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SmallsLIVE & Mezzrow Newsletter - July 3rd, 2017
 
Some thoughts on Kirk Lightsey:
 
When I was a kid, Bradley’s was a scary place.  I’d put on my tie and try to look as old as possible.  The guy at the door hated my guts.  In fact, for about 3 months, I was banned from Bradley’s.  He told the other guys at the door to ban me.   Finally, after some crow eating and sucking up, I sincerely apologized for my crime and they reprieved me.  I would sit at the bar, quiet as a mouse, checking out the scene: McCoy Tyner and Bobby Hutcherson sitting at the front of the bar, laughing and hanging.  Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond, Ron Carter, Cedar Walton, David Williams, Billy Higgins, Mulgrew Miller, Mike LeDonne, Walter Davis Jr., Roy Hargrove – just to name but a few!  All hanging out and having a ball! Bradley himself was imposing as hell. Someone told me he had previously been an “interrogator” for the army before starting The Corner Bistro, The 55 Bar and then, finally his masterpiece, Bradley’s.
 
But I say all this to lead up to my true hero – Mr. Kirk Lightsey, who was always my favorite of all those guys and I’d love to hear him play.  Like my dear teacher, Harry Whitaker, Kirk was from the magic jazz land of Detroit, which turned out such names as Barry Harris, Tommy Flanagan, Hank, Thad and Elvin Jones, Paul Chambers, Donald Byrd – just to name but a few!  Something in that Detroit vibe – the love of Charlie Parker merged with the grooviest feel.  Harry had that and Kirk the same.  But Kirk Lightsey had something else going on.  Kirk was the man and everyone knew it – not in the tough guy way, but in the pure love kind of way.  Everyone loved him.  Because Kirk lives his life from the place of pure joy – a place that starts with a laugh and then another – laughter, huge smiles.  Shocking at first – what the hell is he laughing about?  But then you find yourself laughing and you understand why!  Joy To The World – what an amazing philosophy!  This, merged with great swing feel and super sophistication.  Pure art – pure artistry!
 
Fast-forward to yesterday: Kirk Lightsey is 80 years old and I am 51.  I am hosting him in New York City for a week of performances, two at Smalls and two at Mezzrow.  With him is David Williams and Ed Cherry (and Lawrence Leathers for the two nights at Smalls, no drums at Mezzrow). Kirk is completely undiminished in his spirit, musical strength or pure exuberant joy.  Unchanged, he looks like a man of late-50’s and plays music like a kid of 22 – unabashed and fearless.  Like Sinbad, the audience is swept up in his joyful embrace.  Standing ovations at Smalls (unheard of!) and Mezzrow audiences glowing – radiant vibe.  Kirk greets everyone – high fives, hugs, belly-laughs.  He remembers everyone’s name and gives special and truthful love to each one without fail.  Amazing!  After the show, he goes off to Fat Cat to shoot pool until 4:00 AM.  I am exhausted and cannot keep up – I go to bed!
 
This again confirms my idea about “age”.  That if you have a strong spirit and sense of purpose – that if you keep your spirit like that of a child and never succumb to cynicism – that if you practice musical discipline throughout your life – concentrated mental practice on a daily level - then you can go until age 80 and beyond.  It can be done!  Thank you Mr. Kirk Lightsey.
 
I wish everyone a great week.  Our air-conditioner works great.  Come by.
 
Regards,
 
Spike

 
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RECENTLY ADDED VIDEO
 
  
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20 shows added per week
  July 30th              August 27th

  
Alan Broadbent Workshop             Lage Lund Workshop
 
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New content added weekly!
NOW: A cover paid at Mezzrow also gets you admission to Smalls.

Monday - 7/3
Daryl Sherman with
Pete Anderson & Will Anderson

Pianist/Vocalist Daryl Sherman is a lexicon of the American Songbook.  She has invited the Anderson Twins (Pete and Will) to join for an evening of song and swing.

Doors @ 7:30 PM
Daryl Sherman sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
Ari Roland "After-hours" @ 11 PM

To advance purchase a reserved seat click:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE

Tuesday - 7/4

Mezzrow will be closed this evening.

Wednesday - 7/5
Lainie Cooke with
Joshua Richman & Matthew Parrish


Join vocalist Lainie Cooke for an evening of joyful song-making.  With her is Josh Richman on piano and Matthew Parrish on bass.

Lainie Cooke sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
Tony Hewitt & Pete Malinverni
 "After-hours" @ 11 PM


To advance purchase a reserved seat click:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE

Thursday - 7/6
Jamie Reynolds with
Pablo Menares & Jimmy MacBride


Pianist Jaime Reynolds is a modernist and a compelling improvisor.  He'll be joined by his trio with bassist Pablo Menares and drummer Jimmy Macbride


Jamie Reynolds sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
Spike Wilner "After-hours" with special guests @ 11 PM


To advance purchase a reserved seat click:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE

Friday & Saturday - 7/7-8
Eric Lewis & Nicholas Payton

Pianist Eric Lewis aka ELEW is a true force of nature.  A dynamic improvisor who eats pianos alive.  His invited guest is another protean force in music, trumpetist Nicholas Payton.

