Brandon Lee Quintet
Smalls183 West 10th Street, New York 10014
Brandon Lee brings his quintet to Smalls for the later set of a two-set Friday night bill. Lee plays trumpet, joined by Willie Applewhite on trombone, Martha Kato on piano, Clovis Nicolas on bass, and Jimmy Macbride on drums. The group follows an earlier set the same evening, with the performance also streamed live from the club.
Lee is presented here leading a working five-piece built around trumpet and trombone, with piano, bass, and drums supplying the rhythm section. Applewhite, Kato, Nicolas, and Macbride make up the announced band for this date. No further biographical information or critical commentary about the group was provided with the listing.
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.