Holiday Shows: Allan Harris (Dec 7-8)
Orrin Evans All-Star Quintet (Dec 9-11)
Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart Trio (Dec 15-18)
Coltrane Festival: George Coleman, Eric Alexander, Melissa Aldana, Eric Reed, Vincent Herring, Billy Harper, Billy Hart, and More (Dec 20-Jan 8) and more...
One of New York City's premier live music venues, Smoke Jazz Club, presents a stellar line-up of some of music's greatest artists during the month of December. For 16 nights, SMOKE presents its 10th Annual Coltrane Festival, “Countdown 2023," an annal homage to the great saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. Some of today's top saxophonists celebrate his life and musical legacy including George Coleman, Eric Alexander, Melissa Aldana, Vincent Herring, and Billy Harper, as well as Eric Reed, Louis Hayes, Steve Turre, Jeremy Pelt, Emmet Cohen, and Billy Hart. The month of December also welcomes a few festive concerts such as Allan Harris singing “A Nat King Cole Christmas" for some holiday cheer. Please scroll down for complete schedule or visit SMOKEjazz.com.
Bruce Williams—alto saxophone
George Colligan—piano
Buster Williams—bass
Lenny White—drums
“One of the all-time great bassists in modern jazz."—NPR
Buster Williams, a bassist with a virtuosic technique and an iconic sound, leads a thrilling ensemble featuring vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist Bruce Williams, pianist George Colligan, and fellow music legend, drummer Lenny White. The Guardian calls Williams “one of the great acoustic bassists," and JazzTimesstates “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 17; backing 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."
Gregoire Maret—harmonica
Arcoiris Sandoval—piano
Marty Kenney—bass
Norman Edwards—drums
Vocalist Allan Harris kicks off the holiday season in style performing seasonal classics from his popular 2010 recording Dedicated to You: Allan Harris Sings a Nat King Cole Christmas. A multi-faceted artist, Harris is a natural performing rock ‘n' roll, blues, or jazz and everything in between, but it is his captivating interpretations of standards that might be the most unforgettable. Variety calls Harris “a velvet-voiced jazz singer, with a savvy manner and music in his veins" and The Miami Herald adds that his voice and demeanor “project the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat King Cole."
Gary Thomas—tenor saxophone
Orrin Evans—piano
Robert Hurst—bass
Jeff “Tain" Watts—drums
“One hell of a jazz pianist."—All About Jazz
Pianist Orrin Evans convenes an impressive new quintet that includes the unbeatable lineup of trumpeter Nicholas Payton, saxophonist Gary Thomas, bassist Robert Hurst, and drummer Jeff “Tain" Watts, a formidable group that he will take into the recording studio after these performances. Evans, known for assembling inspired and memorable groups, features the dynamic tandem of Payton and Thomas and reunites one half of the historic 1980s Wynton Marsalis Quartet with Hurst and Watts. “Mr. Evans is a viable candidate for jazz's most resourceful and invigorating contemporary pianist," reports The New York Times, and is “a highly esteemed pianist with post-bop dynamism in his bloodstream," adds WBGO Radio.
Peter Bernstein—guitar
Bill Stewart—drums
“An authentic organ trio with all the size and scope of Mount Everest, and twice the cool"—JazzTimes
They're back! More than 30 years after organist Larry Goldings, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and drummer Bill Stewart return to Smoke where they made their first appearances as a trio at 106th and Broadway (the club was a little different back then and had a different name). It was 1989 or so when they took over Thursday nights. In the ensuing years, all three have become some of the busiest musicians in jazz but somehow, they still find time for this beloved trio. Downbeat expands, “Individually, these three musicians are at the top of their respective fields. Together, they have become standard-bearers for the B-3 tradition." JazzTimes adds, “they've always displayed an interactive approach, virtuoso execution, and emphasis on melody and groove." These performances are also a belated release party for their 13th album, the critically and popularly acclaimed, Perpetual Pendulum.
