SMOKE on the Uptown Boulevard

Where there is SMOKE, there is usually fire. If that is the case, it is the fire coming from the hot Jazz being at this uptown venue on at 2751 Broadway called SMOKE JAZZ and Supper club. This is a renown establishment that is classy, elegant and STILL somehow remains under the radar to places such the Blue Note and Village Vanguard. But if you seek quality and HOT CLASSIC JAZZ MUSIC, Smoke is the venue for you.

You have great players performing there such as the Legendary Billy Harper and his Quintet, The great Stanley Cowell Quintet, The Jimmy Cobb Quartet, Renee Rosnes and her Quartet, The Harold Mabern Trio, The Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet, The Eric Reed Quartet, and The Fabulous Steve Turre Quintet with all those fantastic Shell sounds and other sonic sensations. These are a sampling of the main marquee headliners that perform Thursdays-Saturdays to eager and anticipating Jazz lovers. But there are also performances for the late night and talented local folks. Smoke has programming from Sundays-Wednesdays that feature local artists that light it up and after midnight musicians as well. You want to get your Jam session on? This is definitely one of the places to hit and get that wood shedding in.

On one of the aforementioned Wednesdays I was invited in by one of the hosts, Tommy by name, and had a chance to sample the lush vocal stylings of Lezlie Harrison paying wonderful praise and tribute to the late great Abbey Lincoln (Aminata Moseka). Harrison's smooth, dusky tones captures the essence of Ms. Lincoln's music in the proper fashion and keys. She was accompanied by the Emmet Cohen organ Trio to assist in conveying the message of Ms. Lincoln's music. Her personal essence also embodied the spirit of what Ms. Lincoln endeavored to convey in her music, her connection to her African cultural roots, The Timelessness of people, place and space. (See Abbey Lincoln's classic album, "The People In Me") This promotion and developing of local talent by Smoke is one of the great features of this institution which many of the still existing Big name Jazz clubs rarely do anymore. So if you want to experience the great names and the excellent local talent which abounds in this city, you have to check out SMOKE JAZZ and Supper Club 2751 Broadway New York, New York 10025. 212.864.6662 WWW.SMOKEJAZZ.COM Get the info for a truly awesome experience.