Described as “the most genuine, congenial and best-run jazz club in the city (Huffington Post),” New York’s Smoke Jazz Club presents a stellar line-up of some of jazz’s greatest artists during April aka Jazz Appreciation Month. The month’s cornerstones are two album release concerts celebrating recordings on the club’s house label, Smoke Sessions: Buster Williams’s Unalome (Apr 13-16) and Wayne Escoffery’s Like Minds (Apr 20-23). Other highlights include octogenarian Eddie Henderson leading his quintet (Apr 6-9), and two stellar pianists: George Cables (Mar 30-Apr 2), and Cyrus Chestnut on International Jazz Day (Apr 27-30). Please scroll down for the complete schedule or visit SMOKEjazz.com.
Craig Handy – tenor saxophone
Essiet Essiet – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
“Anyone who is serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.” – All About Jazz
One of the essential artists of piano, George Cables (aka “Mr. Beautiful”) is known for his impeccable sound, sensitive accompaniment, and original playing. A trusted collaborator over the past 50 years for artists like Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon, and Art Pepper, Cables has also released numerous important recordings as a leader. The New York City Jazz Record says, “He is a piano giant.” National Public Radio adds “His solos reveal a deep sense of groove and pacing and a mind at work.” His compelling quartet features saxophonist Craig Handy, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Jerome Jennings.
Houston Person – tenor saxophone
Cynthia Scott, a soulful, Grammy-nominated vocalist, leads a swinging quintet featuring the legendary tenor saxophonist Houston Person. Scott worked with Ray Charles as a Raelette before launching her successful solo career and subsequently performing with Hank Crawford, David “Fathead” Newman, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. and many others.
JazzTimes says Scott blends “the sinewy grit of Gladys Knight and the sophisticated sass of Shirley Horn” with “nods to such idols as Carmen, Ella, Sarah and Dinah.” The Chicago Tribune called her “a mesmerizing vocalist.” Houston Person is the very special guest with this quintet and All About Jazz says, “Whatever imponderable talent it takes to stay at the top of one's game for almost six decades, as Person has, he still has it in abundance.”
Donald Harrison – alto saxophone
Kevin Hays – piano
Gerald Cannon – bass
Mike Clark – drums
Trumpeter Eddie Henderson leads an inspired quintet of trusted collaborators featuring saxophonist Donald Harrison, pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Mike Clark. Henderson’s “deft feel and plush sound made him a central figure in the worlds of jazz-funk and hard-bop in the 1970s” according to The New York Times.
More recently, the eternally youthful Henderson, has made a series of recordings that have also been widely acclaimed and prove that he is still making some of the most important music of his career into his 80s. TheChicago Reader adds, “His progressive, assured, and imaginative improvisations roll out in a glorious sun-splashed tone… he seems to dance through his solos, balancing his quick clockwork technique with bursts of bluesy soul.”
Ben Street – bass
Billy Hart – drums
This all-star collective trio featuring pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Ben Street and drum legend Billy Hart make a special Wednesday night appearance to warm up for a recording session. Hays has appeared on over 60 albums recording with Chris Potter, Joshua Redman, Nicholas Payton, and Al Foster. Other notable collaborations include a widely acclaimed duo project with Brad Mehldau, as well as performances with James Taylor, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and Roy Haynes. Bassist Street is esteemed for his work with John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Sam Rivers, and as a member of Billy Hart Quartet with whom he’s developed a strong rapport. Billy Hart has had a rich and varied career including tenures with Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi, McCoy Tyner, and Stan Getz. He also leads his own quartet and has released a series of acclaimed albums. The Detroit Free-Press has stated, “Want to know what jazz is really about? Listen to Billy Hart.”
