Hello Friends:

I'm so sick of hearing either on Facebook or where ever that "jazz is dead" or "the scene aint the same" or "there's nothing happening" - blah, blah, blah.  Anyone who talks like that hasn't been to New York City in the last 15 years and certainly not in the last year.  This week was amazing.  Between the Winter Jazz Festival and the APAP convention and just the normal machinations of the NYC Jazz scene, this city was hopping.  Smalls was continually packed with musicians and fans all week.  We had Christian McBride's big band down the street at the Vanguard.  Roy Hargrove's band in town.  Kurt Rosenwinkel's band in town.  Not to mention the hundreds of bands playing at Smalls and everywhere else.  On some of our after-hours weekend nights it was all musicians - at one count I saw about 10 drummers hanging out together checking out Montez Coleman's band at the club.  Everyone was in a great mood and the vibe was vibrant.  Handshaking, high-fiving, hugging, laughing, drinking, smoking.... heaven here at Smalls.  So, please, no belly-aching.  Music is alive here in New York, Jazz is very much alive and in good hands.  If you want to stay home and bitch and moan on Facebook, well, enjoy, but if you can get to the city there's a wealth of music here.  Just come out and get it!

The new Steinway has been installed at Smalls.  The pianists have been sniffing around and checking it out and finding it to be favorable.  The old Steinway was a beloved workhorse but this ones a thoroughbred and still needs to be broken in some.  However, the touch and sound are amazing and it's a true asset to Smalls.  I want to thank Keith Kerman at PianoCraft for putting this together for us and also to Greg Scholl from Lincoln Center for making the connection.  Also, once again, my thanks to everyone who contributed to the Indiegogo fundraiser - you guys made this happen!

This Week At Smalls:

Monday:

This Monday we turn the club over to Mr. Sebastien Vidal and the Paris Jazz Club, which is presenting an evening of all French Jazz Artists.  There are beaucoup.  Thomas Enhco, Guillaume Parret, Adrien Moignard, Cyrille Aimee, Les Freres Moutin, Eric Legnini are just some of the artists that will perform.  We'll start at 7PM and go all the way to 1AM.  Vive La France and Vive Le Jazz!

Tuesday:

This Tuesday we bring in for the 7:30 PM show bassist Joris Teepe and his quintet which features Adam Kolker on tenor, Jon Davis on piano, Josh Evans on trumpet and Mike Clark on drums.  Following Joris at 10:30 PM is the wonderful Lucas Pino and his nonet.  This is a dynamic group of original artists all contributing to the book.  Well worth checking out the entire evening.

Wed. & Thur:

This Wednesday and Thursday we bring in an all-star quartet led by pianist Kevin Hays.  Kevin is an amazing improvisor with a stellar technique and a truly modern concept.  With him is the great Chris Potter on tenor, Ben Street on bass and Eric McPherson on drums.  This is sure to be a crowded show so get here early.  Our "Round Midnight" concert on Wednesday features another amazing pianist - Willerm Delisfort and his sextet which showcases Christopher McBride, Marquis Hill, Jonathan Michel, Anwar Marshall and vocalist Sarah Charles.

Fri & Sat:

Our main show for the 10:30 PM slot is the ever soulful Ian Hendrickson-Smith and his quartet which features the mighty David Hazeltine on piano, Mike Karn on bass and Joe Strasser on drums.  Our 7:30 show on Friday is the great Tardo Hammer and his trio and on Saturday at 7:30 PM is tenor player Dan Block and his quartet with Steve Ash on piano, Lee Hudson on bass and Tom Melito on drums.

Sunday:

On the 7:30 PM show we have once again the great Bucky Pizzarelli and Ed Laub coming in for the enjoyable guitar duets.  We also have, as always, the amazing Johnny O'Neal and his  trio at 10:30 PM.

As always, I urge you to do good deeds and be compassionate to others and yourself.  Thank you for your support of this music and the club.  Hope to see you at Smalls.