#1 Jazz Club in New York
—SecretNYC
SMOKE Jazz Club announced an exciting line-up for September 2026. The month kickstarts with a longtime SMOKE audience favorite: pianist George Cables leading his Quartet with soulful vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles (Sep 2-6). For two consecutive weeks, a pair of master trombonists lead their respective sextets: Steve Davis (Sep 9-13) followed by Steve Turre (Sep 16-20). The month concludes with the return of Walter Smith III debuting an incredible ensemble slated to premiere a Chamber Music America-commissioned work (Sep 23-27) followed by an album release celebration for Mark Turner (pictured above) Quartet’s latest ECM recording Patternmaster (Sep 30-Oct 4). For the most up-to-date September schedule, please visit SMOKEjazz.com. As always, all Friday night concerts are livestreamed!
Craig Handy – tenor saxophone & flute
Essiet Okon Essiet – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
with special guest
Sarah Elizabeth Charles – vocals
“Anyone serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.” —All About Jazz
Legendary pianist George Cables performs music from his acclaimed 2016 release, The George Cables Songbook featuring his beloved compositions. Cables will be joined by his incredible quartet with saxophonist Craig Handy, bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, and drummer Jerome Jennings, with the very special addition of guest vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles.
A major voice in modern jazz, Cables is celebrated for his fresh interpretations of classic compositions and innovative compositional style. In addition to composing and arranging for his own albums, Cables has contributed to recordings by Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, and many others.
Recently named an inaugural recipient of the 2025 Jazz Legacy Fellowship by the Mellon Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America, Cables is described as a “humble keyboard genius with impeccable technique and a unique songbook.” National Public Radio notes that his solos “reveal a deep sense of groove and pacing and a mind at work.”
Eddie Henderson – trumpet, (Wed–Thu)
Jeremy Pelt – trumpet (Fri–Sun)
Ralph Moore – tenor saxophone
Renee Rosnes – piano
Essiet Okon Essiet – bass
Lewis Nash – drums
“Steve Davis is the Poet Laureate of the trombone.” —Chick Corea
Acclaimed trombonist and composer Steve Davis leads his celebrated “We See” sextet, featuring trumpeter Eddie Henderson (Wednesday–Thursday), trumpeter Jeremy Pelt (Friday–Sunday), tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Lewis Nash.
A longtime SMOKE Jazz Club favorite and one of the most accomplished voices on the trombone, Davis has been a major presence in jazz since joining Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1990. JazzTimes notes that he “has established himself as one of the most accomplished and lyrical improvisers on his instrument as well as a prolific composer.” Downbeat adds that Davis “thoughtfully balances modernism, lyricism, and drive—as a writer and a player.”
Jon Faddis – trumpet
James Carter – tenor saxophone
ELEW – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Orion Turre – drums
Steve Turre is widely considered to be the finest jazz trombonist in the world. – All About Jazz
Steve Turre, renowned modern master of the trombone and seashells, leads a momentous, all-star sextet with special guests Jon Faddis on trumpet, James Carter on saxophone, and ELEW on piano. Turre’s storied career includes work alongside legends such as Ray Charles, Rahshan Roland Kirk, and Woody Shaw. A versatile performer and bona fide jazz original, he’s equally at home on everything from swinging classic bop lines to conjuring Rahsaan over a deep groove. Downbeat says, “Few artists ‘own’ their instrument to the degree that trombonist Steve Turre does. Whether playing the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, performing as a member of the Saturday Night Live house band, or with one of his own units, his voice is distinctive and memorable.”
The Washington Post writes, “To hear saxophonist James Carter is to be blown away,” and The Wall Street Journal declares, “ELEW plays with fire, style, and relentless energy.” And the Chicago Tribune states, “Few living musicians come closer to capturing the spirit and technical brilliance of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie’s work than Jon Faddis.” Turre’s sextet is completed by recent GRAMMY-winning bassist Peter Washington and Turre’s rising star son and drummer, Orion.
Matthew Stevens – guitar
Jason Moran – piano
Matt Brewer – bass
Bill Stewart – drums
“A tenor saxophonist for our times.” —The Guardian
Acclaimed tenor saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III returns to SMOKE Jazz Club, debuting a phenomenal group featuring pianist Jason Moran, guitarist Matthew Stevens, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Bill Stewart. Smith will premiere a major new work commissioned through Chamber Music America's prestigious New Jazz Works program, supported by the Doris Duke Foundation. Selected as one of only 14 recipients nationwide, he will premiere the music throughout this special week-long engagement before recording the project to complete the commission.