Stefon Harris—vibraphone
George Colligan—piano
Buster Williams—bass
Lenny White—drums
Bassist Buster Williams celebrates the release of his exciting new album, Unalome (Smoke Sessions), accompanied by his acclaimed quintet, Something More. This well-known and beloved ensemble features vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist Bruce Williams, pianist George Colligan, as well as fellow music legend, drummer Lenny White. The Guardian calls Williams “one of the great acoustic bassists,” and JazzTimes adds “Williams’ résumé ranks with that of any bassist in the modern era.” That resume includes working with Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt when he was only 17; backing the singing legends Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson in the ’60s; anchoring Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi sextet into the ’70s; and co-founding the Timeless All-Stars and Sphere after that. As important as he is as a bassist, he is also well-known as a composer and bandleader. The New Yorker hails his music as “modern, mainstream at its best.” Here, he performs music from Unalome, a major artistic statement.
Myron Walden – tenor sax & bass clarinet
Victor Gould – piano
Eric Wheeler – bass
E.J. Strickland – drums
Drummer E.J. Strickland leads an impressive quintet featuring saxophonists Jaleel Shaw and Myron Walden, pianist Victor Gould, and bassist Eric Wheeler. Strickland is a world-class, world-traveled drummer who has toured, performed, and recorded with some of the greatest names in contemporary music including Cassandra Wilson, Terence Blanchard, Lizz Wright, Wynton Marsalis, George Colligan, David Gilmore, Vincent Herring, and Nnenna Freelon. The Hartford Courant reports his drumming “has a rare balance of subtlety and power” while All About Jazz adds, “(he) belongs to a technically brilliant and forward-thinking group of young musicians.” And Downbeat says he emits “fields of cumulative energy, clouds of feather-touch and heavy-handed syncopations, latent with power like an oncoming storm.”
David Kikoski – piano
Ugonna Okegwo – bass
Mark Whitfield Jr. – drums
Saxophonist Wayne Escoffery celebrates the release of his anticipated new album Like Minds (Smoke Sessions) by performing the music from it. As on the recording, Escoffery leads a superb quartet—with pianist David Kikoski, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr. Escoffery, a prominent protégé of the great Jackie McLean, faithfully channels his former mentor’s powerful approach. All About Jazz says, “Not since the works of bassist Charles Mingus and saxophonist John Coltrane has there been music so charged with emotion and so engulfed in spirituality.” Stereogum adds, “the leader’s playing has thoughtfulness and muscle in equal measure.”
Antoine Drye – trumpet
John DiMartino – piano
Yoshi Waki – bass
Russell Carter – drums
As a vocalist both bold and subtle, Lezlie Harrison’s vulnerability attends to the fragile matters of our collective human affairs while her optimistic momentum inspires us to rise above any tribulation to rejoice. Be it Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Soul, The American Song Form, original compositions, or any song in ANY form, Ms. Harrison will imbue it with her distinctive stamp and make a very personal delivery. On the planet's premier jazz radio station, WBGO, her voice as a regular curator and presenter reveal the love and pride with which she regards America's classical music. Hyper-active on the New York and global jazz scenes, Lezlie is also, along with the late Dale Fitzgerald and trumpeter Roy Hargrove, a member of the triumvirate responsible for launching New York's world-renowned JAZZ GALLERY.
On occasion Lezlie lends her regal presence to the stage as an actress, bringing to those endeavors, the same sense of organic elegance that she brought to the runways and photo studios of Paris some years ago. By way of her childhood in New York and North Carolina or her maturation in New York, Boston or on stages throughout Asia, Russia, Europe, and elsewhere, Ms. Lezlie Harrison shows aesthetic evidence that she is a recipient of the lessons of dignity, integrity, and grace bestowed upon her by her elders and fine-tuned by her own history.
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).
