Hello My Friends:

Another week in New York City (my place of birth, my hometown).  The weather's been weird - warm if not summer-like.  I've enjoyed a lot of walking around and some bike riding around the city.  I love this town and the feeling of it - I'll not give up on New York.  I believe it's the most vital city in the world in terms of jazz music - and all art for that matter.  Sure, there's a lot of idiots but that's prevalent everywhere.

Smalls never fails to amaze me - the crowd that it attracts.  I'd love to do some kind of study on the average I.Q. level for a person who comes to Smalls.  I'm sure its quite a bit higher on the average than the regular bar crowd you'd find most places (take that stupid Red Sox bar across the street as an example).  Most people walk right by Smalls, hardly notice it's there - it's like a magic portal that only the qualified can see.  Then there's the folks that find us - they've been searching and their just so happy to have finally found Smalls! They always turn out to be remarkable people, really kind or original in some way.  That's the way this music is - food for highly intelligent and original people.  Smalls is like an oasis in a sea of idiocy - our little deserted isle where one can take joy in a beautifully turned phrase or a clever quote.  The blues still lives here with us at Smalls and in our hearts.  Thank goodness for all this!!

This Week At Smalls:

Monday:  To start the week we bring in the ever popular Peter Bernstein for a solo show.  Peter's new recording "Solo Guitar: Live At Smalls" is now available on iTunes and HDTracks and watch for the CD release in the next few weeks.  Our 10PM show features the terrific Joe Martin and his quartet which showcases the great Kevin Hays on piano, the fascinating Bill McHenry on tenor and the sparkling and tasteful Nasheet Waits on the drums.  This will be a packed show so get here early.

Tuesday: We celebrate the birthday of trumpeter Josh Evans with a big band gig of his arrangements and featuring the great Billy Harper.  This is a 17 PIECE BIG BAND in a club that only seats 45 people - possible?  Come and find out!

Wednesday & Thursday:  I'm excited to have my good friend Ethan Iverson back at the club for two nights.  This time he's bringing in two veritable jazz legends - Oliver Lake & Andrew Cyrille.  As if that's not enough he's adding the amazing Sam Newsome into the mix.  I can't predict how this will turn out but it will definitely be interesting.  Our "Round Midnight" concert on Wednesday features the wonderful Ed Cherry on guitar and his trio with Evan Gregor & Chris Beck.

Friday & Saturday: This weekend we have the alto saxophonist Mark Gross and his quintet which features trumpeter Freddie Hendrix, pianist Benito Gonzalez, bassist John Lee and drummer Tommy Campbell.  This is a true veteran ensemble and I'm sure is going to provide some excellent jazz music.  Our 7:30 show on Friday features pianist Steve Ash.  Steve, a jazz veteran himself, has a wonderful melodic line and a great swinging feel.  His trio is with Chris Haney & Pete Van Nostrand.  On Saturday at 7:30 PM is the great Zaid Nasser and his quartet featuring true-blue Smalls artists - Chris Byars, Ari Roland & Keith Balla.

Sunday:  This Sunday afternoon at 4:30 PM we have special treat.  The Anderson Twins (Pete and Will) are bringing in their excellent octet which features a host of excellent players for a retro afternoon of music.  Our "Round Midnight" concert showcases the amazing Rick Germanson and his trio with Gerald Cannon & Lawrence Leathers.

As always, I wish everyone one of you a prosperous and productive week.  Please remember to be kind and to treat each person you see with compassion - we all come from the same source!

Best,