One of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz, Smith has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of the music as both a bandleader and sought-after collaborator. His distinctive sound has been heard alongside Roy Haynes, Terence Blanchard, Eric Harland, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jason Moran, Christian McBride, Gerald Clayton, and many others. As a composer, he continues to expand the language of modern jazz with music that is at once sophisticated, lyrical, and expressive.
JazzWise praises Smith for expressing his deep modern jazz roots with “an airy tenor sax tone and a ferocious yet understated technique." Meanwhile, Downbeat highlights his “killing” tone and melodicism, noting his “vast and beautiful flow of ideas.”
Jason Palmer – trumpet
Joe Martin – bass
Jonathan Pinson – drums
“One of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.” —The New York Times
Tenor saxophonist Mark Turner makes his SMOKE Jazz Club debut as a leader with his quartet featuring trumpeter Jason Palmer, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Jonathan Pinson. The group celebrates the New York release of Turner’s ECM recording Patternmaster.
The New York Times writes, “Every jazz musician strives to establish a voice. Some go so far as to create a language. Mark Turner is one of those: a tenor saxophonist with a vocabulary and syntax so personal that he’s recognizable within a single phrase.”
Throughout his career, Turner has collaborated with artists including Billy Hart, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, Ethan Iverson, and many others, while creating a celebrated body of work as both a leader and collaborator. On Patternmaster, Turner, Palmer, Martin, and Pinson further develop their quartet sound. JazzWise praises the group’s “phrasal eloquence and narrative drive,” describing an ensemble with “a bracing, at times danceable, swinging energy.” Downbeat notes that “Turner’s sound is unmistakable—yielding, vocal, a bit matte, with a beautiful lyricism and remarkable control above the natural range of the horn.”
Every Wednesday-Sunday @ 6:00 p.m. + 8:00 p.m. and an additional 10:00 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.
SEPTEMBER 2026
Wed-Sun Sep 2-6 GEORGE CABLES QUARTET THE GEORGE CABLES SONGBOOK featuring special guest SARAH ELIZABETH CHARLES
George Cables – pianoCraig Handy – tenor saxophone & flute
Essiet Okon Essiet – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
with special guest
Sarah Elizabeth Charles – vocals
“Anyone serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.” —All About Jazz
Legendary pianist George Cables performs music from his acclaimed 2016 release, The George Cables Songbook featuring his beloved compositions. Cables will be joined by his incredible quartet with saxophonist Craig Handy, bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, and drummer Jerome Jennings, with the very special addition of guest vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles.
A major voice in modern jazz, Cables is celebrated for his fresh interpretations of classic compositions and innovative compositional style. In addition to composing and arranging for his own albums, Cables has contributed to recordings by Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, and many others.
Recently named an inaugural recipient of the 2025 Jazz Legacy Fellowship by the Mellon Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America, Cables is described as a “humble keyboard genius with impeccable technique and a unique songbook.” National Public Radio notes that his solos “reveal a deep sense of groove and pacing and a mind at work.”
Wed-Sun Sep 9-13 STEVE DAVIS “WE SEE” SEXTET featuring RENEE ROSNES, EDDIE HENDERSON and MORE
Steve Davis – tromboneEddie Henderson – trumpet, (Wed–Thu)
Jeremy Pelt – trumpet (Fri–Sun)
Ralph Moore – tenor saxophone
Renee Rosnes – piano
Essiet Okon Essiet – bass
Lewis Nash – drums
“Steve Davis is the Poet Laureate of the trombone.” —Chick Corea
Acclaimed trombonist and composer Steve Davis leads his celebrated “We See” sextet, featuring trumpeter Eddie Henderson (Wednesday–Thursday), trumpeter Jeremy Pelt (Friday–Sunday), tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Lewis Nash.
A longtime SMOKE Jazz Club favorite and one of the most accomplished voices on the trombone, Davis has been a major presence in jazz since joining Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in 1990. JazzTimes notes that he “has established himself as one of the most accomplished and lyrical improvisers on his instrument as well as a prolific composer.” Downbeat adds that Davis “thoughtfully balances modernism, lyricism, and drive—as a writer and a player.”