April 2023
Thu Mar 30-Apr 2
George Cables Quartet
George Cables – pianoCraig Handy – tenor saxophone
Essiet Essiet – bass
Jerome Jennings – drums
“Anyone who is serious about jazz will tell you that George Cables belongs in the pantheon of the greatest jazz pianists.” – All About Jazz
One of the essential artists of piano, George Cables (aka “Mr. Beautiful”) is known for his impeccable sound, sensitive accompaniment, and original playing. A trusted collaborator over the past 50 years for artists like Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon, and Art Pepper, Cables has also released numerous important recordings as a leader. The New York City Jazz Record says, “He is a piano giant.” National Public Radio adds “His solos reveal a deep sense of groove and pacing and a mind at work.” His compelling quartet features saxophonist Craig Handy, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Jerome Jennings.
Wed Apr 5
Cynthia Scott & Houston Person
Cynthia Scott – vocalsHouston Person – tenor saxophone
Cynthia Scott, a soulful, Grammy-nominated vocalist, leads a swinging quintet featuring the legendary tenor saxophonist Houston Person. Scott worked with Ray Charles as a Raelette before launching her successful solo career and subsequently performing with Hank Crawford, David “Fathead” Newman, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. and many others.
JazzTimes says Scott blends “the sinewy grit of Gladys Knight and the sophisticated sass of Shirley Horn” with “nods to such idols as Carmen, Ella, Sarah and Dinah.” The Chicago Tribune called her “a mesmerizing vocalist.” Houston Person is the very special guest with this quintet and All About Jazz says, “Whatever imponderable talent it takes to stay at the top of one's game for almost six decades, as Person has, he still has it in abundance.”
Thu-Sun Apr 6-9
Eddie Henderson Quintet
Eddie Henderson – trumpetDonald Harrison – alto saxophone
Kevin Hays – piano
Gerald Cannon – bass
Mike Clark – drums
Trumpeter Eddie Henderson leads an inspired quintet of trusted collaborators featuring saxophonist Donald Harrison, pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Mike Clark. Henderson’s “deft feel and plush sound made him a central figure in the worlds of jazz-funk and hard-bop in the 1970s” according to The New York Times.
More recently, the eternally youthful Henderson, has made a series of recordings that have also been widely acclaimed and prove that he is still making some of the most important music of his career into his 80s. TheChicago Reader adds, “His progressive, assured, and imaginative improvisations roll out in a glorious sun-splashed tone… he seems to dance through his solos, balancing his quick clockwork technique with bursts of bluesy soul.”
Wed Apr 12
Kevin Hays / Ben Street / Billy Hart
Kevin Hays – pianoBen Street – bass
Billy Hart – drums
This all-star collective trio featuring pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Ben Street and drum legend Billy Hart make a special Wednesday night appearance to warm up for a recording session. Hays has appeared on over 60 albums recording with Chris Potter, Joshua Redman, Nicholas Payton, and Al Foster. Other notable collaborations include a widely acclaimed duo project with Brad Mehldau, as well as performances with James Taylor, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and Roy Haynes. Bassist Street is esteemed for his work with John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Sam Rivers, and as a member of Billy Hart Quartet with whom he’s developed a strong rapport. Billy Hart has had a rich and varied career including tenures with Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi, McCoy Tyner, and Stan Getz. He also leads his own quartet and has released a series of acclaimed albums. The Detroit Free-Press has stated, “Want to know what jazz is really about? Listen to Billy Hart.”
Thu-Sun Apr 13-16
Buster Williams & Something More Unalome record release
Bruce Williams—alto saxophoneStefon Harris—vibraphone
George Colligan—piano
Buster Williams—bass
Lenny White—drums
Bassist Buster Williams celebrates the release of his exciting new album, Unalome (Smoke Sessions), accompanied by his acclaimed quintet, Something More. This well-known and beloved ensemble features vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist Bruce Williams, pianist George Colligan, as well as fellow music legend, drummer Lenny White. The Guardian calls Williams “one of the great acoustic bassists,” and JazzTimes adds “Williams’ résumé ranks with that of any bassist in the modern era.” That resume includes working with Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt when he was only 17; backing the singing legends Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson in the ’60s; anchoring Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi sextet into the ’70s; and co-founding the Timeless All-Stars and Sphere after that. As important as he is as a bassist, he is also well-known as a composer and bandleader. The New Yorker hails his music as “modern, mainstream at its best.” Here, he performs music from Unalome, a major artistic statement.
