SmallsLIVE/Mezzrow Newsletter - "Happy Birthday Mezzrow!"

Smalls/Mezzrow Newsletter - August 29th, 2016

Dear Friends:

It happened as if in a dream. One afternoon, strolling to Smalls, I noticed a "for rent" sign for the basement space located on the opposite corner at 163 West 10th. I called the number and the next day Mitch and I had a tour of the space. It was a funky basement in need of a complete over hall, but... the vibes felt right. Without a second thought I told the guy I'd take it. We rented it for a 3 month lease with an option for 10 years. My idea was that if I could get it licensed we'd go with it and if not then not too much lost. The licensing process was arduous but we prevailed and we were granted the right to serve alcohol and Mezzrow was born.

At first the idea was simply a "holding pen" for the overflow that was happening at Smalls nearly every night now - a way for us to send folks to a spot to wait until there was room. But Mezzrow soon took on it's own persona - something different from Smalls. We drew our inspiration from Bradley's but Mezzrow is certainly not Bradley's. We call it the "grown-up" Smalls, the place where all the Smalls "old-timers" can come for a more peaceful environment. It's a throwback to the piano rooms of the New York of my youth - sophisticate bars with a great piano and great pianists playing it.

Mezzrow came together on the wings of angels - once started it was like an organic process. I sat back in amazement as all the elements seemed to fall into place of their own accord. Miracles happen - our landlord was an angel, our attorney was an angel. Musicians came out of the woodwork to support and play there. Great heroes such as Ron Carter and Buster Williams lent their support. I could only sit back in amazement (and gratitude) and watch this club come into being, grow and settle into a routine.

And now, here we are, next weekend will be two full years. We have not only survived but thrived! Mezzrow is part of the jazz fabric, an institution in New York City and, along with it's big sister Smalls, becoming an international presence. My most emotional and vibrant thanks to everyone who gave so much - my esteemed partner Mitch Borden, our landlord Joe Mendler, my amazing managing and bar staff and, of course, all of the great musicians. We face our third year with confidence and enthusiasm.

I want to mention that starting in September that the "main" shows at Mezzrow will now be at 8pm and 9:30pm - you can buy advanced tickets for these shows. We apologize to everyone about changing our free first set on the weekends but we feel by making the main show earlier it will make it easier for fans wanting to have an early show. We will be having jazz legend Johnny O'Neal begin his Friday show at 11pm and you can reserve for that show as well.

My best regards and I hope to see everyone at the clubs.

Spike

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Welcome to the SmallsLIVE Jazz Education Blog!
New transcriptions and analysis weekly!
This week's analysis - Jon Gordon over Alan Ferberâ€™s composition â€œCyclesâ€

NOW: A cover paid at Mezzrow also gets you admission to Smalls.

Monday - 8/29
Dave Baron & Frank Kimbrough

Bassist Dave Baron has invited the great pianist Frank Kimbrough for an evening of some swinging jazz duo.

Doors @ 7:30 PM
Dave Baron sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
John Merrill & guests set @ 10:30 PM

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

Tuesday - 8/30
The Steve Ash Trio

Pianist Steve Ash is a veteran of the scene. A true bebopper with a wonderful jazz feeling and touch. Join him for an evening with his trio.

Doors @ 7:30 PM
Steve Ash Trio sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
Mezzrow "Polite Jam Session" @ 10:30 PM

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

Wednesday - 8/31
Ben Allison & Michael Wolff

Bassist Ben Allison is a creative and original voice on the bass. He's invited pianist Michael Wolff for a rare New York appearance.

Doors @ 7:30 PM
Ben Allison sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
Mezzrow "polite Jam Session" @ 10:30 PM

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

Thursday - 9/1
Taylor Eigsti Solo Piano

Pianist Taylor Eigsti is one of the most acclaimed pianists of his generation - a dynamic player with a broad range and tremendous feeling.
Join him for an evening of solo piano.

Taylor Eigsti sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
After-hours set @ 11 PM

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

Friday - 9/2
Taylor Eigsti Piano Masterclass

Join pianist Taylor Eigsti for an afternoon masterclass. This is open to anyone interested but particularly piano players. Please register by purchasing a ticket below. Seats are limited to 30 students.

Doors @ 3:30 PM
Piano Masterclass from 4 PM to 6 PM

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

Friday, Saturday - 9/2-3
Christian Sands & Noah Jackson

Pianist Christian Sands is a joyful and engaging improvisor with a tremendous jazz feeling. He is joined by the hard-swinging Noah Jackson on bass for an evening of duets.
To advance purchase a reserved seat click:

Christian Sands sets @ 8 PM & 9:30 PM
9/2 - Christian Sands Reserve
9/3 - Christian Sands Reserve

9/2 Johnny O'Neal set @ 11 PM - RESERVE
9/3 Ehud Asherie @ 11PM - RESERVE

Sunday - 9/4
Tadataka Unno with
James Cammack & Jonathan Barber

Pianist Tada Unno is a consumate musician with a florid touch and classic sense of swing and phrasing. Join him for an evening of jazz with his trio w. James Cammack on bass and Jonathan Barber on drums.

Pasquale Grasso Solo Guitar @ 7:30 PM
Tadataka Unno sets @ 9:30 PM & 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 - 8/29
The Uri Caine Trio
Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
with Uri Caine - Piano, Mark Helias - Bass, Clarence Penn - Drums

Monday - 8/29
The Ari Hoenig Quartet
Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM
with Ari Hoenig - Drums, Joel Frahm - Tenor Sax, Nitai Hershkovits - Piano, Matt Penman - Bass

Tuesday - 8/30
The Theo Hill Trio
Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
with Theo Hill - Piano, David Wong - Bass, Rodney Green - Drums

Tuesday - 8/30
The Steve Nelson Group
Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM
with Steve Nelson - Vibraphone, Rick Germanson - Piano, Kiyoshi Kitagawa - Bass, Charles Goold - Drums

Wednesday, Thursday - 8/31 & 9/1
The Tim Hagans Quintet
Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
with Tim Hagans - Trumpet, Steve Wilson - Alto Sax, Luis Perdomo - Piano, Jay Anderson - Bass, Joe Hertenstein - Drums

Wednesday - 8/31
The Luke Sellick Group
Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM
$20 for this show
with Luke Sellick - Bass, Adam Birnbaum - Piano, Andrew Renfroe - Guitar, Jordan Pettay - Alto Sax, Mike Rodriguez - Trumpet, Jimmy MacBride - Drums

Thursday - 9/1
The Nick Hempton Band
Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM
$20 for this show
with Nick Hempton - Alto Sax, Lorin Cohen - Bass, Dan Aran - Drums

Friday - 9/2
The Victor Gould Group
Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
$20 for this show

with Victor Gould-Piano

Saturday - 9/3
Lines Of Reason
Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
$20 for this show

with Michael Cochrane - Piano, Joe Ford - Alto Sax, Calvin Hill - Bass, Alan Nelson - Drums

Friday & Saturday - 9/2-3
The George Burton Quintet
Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM
$20 for this show
with George Burton - Piano, Jason Palmer - Trumpet, Marcus Strickland - Tenor Sax, Pablo Menares - Bass, Wayne Smith Jr. - Drums

Sunday - 9/4
The Johnny O'Neal Trio
Sets at 7:30 PM & 9 PM
with Johnny O'Neal - Piano, Luke Sellick - Bass, Charles Goold - Drums

Sunday - 9/4
The Grant Stewart Quartet
Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 AM
with Grant Stewart - Tenor Sax, Tardo Hammer -Piano, Paul Sikivie - Bass, Phil Stewart - Drums