Wed-Sun Sep 16-20 STEVE TURRE ALL-STAR SEXTET featuring JON FADDIS, JAMES CARTER & ELEW
Steve Turre – trombone & seashellsJon Faddis – trumpet
James Carter – tenor saxophone
ELEW – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Orion Turre – drums
Steve Turre is widely considered to be the finest jazz trombonist in the world. – All About Jazz
Steve Turre, renowned modern master of the trombone and seashells, leads a momentous, all-star sextet with special guests Jon Faddis on trumpet, James Carter on saxophone, and ELEW on piano. Turre’s storied career includes work alongside legends such as Ray Charles, Rahshan Roland Kirk, and Woody Shaw. A versatile performer and bona fide jazz original, he’s equally at home on everything from swinging classic bop lines to conjuring Rahsaan over a deep groove. Downbeat says, “Few artists ‘own’ their instrument to the degree that trombonist Steve Turre does. Whether playing the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, performing as a member of the Saturday Night Live house band, or with one of his own units, his voice is distinctive and memorable.”
The Washington Post writes, “To hear saxophonist James Carter is to be blown away,” and The Wall Street Journal declares, “ELEW plays with fire, style, and relentless energy.” And the Chicago Tribune states, “Few living musicians come closer to capturing the spirit and technical brilliance of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie’s work than Jon Faddis.” Turre’s sextet is completed by recent GRAMMY-winning bassist Peter Washington and Turre’s rising star son and drummer, Orion.
Wed-Sun Sep 23-27 WALTER SMITH III CMA PREMIERE ENSEMBLE featuring JASON MORAN, MATTHEW STEVENS, MATT BREWER & BILL STEWART world premiere
Walter Smith III – tenor saxophoneMatthew Stevens – guitar
Jason Moran – piano
Matt Brewer – bass
Bill Stewart – drums
“A tenor saxophonist for our times.” —The Guardian
Acclaimed tenor saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III returns to SMOKE Jazz Club, debuting a phenomenal group featuring pianist Jason Moran, guitarist Matthew Stevens, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Bill Stewart. Smith will premiere a major new work commissioned through Chamber Music America's prestigious New Jazz Works program, supported by the Doris Duke Foundation. Selected as one of only 14 recipients nationwide, he will premiere the music throughout this special week-long engagement before recording the project to complete the commission.
One of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz, Smith has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of the music as both a bandleader and sought-after collaborator. His distinctive sound has been heard alongside Roy Haynes, Terence Blanchard, Eric Harland, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jason Moran, Christian McBride, Gerald Clayton, and many others. As a composer, he continues to expand the language of modern jazz with music that is at once sophisticated, lyrical, and expressive.
JazzWise praises Smith for expressing his deep modern jazz roots with “an airy tenor sax tone and a ferocious yet understated technique." Meanwhile, Downbeat highlights his “killing” tone and melodicism, noting his “vast and beautiful flow of ideas.”
Wed-Sun Sep 30-Oct 4 MARK TURNER QUARTET PATTERNMASTER record release
Mark Turner – tenor saxophoneJason Palmer – trumpet
Joe Martin – bass
Jonathan Pinson – drums
“One of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.” —The New York Times
Tenor saxophonist Mark Turner makes his SMOKE Jazz Club debut as a leader with his quartet featuring trumpeter Jason Palmer, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Jonathan Pinson. The group celebrates the New York release of Turner’s ECM recording Patternmaster.
The New York Times writes, “Every jazz musician strives to establish a voice. Some go so far as to create a language. Mark Turner is one of those: a tenor saxophonist with a vocabulary and syntax so personal that he’s recognizable within a single phrase.”
Throughout his career, Turner has collaborated with artists including Billy Hart, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, Ethan Iverson, and many others, while creating a celebrated body of work as both a leader and collaborator. On Patternmaster, Turner, Palmer, Martin, and Pinson further develop their quartet sound. JazzWise praises the group’s “phrasal eloquence and narrative drive,” describing an ensemble with “a bracing, at times danceable, swinging energy.” Downbeat notes that “Turner’s sound is unmistakable—yielding, vocal, a bit matte, with a beautiful lyricism and remarkable control above the natural range of the horn.”
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 @ 6:00 p.m. + 8:00 p.m. and an additional 10:00 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.
For more information contact AMT Public Relations.