Wed Apr 19
E.J. Strickland Quintet
Jaleel Shaw – alto & soprano saxophoneMyron Walden – tenor sax & bass clarinet
Victor Gould – piano
Eric Wheeler – bass
E.J. Strickland – drums
Drummer E.J. Strickland leads an impressive quintet featuring saxophonists Jaleel Shaw and Myron Walden, pianist Victor Gould, and bassist Eric Wheeler. Strickland is a world-class, world-traveled drummer who has toured, performed, and recorded with some of the greatest names in contemporary music including Cassandra Wilson, Terence Blanchard, Lizz Wright, Wynton Marsalis, George Colligan, David Gilmore, Vincent Herring, and Nnenna Freelon. The Hartford Courant reports his drumming “has a rare balance of subtlety and power” while All About Jazz adds, “(he) belongs to a technically brilliant and forward-thinking group of young musicians.” And Downbeat says he emits “fields of cumulative energy, clouds of feather-touch and heavy-handed syncopations, latent with power like an oncoming storm.”
Thu-Sun Apr 20-23
Wayne Escoffery Quartet Like Minds record release
Wayne Escoffery – tenor & soprano saxophoneDavid Kikoski – piano
Ugonna Okegwo – bass
Mark Whitfield Jr. – drums
Saxophonist Wayne Escoffery celebrates the release of his anticipated new album Like Minds (Smoke Sessions) by performing the music from it. As on the recording, Escoffery leads a superb quartet—with pianist David Kikoski, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr. Escoffery, a prominent protégé of the great Jackie McLean, faithfully channels his former mentor’s powerful approach. All About Jazz says, “Not since the works of bassist Charles Mingus and saxophonist John Coltrane has there been music so charged with emotion and so engulfed in spirituality.” Stereogum adds, “the leader’s playing has thoughtfulness and muscle in equal measure.”
Wed Apr 26
Lezlie Harrison Quintet
Lezlie Harrison – vocalsAntoine Drye – trumpet
John DiMartino – piano
Yoshi Waki – bass
Russell Carter – drums
As a vocalist both bold and subtle, Lezlie Harrison’s vulnerability attends to the fragile matters of our collective human affairs while her optimistic momentum inspires us to rise above any tribulation to rejoice. Be it Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Soul, The American Song Form, original compositions, or any song in ANY form, Ms. Harrison will imbue it with her distinctive stamp and make a very personal delivery. On the planet's premier jazz radio station, WBGO, her voice as a regular curator and presenter reveal the love and pride with which she regards America's classical music. Hyper-active on the New York and global jazz scenes, Lezlie is also, along with the late Dale Fitzgerald and trumpeter Roy Hargrove, a member of the triumvirate responsible for launching New York's world-renowned JAZZ GALLERY.
On occasion Lezlie lends her regal presence to the stage as an actress, bringing to those endeavors, the same sense of organic elegance that she brought to the runways and photo studios of Paris some years ago. By way of her childhood in New York and North Carolina or her maturation in New York, Boston or on stages throughout Asia, Russia, Europe, and elsewhere, Ms. Lezlie Harrison shows aesthetic evidence that she is a recipient of the lessons of dignity, integrity, and grace bestowed upon her by her elders and fine-tuned by her own history.
Thu-Sun Apr 27-30
Cyrus Chestnut Quartet
Cyrus Chestnut, one of the great jazz pianists, leads an exciting quartet. “His brand of crisp articulation and blues-inflected harmony evokes another era… multifaceted and dynamic…” says The New York Times. Inspired by gospel music throughout his life, Cyrus draws on a range of musical influences while never straying too far from the blues, which The New York Daily News says makes him “the rightful heir to Bud Powell, Art Tatum, and Erroll Garner.”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.