Doors @ 7:30 PM
Eric Lewis sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
7/7 - Johnny O'Neal  "After-hours" @ 11 PM
7/8 - Anthony Wonsey "After-hours" @ 11 PM


To advance purchase a reserved seat click:
7/7 - CLICK HERE TO RESERVE
7/8 - CLICK HERE TO RESERVE  

Sunday - 7/9
Nicole Zuraitis & Helen Sung

Vocalist Nicole Zuraitis has a stylish and contemporary sound and fresh approach to standards.  She is joined by the wonderful Helen Sung for an evening of song.

Nicole Zuraitis sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
John Merrill & Friends "After-hours" @ 11 PM


To advance purchase a reserved seat click:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE

Mezzrow proudly endorses Steinway pianos

THIS WEEK AT SMALLS
(a selection of featured shows)

For our full schedule please go to www.smallslive.com

Monday - 7/3
The Ari Hoenig Trio

 Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
     with Ari Hoenig - Drums, Jean-Michel Pilc - Piano, Francois Moutin - Bass
 
Monday - 7/3
The Jonathan Michel Quintet &
After-hours Jam Session

 Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM
     with Jonathan Michel - Bass, Wayne Tucker - Trumpet, Willerm Dellisfort  - Piano, 
Tuesday - 7/4
The Frank Lacy Group
 Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM

with Frank Lacy - Trombone, Stacy Dillard - Tenor Sax, Theo Hill - Piano, Yasushi Nakamura - Bass, Mark Whitfiled Jr. - Drums
Tuesday - 7/4
The Abraham Burton Quartet
 Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM

     with Abraham Burton - Tenor Sax, David Bryant - Piano, Dezron Douglas - Bass, Eric McPherson - Drums
Wednesday - 7/5
The Jared Gold Trio
 Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
     with Jared Gold - Organ, John Bollenbeck - Guitar, Mark Whitfield Jr. - Drums
Thursday - 7/6
The Gregg August Quintet
Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM

     with Gregg August - Bass, Sam Newsome - Sooprano Sax, Jon Irabagon - Alto Sax, Anthony Wonsey - Piano, Donald Edwards - Drums
Wednesday & Thursday - 7/5-6
The Brian Charette Quartet
Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM

with Brian Charette - Organ, Mike DiRubbo - Alto Sax, Orlando Le Fleming - Bass, Jochen Rueckert - Drums
Friday - 7/7
Michael Cochrane's
"Lines of Reason"

Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM

$20 for this show
with Michael Cochrane - Piano, Joe Ford - Alto Sax, Marcus McLaurine - Bass, Alan Nelson - Drums
Saturday - 7/8
The Dave Schnitter Quartet

Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
$20 for this show
with Dave Schnitter - Tenor Sax, Spike Wilner - Piano, Joseph Lepore - Bass, Anthony Pinciotti - Drums
Friday & Saturday - 7/8-9
The Alex Sipiagin Quintet
Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM

$20 for this show
    with Alex Sipiagin - Trumpet, Seamus Blake - Tenor Sax, John Escreet - Piano, Boris Kozlov - Bass, Donald Edwards - Drums
Sunday- 7/9
The Johnny O'Neal Trio

Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
$20 for this show
with Johnny O'Neal - Piano, Ben Rubens - Bass, Itay Morchi - Drums
Sunday - 7/9
The Richie Vitale Quintet

Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM
$20 for this show
with Richie Vitale - Trumpet, Frank Basile - Baritone Sax, Lou Rainone - Piano, Paul Gill - Bass, Clifford Barbaro - Drums


SMALLS JAZZ CLUB REGULAR SHOWS


Wednesday - 7/5, 1 AM to close
After-hours Jam Session with Aaron Seeber 

 

Thursday - 7/6, 1 AM to close 

After-hours Jam Session with Sarah Slonim

 

Friday - 7/7, 1 AM to close
After-hours Jam Session with Joe Farnsworth

 

Saturday - 7/8, 4 PM to 7 PM
Afternoon Jam Session with Michael Bond

 

Saturday - 7/8, 1 AM to close
Brooklyn Circle

 

Sunday - 7/9, 1 PM to 3 PM
Vocal Masterclass with Marion Cowings

 

Sunday - 7/9, 4:30 PM to 7 PM
The Ai Murakami Trio feat. Sacha Perry

Sunday - 7/9, 1 AM to close
After-hours Jam Session with Jon Beshay

 
 
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