Oscar Noriega's CROOKED QUARTET
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Oscar Noriega brings his Crooked Quartet to Barbès for a set built from standards and his own compositions. Noriega, on alto saxophone and clarinets, leads a rotating cast rather than a fixed announced lineup, carrying forward the loose, conversational spirit of the Crooked Trio's long-running Friday engagement at the room. The earlier trio was originally conceived as a vehicle for Noriega's drumming; this edition concentrates on his principal horn instruments and his writing.
Brooklyn-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Noriega has been a regular presence at Barbès through the Crooked Trio, whose weekly sets drew increasingly large crowds. Beyond this project, he is a member of Tim Berne's Snakeoil, Endangered Blood, with Chris Speed, Jim Black and Trevor Dunn, and Boss Tenor. He also co-leads the brass band Banda de Los Muertos with Jacob Garchik. Past Crooked Quartet lineups have included pianist Marta Sanchez, bassist Christopher Tordini and drummer Jason Nazary, though the personnel for this performance has not been announced.
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.