Eric Alexander—tenor saxophone
Emmet Cohen—piano
Peter Washington—bass
Joe Farnsworth—drums
“A pair of passionate tenor saxophonists."—The New Yorker
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" begins with the first of 16 nights led by a longtime friend of the club: living legend and renowned performer George Coleman. He joins forces with a most illustrious protégé, the great Eric Alexander for an intergenerational tenor saxophone summit meeting for the ages. Coleman and Alexander will be joined by dazzling pianist Emmet Cohen, rock-solid bassist John Webber and rousing drummer Joe Farnsworth. Downbeat says, “when you hear the tenor sax of George Coleman, you know it's him within a few notes. That deep spark of a tone evokes a time and place-be it his historic work with Max Roach, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis, or as a leader in his own right," and that “Eric Alexander can play the tenor saxophone-never doubt that. He has the chops, power and passion that make him one of the most blazingly bad-assed saxophonists of his generation."
Gadi Lehavi—piano
Pablo Menares—bass
Kush Abadey—drums
“Aldana... embodies a new sense of possibility and direction in jazz."—The Washington Post
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana, a major rising talent originally from Santiago, Chile, who leads an exciting quartet with pianist Gadi Lehavi, bassist Pablo Menares, and drummer Kush Abadey. Since arriving in New York in 2009, she has won the 2013 Monk Competition and numerous accolades for her music. The New York Times calls her “one of the more exciting young tenor saxophonists today" and Hot House Jazz adds, “Melissa Aldana's expression is rare and wildly evolving as she continues to reach for more."
Eric Reed—piano
Dezron Douglas—bass
Louis Hayes—drums
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with the first of 10 nights led by the incomparable pianist Eric Reed and the amazing alto saxophonist Vincent Herring featuring special guest artists. First up is the one and only drum master Louis Hayes who NPR says, “spent his youth creating the pulse of hard-bop, as a top-shelf drummer with artists like Cannonball Adderley and Horace Silver," and who remains a “catalyst, channeling his boundless energy into the band," according to The Washington Post. Hayes will be rousing an exciting quartet led by Reed who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists." According to The New York City Jazz Record, Herring “has firmly established himself as one of his generation's masters." The Chicago Reader says bassist Dezron Douglas displays “the kind of fiery interaction and musical prodding that can allow hard bop to sound as fresh and exciting as anything out there."
Vincent Herring—alto & tenor saxophone
Eric Reed—piano
John Webber—bass
Joe Farnsworth—drums
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with featured guest trombone master and seashells innovator Steve Turre joining the Eric Reed/Vincent Herring Quintet. Turre was called “perhaps the leading trombonist of this generation" by Rolling Stone. Turre will be performing with an exciting quintet led by the perpetually swinging Reed who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists" and Herring who has “has firmly established himself as one of his generation's masters" adds The New York City Jazz Record. It includes two of the elite musicians working today: bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth.
Vincent Herring—alto & tenor saxophone
Eric Reed—piano
John Webber—bass
Joe Farnsworth—drums
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with featured guest trumpeter Jeremy Pelt joining the Eric Reed/Vincent Herring Quintet. JazzTimes says, “Pelt is a technical marvel. He executes intricate solos with ease, plays gorgeous ballads in a tasteful manner, and never lacks flair or sensitivity." Audiophile Audition adds he has “the power and range of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard in their seminal years." Pelt will be performing with an exciting quintet led by the perpetually swinging Reed who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists." According to The New York City Jazz Record, Herring has “has firmly established himself as one of his generation's masters." It also includes two of the elite musicians working today: bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth.
Vincent Herring—alto & tenor saxophone
Eric Reed—piano
John Webber—bass
Joe Farnsworth—drums
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with featured guest trumpeter Jeremy Pelt joining the Eric Reed/Vincent Herring Quintet. JazzTimes says, “Pelt is a technical marvel. He executes intricate solos with ease, plays gorgeous ballads in a tasteful manner, and never lacks flair or sensitivity." Audiophile Audition adds he has “the power and range of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard in their seminal years." Pelt will be performing with an exciting quintet led by the perpetually swinging Reed who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists." According to The New York City Jazz Record, Herring has “has firmly established himself as one of his generation's masters." It also includes two of the elite musicians working today: bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth.
