Tom Dempsey/Tim Ferguson Quartet
Smalls183 West 10th Street, New York 10014
Tom Dempsey and Tim Ferguson bring their quartet to Smalls for two sets, with Dempsey on guitar, Ferguson on bass, Chris Byars on tenor saxophone and Eliot Zigmund on drums.
New York jazz artist Dempsey and NYC-area bassist Ferguson co-lead a group whose repertoire has included originals, standards and Jim Hall tributes. A reviewer called an earlier Smalls performance “beautifully-programmed” and praised Dempsey as “a commanding, front-line soloist.”
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.