Oscar Noriega's CROOKED QUARTET
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Oscar Noriega’s Crooked Quartet brings Noriega’s long-running Barbès project back to the room where his Crooked Trio played Friday engagements for years. Noriega leads on compositions, alto saxophone and clarinets, with a rotating cast that has often included pianist Marta Sanchez, bassist Christopher Tordini, drummer Jason Nazary and trumpeter Justin Mullens. The set keeps the trio’s casual spirit while drawing from standards and Noriega’s own writing; the billed quartet format leaves the particular personnel open.
A composer and multi-instrumentalist, Noriega originally conceived the Crooked Trio as a vehicle for his drumming, before refocusing this project on alto saxophone and clarinets. His work also includes membership in Tim Berne’s Snakeoil and Endangered Blood, alongside Chris Speed, Jim Black and Trevor Dunn, as well as Boss Tenor. Noriega co-leads the brass band Banda De Los Muertos with Jacob Garchik, placing this Barbès set within a wider body of collaborative work across small ensembles and brass band music.
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.