
Smoke Jazz Livestream's Upcoming Shows
Fri, Nov 06
*Livestreams are Available for 48 Hours in Every Time Zone
Charles McPherson – alto saxophone
Terell Stafford – trumpet
Jeb Patton – piano
David Wong – bass
Billy Drummond – drums
“No jazz musician of the past 60 years has more palpably channeled the sound of Charlie Parker than alto saxophonist Charles McPherson.” – Jazziz
Alto saxophonist and bebop legend Charles McPherson leads his hard-swinging quintet featuring trumpeter Terell Stafford with pianist Jeb Patton, bassist David Wong, and drummer Billy Drummond.
One of the most acclaimed and beloved voices in jazz, McPherson’s rich musical style is rooted in the blues and bebop and has influenced and inspired generations of musicians and listeners for over six decades. He has performed at concerts and festivals around the world with jazz greats like Barry Harris, Billy Eckstine, Nat Adderley, Jay McShann, Phil Woods, Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, and others.
In a recent review, Downbeat states, “As a still-vibrant jazz veteran with ties to innovators like Charles Mingus and Lionel Hampton, McPherson’s writing carries on the traditional weight of bebop and swing, buoyed with an inventive, contemporary spark.” Paris Move writes of his recent acclaimed album, Reverence: “If you love jazz, this album is already a legend.”
Fri, Nov 13
*Livestreams are Available for 48 Hours in Every Time Zone
Wayne Escoffery – tenor saxophone
Jimmy Greene – tenor saxophone
David Kikoski – piano
Buster Williams – bass
Lenny White – drums
“[Escoffery’s] sound is arguably a contemporary mix of Coltrane, Shorter, and Henderson influences, but is already personal. His technique is superb.” – Jazzwise
“Jimmy is phenomenal. He has a really creative imagination and beautiful feeling. His tone is big and warm and beautiful.” – Tom Harrell
Tenor saxophonists Wayne Escoffery and Jimmy Greene lead an extraordinary quintet featuring pianist David Kikoski, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White.
Two powerful and distinctive voices in modern jazz, Escoffery and Greene share a deep musical connection dating back to their studies with the great Jackie McLean. Both have developed singular voices of their own while carrying forward the tradition of passionate, hard-swinging tenor playing. Escoffery has performed and recorded with artists including Tom Harrell, Mingus Big Band, Eric Reed, and Herbie Hancock, while Greene has worked with Ron Carter, Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Tom Harrell, Kenny Barron, and many others.
Fri, Nov 20
*Livestreams are Available for 48 Hours in Every Time Zone
Mark Turner – tenor saxophone
Ethan Iverson – piano
Ben Street – bass
Billy Hart – drums
“His quartet has often been hailed as one of the leading bands in jazz.” – The New York Times
Drummer and NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart leads his incredible quartet featuring tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, pianist Ethan Iverson, and bassist Ben Street.
One of the most influential and revered drummers in jazz, Hart has been at the center of the music’s evolution for more than six decades. His extraordinary career includes performances and recordings with some of the greatest artists in jazz and beyond, including Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Shirley Horn, Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Otis Redding, and Sam & Dave. Through his singular blend of rhythmic imagination, sensitivity, and fearless creativity, Hart continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners.
The New York Times has hailed his quartet as “one of the leading bands in jazz.” The Detroit Free Press writes, “Freedom, discipline, daring, passion, swing, broken rhythm, orchestral textures, interactive sparring, shocking dynamics, astounding creativity and authority. Want to know what jazz is really about? Listen to Billy Hart.”


