Billy Hart Quartet
Smoke Jazz Club2751 Broadway, New York 10025
Billy Hart brings his quartet to Smoke Jazz Club: the NEA Jazz Master leads from the drums with Mark Turner on tenor saxophone, Ethan Iverson on piano, and Ben Street on bass. The long-running working group is built around four musicians whose interplay leaves room for detailed individual statements as well as collective momentum.
Hart’s career has connected him with Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Shirley Horn, Jimmy Smith, and Wes Montgomery. His quartet has been called “one of the leading bands in jazz” by The New York Times, while Jazzwise describes its members as “long-time collaborators” and the ensemble as “one of the most respected ensembles in contemporary jazz.” The Detroit Free Press hears “Freedom, discipline, daring, passion, swing, broken rhythm, orchestral textures, interactive sparring, shocking dynamics, astounding creativity and authority” in the group’s music.
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.