Billy Hart Quartet
Smoke Jazz Club2751 Broadway, New York 10025
Billy Hart brings his quartet to Smoke for a late set, with Mark Turner on tenor saxophone, Ethan Iverson at the piano, Ben Street on bass, and Hart on drums. Led by the NEA Jazz Master, the group is a working band built around four musicians with deep experience in modern jazz. The New York Times has called it “one of the leading bands in jazz.”
Hart has spent more than six decades at the center of jazz’s evolution, earning a reputation as one of its most influential and revered drummers. His performing and recording history reaches across jazz and beyond, including work with Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Shirley Horn, Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Otis Redding, and Sam & Dave. The listing describes his approach through “rhythmic imagination, sensitivity, and fearless creativity.” The Detroit Free Press hears “freedom, discipline, daring, passion, swing, broken rhythm, orchestral textures, interactive sparring, shocking dynamics, astounding creativity and authority,” then offers a direct verdict: “Want to know what jazz is really about? Listen to Billy Hart.”
Smoke Jazz Club offers a refined evening where jazz takes center stage in a space defined by its candlelit tables, plush red velvet curtains, exposed brick walls, and antique chandeliers. The club spans two connected rooms: one designed for focused listening with impeccable acoustics and iconic jazz photography, and a second lounge featuring a historic full-length bar and café seating. Guests can enjoy classic American cuisine during the first set, which begins at 7pm, creating a supper club experience that blends dining with world-class performances. The venue showcases a mix of legendary artists, contemporary masters, and emerging talents, making each night a unique encounter with jazz artistry. The recent expansion has enhanced comfort without losing the close proximity to the stage that defines the club’s appeal.