Dear Friends:

Something extraordinary seems to be happening at Smalls and Mezzrow.  After our winter lull (which included our white-out blizzard), there has been an enormously energetic surge in the crowds coming to the clubs.  This Easter weekend both clubs were packed to the gills with enthusiastic, jazz loving crowds.  My staff has been in overdrive, as we've been trying our best to accommodate the throngs.  The music has been stellar.  At Smalls we celebrated the great Lew Tabackin's birthday with sell-out sets.  At Mezzrow we had pianist Jonny King and his invited guest saxophonist Steve Wilson.  The late shows and after-hours have been just as healthy - people are staying late and really participating in the joyful repass of our musical schmorgesborg.  I had the chance to perform the early set at Mezzrow on Saturday and the audience was such a joy.  I think we've really cultivated something special, which is a vibrant and loving but wholly attentive jazz listening audience.  Mezzrow was packed for my set but no-one said a word - appreciative and enthusiastic applause, yes, but not chatter, no distractions.  I think that there's a certain kind of person that's been coming out to the clubs - one who desires a cultural event and values it.  The Smalls/Mezzrow crowd is a sophisticated one - people who love the music and respect the culture and are seeking to participate with their unbridled attention.  They become part of the symbiosis of performer/audience, which completes the yin-yang circle of Art, the creation of it and the reception of it - both necessary to make it complete.  Regardless of the madness of the world, the brutal terror attacks and idiotic elections, Smalls and Mezzrow remind me of what's really good in the world, which is our music and the wonderful people who seek it out.  I've said it before, but I do believe that Jazz can be a key to world peace.  An international language that anyone with the spiritual capacity can understand and relate to.  It's for everyone with a soul - it washes away "the dust of everyday life", as Art Blakey use to say.  

Please take a look at our extensive SmallsLIVE audio/video archive.  It dates back 9 years now and I don't think there's anything else like it in the world today.  Every single show at Smalls since 2007 recorded and cataloged and available for exploration.  As a subscriber to the site you get access to this archive and your subscription directly benefits the artists and the clubs.  For more info CLICK HERE.

I wish every a joyful and peaceful week.  I hope to see you at the clubs.

Regards,

Spike