Billy Harper—tenor saxophone
Benito Gonzalez—piano
Lonnie Plaxico—bass
Billy Hart—drums
SMOKE's annual Coltrane Festival concludes with an 80th birthday celebration for the incredible Billy Harper who is leading a very special quintet with trumpeter Josh Evans, pianist Benito Gonzalez, bassist Lonnie Plaxico and fellow legend and “Cooker" drummer Billy Hart. One of the indispensable saxophonists of the past 50 years stylistically indebted to Trane, Harper has a distinctive sound and approach that is purely his own. Over the years, he's worked with Art Blakey, Max Roach, Gil Evans, Elvin Jones, Lee Morgan, and, most recently, the Cookers. The San Francisco Chronicle says, “he is a soul of sensitivity and intelligence, as well as of explosive, majestic passion." “His viscous, chocolaty tone and depth-charge bursts from the bottom of his range [are] a stark contrast to the current trend for a post-bop homogeneity of tone in the newer generation of saxophone sounds," reports JazzWise.
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
[email protected]
In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations visit our website (link below).
Orrin Evans All-Star Quintet (Dec 9-11)
Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart Trio (Dec 15-18)
Coltrane Festival: George Coleman, Eric Alexander, Melissa Aldana, Eric Reed, Vincent Herring, Billy Harper, Billy Hart, and More (Dec 20-Jan 8) and more...
One of New York City's premier live music venues, Smoke Jazz Club, presents a stellar line-up of some of music's greatest artists during the month of December. For 16 nights, SMOKE presents its 10th Annual Coltrane Festival, “Countdown 2023," an annal homage to the great saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. Some of today's top saxophonists celebrate his life and musical legacy including George Coleman, Eric Alexander, Melissa Aldana, Vincent Herring, and Billy Harper, as well as Eric Reed, Louis Hayes, Steve Turre, Jeremy Pelt, Emmet Cohen, and Billy Hart. The month of December also welcomes a few festive concerts such as Allan Harris singing “A Nat King Cole Christmas" for some holiday cheer. Please scroll down for complete schedule or visit SMOKEjazz.com.
December 2022
Thu-Sun Dec 1-4 Buster Williams Band
Stefon Harris—vibraphoneBruce Williams—alto saxophone
George Colligan—piano
Buster Williams—bass
Lenny White—drums
“One of the all-time great bassists in modern jazz."—NPR
Buster Williams, a bassist with a virtuosic technique and an iconic sound, leads a thrilling ensemble featuring vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist Bruce Williams, pianist George Colligan, and fellow music legend, drummer Lenny White. The Guardian calls Williams “one of the great acoustic bassists," and JazzTimesstates “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 17; backing 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."
Wed-Thu Dec 7-8 Allan Harris “A Nat King Cole Christmas"
Allan Harris—vocalsGregoire Maret—harmonica
Arcoiris Sandoval—piano
Marty Kenney—bass
Norman Edwards—drums
Vocalist Allan Harris kicks off the holiday season in style performing seasonal classics from his popular 2010 recording Dedicated to You: Allan Harris Sings a Nat King Cole Christmas. A multi-faceted artist, Harris is a natural performing rock ‘n' roll, blues, or jazz and everything in between, but it is his captivating interpretations of standards that might be the most unforgettable. Variety calls Harris “a velvet-voiced jazz singer, with a savvy manner and music in his veins" and The Miami Herald adds that his voice and demeanor “project the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat King Cole."
