Tommy Campbell Sextet
Smalls183 West 10th Street, New York 10014
Drummer Tommy Campbell leads a sextet at Smalls, joined by vocalist Kayla Arthur, trombonist Ron Wilkins, guitarist Donny Sakulprasertying, pianist Daniel Zawel and bassist Gianluca Renzi. The billing makes this a six-piece encounter built around drums, voice, trombone, guitar, piano and bass, presented in Smalls’ basement room, where the audience sits close to the band and the focus stays squarely on the playing. The performance will also be streamed live from the club.
Campbell grew up outside Philadelphia and has built a career as a jazz drummer, educator and bandleader. His official biography identifies regular work with Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, John McLaughlin, The Manhattan Transfer, Kevin Eubanks, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Jordan, Tania Maria and Gary Burton. His music draws together jazz grooves and vocal melodies with influences spanning “BeBop through Ethnic Music, and Hip-Hop,” while his Vocal~Eyes concept grew from his time with The Manhattan Transfer. His site describes his drumming as “intelligent, exciting and stylistically authentic,” and characterizes his live work as “mind-boggling,” with “subtlety” and an “in the pocket” feel.
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.