Colin Stranahan Quintet
Smalls183 West 10th Street, New York 10014
Drummer Colin Stranahan leads a quintet with Tom Gershwin on trumpet, Mike Bjella on tenor saxophone, Perry Smith on guitar and David Ambrosio on bass.
Born in Denver, Stranahan was active on that city’s scene as a teenager. The New York Times called him “an observant ensemble player,” praising his “acuity of perception” and “maturity of his taste,” and described his trio with pianist Glenn Zaleski and bassist Rick Rosato as an ensemble honing its signature sound.
Smalls is a basement jazz club where the music feels immediate and unfiltered, with the stage just a few feet from the audience. The room is compact, with simple seating that encourages close listening, and a bar that serves drinks but no full kitchen, so the focus stays on the performances. Shows typically feature multiple sets, often extending late into the night with jam sessions that invite spontaneous creativity. The club’s walls are adorned with photos and memorabilia that reflect its deep roots in New York’s jazz scene. The audience is there to listen intently, creating a shared experience where every note can be savored. Expect an evening where the energy of live jazz is palpable and the musicians’ passion fills the intimate space.