BEN SHERMAN - Pau Jorba - Elias Earl - Sam Konin - Jacob Patrone - Set and Session
Close Up154 Orchard St, New York 10002
Ben Sherman leads a five-piece set at Close Up, joined by fellow saxophonist Pau Jorba, vibraphonist Elias Earl, bassist Sam Konin, and drummer Jacob Patrone. The evening begins with the band’s set, then opens into a jam session with the same lineup serving as the night’s core ensemble. With two saxophones alongside vibraphone, bass, and drums, the program places Sherman in a group built for interplay before the session expands the conversation.
Sherman is a Brooklyn-based tenor saxophonist who began playing in middle school and has quickly established himself on the New York jazz scene. The venue describes his work as “unique yet still squarely” within the tradition, a balance reflected in collaborators that include Michael Ode, Anthony Hervey, Tyreek McDole, and Tyler Bullock. This is a chance to hear a young bandleader in a working New York setting, first shaping a focused group set and then carrying that energy into an open-ended session.
Close Up offers a focused jazz experience in a sleek, minimalist space on Manhattan's Lower East Side, where the sound system and acoustics bring every note into sharp relief. The venue features a small back room that invites close connection with the performers, creating a setting where music is the main event and distractions are minimal. Shows run six nights a week with multiple sets, encouraging a deep dive into the music rather than a casual night out. A bar serves Latin American-inspired bites and cocktails, complementing the listening experience without overwhelming it. The crowd tends to be attentive, drawn by the artist-driven programming that blends classic jazz traditions with fresh, innovative sounds. This is a place to settle in, listen closely, and savor the evolving jazz scene in a refined yet approachable environment.