Fri-Sun Dec 9-11 Orrin Evans All-Star Quintet
Nicholas Payton—trumpetGary Thomas—tenor saxophone
Orrin Evans—piano
Robert Hurst—bass
Jeff “Tain" Watts—drums
“One hell of a jazz pianist."—All About Jazz
Pianist Orrin Evans convenes an impressive new quintet that includes the unbeatable lineup of trumpeter Nicholas Payton, saxophonist Gary Thomas, bassist Robert Hurst, and drummer Jeff “Tain" Watts, a formidable group that he will take into the recording studio after these performances. Evans, known for assembling inspired and memorable groups, features the dynamic tandem of Payton and Thomas and reunites one half of the historic 1980s Wynton Marsalis Quartet with Hurst and Watts. “Mr. Evans is a viable candidate for jazz's most resourceful and invigorating contemporary pianist," reports The New York Times, and is “a highly esteemed pianist with post-bop dynamism in his bloodstream," adds WBGO Radio.
Thu-Sun Dec 15-18 Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart Trio
Larry Goldings—Hammond B-3 organPeter Bernstein—guitar
Bill Stewart—drums
“An authentic organ trio with all the size and scope of Mount Everest, and twice the cool"—JazzTimes
They're back! More than 30 years after organist Larry Goldings, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and drummer Bill Stewart return to Smoke where they made their first appearances as a trio at 106th and Broadway (the club was a little different back then and had a different name). It was 1989 or so when they took over Thursday nights. In the ensuing years, all three have become some of the busiest musicians in jazz but somehow, they still find time for this beloved trio. Downbeat expands, “Individually, these three musicians are at the top of their respective fields. Together, they have become standard-bearers for the B-3 tradition." JazzTimes adds, “they've always displayed an interactive approach, virtuoso execution, and emphasis on melody and groove." These performances are also a belated release party for their 13th album, the critically and popularly acclaimed, Perpetual Pendulum.
Tue-Thu Dec 20-22 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023": George Coleman/Eric Alexander Quintet
George Coleman—tenor saxophoneEric Alexander—tenor saxophone
Emmet Cohen—piano
Peter Washington—bass
Joe Farnsworth—drums
“A pair of passionate tenor saxophonists."—The New Yorker
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" begins with the first of 16 nights led by a longtime friend of the club: living legend and renowned performer George Coleman. He joins forces with a most illustrious protégé, the great Eric Alexander for an intergenerational tenor saxophone summit meeting for the ages. Coleman and Alexander will be joined by dazzling pianist Emmet Cohen, rock-solid bassist John Webber and rousing drummer Joe Farnsworth. Downbeat says, “when you hear the tenor sax of George Coleman, you know it's him within a few notes. That deep spark of a tone evokes a time and place-be it his historic work with Max Roach, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis, or as a leader in his own right," and that “Eric Alexander can play the tenor saxophone-never doubt that. He has the chops, power and passion that make him one of the most blazingly bad-assed saxophonists of his generation."
Fri-Sat Dec 23-24 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023": Melissa Aldana Quartet
Melissa Aldana—tenor saxophoneGadi Lehavi—piano
Pablo Menares—bass
Kush Abadey—drums
“Aldana... embodies a new sense of possibility and direction in jazz."—The Washington Post
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana, a major rising talent originally from Santiago, Chile, who leads an exciting quartet with pianist Gadi Lehavi, bassist Pablo Menares, and drummer Kush Abadey. Since arriving in New York in 2009, she has won the 2013 Monk Competition and numerous accolades for her music. The New York Times calls her “one of the more exciting young tenor saxophonists today" and Hot House Jazz adds, “Melissa Aldana's expression is rare and wildly evolving as she continues to reach for more."
Mon-Tue Dec 26-27 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023": Featuring Louis Hayes with the Eric Reed/Vincent Herring Quartet
Vincent Herring—alto & tenor saxophoneEric Reed—piano
Dezron Douglas—bass
Louis Hayes—drums
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with the first of 10 nights led by the incomparable pianist Eric Reed and the amazing alto saxophonist Vincent Herring featuring special guest artists. First up is the one and only drum master Louis Hayes who NPR says, “spent his youth creating the pulse of hard-bop, as a top-shelf drummer with artists like Cannonball Adderley and Horace Silver," and who remains a “catalyst, channeling his boundless energy into the band," according to The Washington Post. Hayes will be rousing an exciting quartet led by Reed who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists." According to The New York City Jazz Record, Herring “has firmly established himself as one of his generation's masters." The Chicago Reader says bassist Dezron Douglas displays “the kind of fiery interaction and musical prodding that can allow hard bop to sound as fresh and exciting as anything out there."
