicated to celebrating the music and legacy of Wayne Shorter, the icon of modern music who passed away on March 2, 2023. He was 89. Performing works encompassing the full spectrum of his extensive legacy, the group includes his contributions to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, the Miles Davis Quintet, Weather Report, and his solo albums from the classic Blue Note era to the 21st Century. Endorsed by Shorter and curated by Jesse Markowitz, Palladium features a rotating cast of some of the most vibrant musicians on the New York jazz scene.
Thu-Sun May 4-7, Paula West Quintet
Paula West – vocalsEd Cherry – guitar
John Chin – piano
Sean Conly – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
“She remains as assertive and playful as ever in concert, and her voice, at once earthy and omnipotent, has lost none of its power.” —SF GATE
California-based vocalist Paula West makes a rare New York City appearance leading a stellar quintet. West is a favorite of audiences and connoisseurs for her perceptive and original interpretations of lyrics and her adventurous repertoire. The New York Times says, “For the jazz singer Paula West, the American songbook, from Irving Berlin through Bob Dylan, is a banquet from which she selects favorite dishes and stirs in her own secret ingredients to make them her own.” Jazz Times compliments her “impeccable, if occasionally offbeat, taste.” Her complementary group includes guitarist Ed Cherry, pianist John Chin, bassist Sean Conly, and drummer Jerome Jennings.
Thu-Sun May 11-14, Chris Potter Quartet
Chris Potter – tenor saxophone“One of the most studied (and copied) saxophonists on the planet” —Downbeat
Chris Potter, a world-class soloist, accomplished composer, and formidable bandleader, leads an exciting and adventurous quartet. Potter has performed or recorded with Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, John Scofield, the Mingus Big Band, Jim Hall, Paul Motian, Dave Douglas, Ray Brown, and Steely Dan, among many others, and has emerged as a leading light of his generation. Jazz Times called him “a figure of international renown.” The New York Times adds, “Chris Potter has earned his stature as the most commandingly skilled saxophonist of his generation, an improviser of deft insight and athletic poise.”
Wed May 17, George Coleman Jr. Quintet “Resurgence” record release
Mike DiRubbo – alto saxophoneBrian Charette – piano and organ
Paul Bollenback – guitar
George Coleman Jr. – drums
Daniel Sadownick – percussion
Drummer George Coleman Jr. celebrates his latest album Resurgence (Released 02.12.23) leading the group that recorded it. This music is described as bringing together the soul of Memphis and the rhythm of Cuba. The son of jazz icons, George Coleman Sr. and Gloria Coleman, George Jr. has been immersed in music his entire life. He has performed with Joey DeFrancesco, Dakota Staton, Gregory Porter, and Brian Charrette. Charrette joins Coleman in this impressive quintet with alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo, guitarist Paul Bollenback, and percussionist Daniel Sadownick.
Thu-Sun May 18-21, Terell Stafford Quintet
Terell Stafford – trumpetTim Warfield – saxophone
Bruce Barth – piano
David Wong – bass
Johnathan Blake – drums
“There’s little doubt that Terell Stafford is a master” —All About Jazz
Acclaimed trumpeter Terell Stafford leads his impressive all-star quintet with saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Bruce Barth, bassist David Wong, and drummer Johnathan Blake. His extensive resume includes performances and recordings with Bobby Watson, Benny Golson, Kenny Barron, Frank Wess, Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, and McCoy Tyner. Tyner called Stafford “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player.” He combines a remarkable gift for melody with spirited and adventurous lyricism. The New Yorker says, “Hearing Stafford’s work as a whirlwind trumpeter in decades past, with the bands of Bobby Watson and others, you could practically taste his promise. True to predictions, Stafford has developed into a distinguished bandleader and composer whose horn playing still startles with its verve and conviction.”
Wed-Sun May 24-28, Nicholas Payton Quartet
Nicholas Payton – trumpetKevin Hays – piano
Vicente Archer – bass
Bill Stewart – drums
“Payton's genius virtuosity captivated both faithful fans and anyone in the NPR crowd just discovering his music for the first time.” —NPR
Nicholas Payton leads an all-star quartet featuring pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Vicente Archer, and drummer Bill Stewart. Born and based in New Orleans, Payton is a master trumpeter and pianist steeped in the music of his hometown, but who explores the many other lanes that encompass the entirety of Black American Music. He has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis, Dr. Michael White, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove, Doc Cheatham, and Joe Henderson, among many others, and is widely considered one of the most important artists of our time. In a review, the Chicago Tribune reports, “No descriptive label or category could be affixed to Payton’s solos, which were as brashly original as they were technically imposing.”
Wed May 31, Lezlie Harrison Quintet
Lezlie Harrison – vocalsAntoine Drye – trumpet
John DiMartino – piano
Yoshi Waki – bass
Russell Carter – drums
Vocalist Lezlie Harrison, whose burnished, soulful alto strikingly illuminates a distinctive blend of standards, classic ’70s soul, and her original music, leads a quintet with trumpeter Antoine Drye, pianist John DiMartino, bassist Yoshi Waki, and drummer Russell Carter. Drawing her diverse repertoire from foundational sources like the soul music of her childhood, the gospel she sang in her grandfather’s church, and the omnipresent traditional jazz standards throughout her life, Harrison creates captivating and personal music that listeners love. The New York Amsterdam News says, “Lezlie Harrison has asmoky sensuous voice that keeps you on the edge of your chair.”
About SMOKE
Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (aka Duke Ellington Boulevard), Smoke Jazz Club is one of New York City’s premier live music venues. Renowned for offering top-notch programming of accessible, timeless jazz featuring legendary performers, modern masters and rising stars, Smoke stands apart with its candlelit dining room, stellar acoustics, and classic American cuisine. Founded in 1999, SMOKE also boasts a GRAMMY-nominated label, Smoke Sessions Records, and a celebrated streaming concert series, Smoke Screens.Every Wednesday-Sunday @ 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
212-864-6662
In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations visit our website (link below).
For more information contact AMT Public Relations.
