Peter Bernstein Quartet featuring Sullivan Fortner
Smoke Jazz Club2751 Broadway, New York 10025
Peter Bernstein leads a quartet with Sullivan Fortner on piano, Peter Washington on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums. The guitarist’s music is rooted in straight-ahead swing, with harmonic detail and a lyrical line at the core, making this a four-player set built around Bernstein’s distinctive approach to jazz guitar.
Born in New York City, Bernstein has worked across the New York and international jazz scene since 1989. Over more than three decades, he has performed and recorded with Sonny Rollins, Lou Donaldson, Diana Krall, Joshua Redman, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Brad Mehldau, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Cobb and others. His Bandcamp calls him “one of the world’s leading jazz guitarists,” citing a “pure guitar sound and flawless lyricism.” The Guardian hears “a seamless combination of single-line and chordal playing” and says that his “harmonic ingenuity is endless.” All About Jazz writes that his tone and melodic approach are recognizable “in a few bars,” while The Times calls him “a master of straight-ahead swing with submerged complexities.”
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.