THE ANDY STATMAN TRIO
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Andy Statman brings his trio to Barbès with Larry Eagle on drums, Jim Whitney on bass, and Statman on clarinet and mandolin. The set draws from Hasidic melodies, folk tunes from both old and new worlds, and free improvisation informed by Albert Ayler, tracing a personal route between inherited material and open-ended exploration.
Statman began in the 1970s as a virtuoso mandolinist, studying and performing with David Grisman before taking up clarinet studies with the legendary Dave Tarras. He became one of the main architects of the klezmer revival that began 30 years ago, a movement the listing says has gone on to inform folk, jazz, and improvised music. His work brings those sources into conversation rather than keeping them in separate compartments: Hasidic melody, folk repertoire, and Ayler-influenced free improv are all part of the language. The result, as the venue puts it, is “a very personal search for the sacred” grounded in both tradition and introspection.
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.