Wed-Thu Dec 28-29 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023": Steve Turre and the Eric Reed Quintet with Vincent Herring
Steve Turre—trombone & shellsVincent Herring—alto & tenor saxophone
Eric Reed—piano
John Webber—bass
Joe Farnsworth—drums
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with featured guest trombone master and seashells innovator Steve Turre joining the Eric Reed/Vincent Herring Quintet. Turre was called “perhaps the leading trombonist of this generation" by Rolling Stone. Turre will be performing with an exciting quintet led by the perpetually swinging Reed who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists" and Herring who has “has firmly established himself as one of his generation's masters" adds The New York City Jazz Record. It includes two of the elite musicians working today: bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth.
Fri Dec 30 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023": Jeremy Pelt and the Eric Reed Quintet with Vincent Herring
Jeremy Pelt—trumpetVincent Herring—alto & tenor saxophone
Eric Reed—piano
John Webber—bass
Joe Farnsworth—drums
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with featured guest trumpeter Jeremy Pelt joining the Eric Reed/Vincent Herring Quintet. JazzTimes says, “Pelt is a technical marvel. He executes intricate solos with ease, plays gorgeous ballads in a tasteful manner, and never lacks flair or sensitivity." Audiophile Audition adds he has “the power and range of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard in their seminal years." Pelt will be performing with an exciting quintet led by the perpetually swinging Reed who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists." According to The New York City Jazz Record, Herring has “has firmly established himself as one of his generation's masters." It also includes two of the elite musicians working today: bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth.
Sun Jan 1 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023": Jeremy Pelt and the Eric Reed Quintet with Vincent Herring
Jeremy Pelt—trumpetVincent Herring—alto & tenor saxophone
Eric Reed—piano
John Webber—bass
Joe Farnsworth—drums
SMOKE's year-end Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023" continues with featured guest trumpeter Jeremy Pelt joining the Eric Reed/Vincent Herring Quintet. JazzTimes says, “Pelt is a technical marvel. He executes intricate solos with ease, plays gorgeous ballads in a tasteful manner, and never lacks flair or sensitivity." Audiophile Audition adds he has “the power and range of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard in their seminal years." Pelt will be performing with an exciting quintet led by the perpetually swinging Reed who All About Jazz says “has fully established himself in the forefront of jazz pianists." According to The New York City Jazz Record, Herring has “has firmly established himself as one of his generation's masters." It also includes two of the elite musicians working today: bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth.
Thu-Sun Jan 5-8 Coltrane Festival “Countdown 2023": Billy Harper 80th Birthday Celebration
Josh Evans—trumpetBilly Harper—tenor saxophone
Benito Gonzalez—piano
Lonnie Plaxico—bass
Billy Hart—drums
SMOKE's annual Coltrane Festival concludes with an 80th birthday celebration for the incredible Billy Harper who is leading a very special quintet with trumpeter Josh Evans, pianist Benito Gonzalez, bassist Lonnie Plaxico and fellow legend and “Cooker" drummer Billy Hart. One of the indispensable saxophonists of the past 50 years stylistically indebted to Trane, Harper has a distinctive sound and approach that is purely his own. Over the years, he's worked with Art Blakey, Max Roach, Gil Evans, Elvin Jones, Lee Morgan, and, most recently, the Cookers. The San Francisco Chronicle says, “he is a soul of sensitivity and intelligence, as well as of explosive, majestic passion." “His viscous, chocolaty tone and depth-charge bursts from the bottom of his range [are] a stark contrast to the current trend for a post-bop homogeneity of tone in the newer generation of saxophone sounds," reports JazzWise.
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
[email protected]
In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations visit our website (link below).
Visit Website | Purchase Tickets
For more information contact AMT Public Relations.
