NEW YORK, NY (For Release 06.05.25) — Hailed as the “#1 Jazz Club in New York City (SecretNYC),” SMOKE Jazz Club today announced its concert schedule for July 2025. The month kickstarts with an Independence Week celebration of Jazz, America’s national treasure, by presenting the powerhouse septet: The Cookers. An all-star quintet comprised of two leading voices of the tenor saxophone, Wayne Escoffery and Jimmy Greene, will perform works by John Coltrane, a master of American music. Beloved vocalist Jane Monheit will present works by the Great American Songbook. As always, Friday night concerts will be livestreamed! For the complete and most updated July schedule, please visit SMOKEjazz.com.
July 2025 Concert Schedule (subject to change):
Wed-Sun July 2-6 The Cookers
Eddie Henderson – trumpet
David Weiss – trumpet
Donald Harrison – alto saxophone
Azar Lawrence – tenor saxophone
George Cables – piano
Cecil McBee – bass
Billy Hart – drums
“Player for player, there’s no better working band in jazz than The Cookers.” – The Boston Globe
The Cookers are a powerhouse, collaborative septet uniting some of the most revered jazz masters of the past six decades. Legendary figures like Eddie Henderson, Azar Lawrence, Cecil McBee, George Cables, and Billy Hart channel the bold, exploratory spirit of the 1960s—a transformative era they helped shape through their groundbreaking work with some of jazz’s most influential ensembles. Since then, each has emerged as a leading voice in their own right. David Weiss and Donald Harrison are the youngest members of the group, but they share many of the same formative experiences, having worked most notably with Art Blakey, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Tolliver, Roy Haynes, and Herbie Hancock.
The band’s repertoire spans iconic jazz anthems and rare gems from their incredible catalogs. The Los Angeles Times notes, “This hard-hitting septet wears its name like a mission statement. Rich with a mix of classic elegance and exploration, the group might reference the past by name, but it never sounds less than current.” The New York Times calls them “a dream team of forward-leaning hard bop.”
Wed-Sun July 9-13 “The Coltrane Legacy” featuring The Tenor Titans Quintet with Wayne Escoffery and Jimmy Greene
Wayne Escoffery – tenor saxophone
Jimmy Greene – tenor saxophone
Orrin Evans – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Lenny White – drums
Back by popular demand, the Tenor Titans Quintet features two old friends and leading voices of the tenor saxophone: Wayne Escoffery and Jimmy Greene. Escoffery and Greene met while former students and protégés of the great Jackie McLean and have remained close collaborators and mutual inspirations ever since. Their style embodies the passion and fire of McLean’s, as well as the profound influence of John Coltrane, whose music they will celebrate with this group. Jazzwise (UK) calls Greene “without doubt one of the most striking young tenors of recent years,” while The New York Times describes Escoffery as “a powerful, passionate player.” Joining these two powerful saxophonists is an auspicious rhythm section trio with pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Peter Washington, and the legendary drummer Lenny White.
Wed-Sun July 16-20 Jane Monheit
Jane Monheit – vocals
Max Haymer – piano
Neal Miner – bass
Rick Montalbano – drums
“A voice of phenomenal beauty.” – The New York Times
Beloved vocalist Jane Monheit, celebrated for her deep passion for the Great American Songbook, has been at the forefront of jazz singing since she emerged over 20 years ago to wide acclaim. During the ensuing years, she has collaborated with some of the greatest musicians, arrangers, and producers in jazz, including Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Terence Blanchard, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, and many more. All About Jazz writes, “Monheit has great chops, a terrific voice,” while Downbeat adds, “Monheit continues to dazzle.” All About Jazz praises her “great chops” and “terrific voice.” She appears with her outstanding trio: pianist Max Haymer, bassist Neal Miner, and drummer Rick Mantalbano—musicians who match her artistry with sensitivity and swing.
Wed-Sun July 23-27 Jon Faddis Quartet
Jon Faddis – trumpet
David Hazeltine – piano
Kiyoshi Kitagawa – bass
Dion Parson – drums
“Faddis consistently exemplifies an unparalleled range and dazzling technique.” – NPR
Trumpeter Jon Faddis leads an exciting, hard-swinging quartet with pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa, and drummer Dion Parson. Long celebrated for his incredible musicality and technical prowess, Faddis is in the pantheon of the greatest trumpeters in jazz history. Mentored by Dizzy Gillespie early in his career, Faddis absorbed the styles of many of the great trumpeters, forging his own distinctive style and having a similar enduring influence. The New Yorker writes, “Every modern trumpeter since the postwar era has been influenced by Dizzy Gillespie, the musical polymath who practically invented bebop with Charlie Parker. But none has so absorbed his essence as Jon Faddis, who soaked up artfulness at the feet of the master.” JazzTimes says, “Faddis is a remarkably wide-ranging musician.”
Wed-Sun July 30-August 3 Steve Turre All Stars featuring James Carter & ELEW
Steve Turre – trombone & seashells
James Carter – tenor saxophone
ELEW – piano
Peter Washington – bass
Herlin Riley – drums
“In the company of a sharp quintet featuring the saxophonist James Carter, Turre has the perfect platform to strut his multifarious stuff.” – The New Yorker
Steve Turre, the renowned master of the trombone and seashells, leads an incredible all-star quintet featuring special guests James Carter on saxophone and ELEW on piano. Turre’s storied career includes work alongside music legends such as Ray Charles, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and Woody Shaw. A versatile performer and true jazz original, he’s equally at home on everything from swinging classic bop lines to conjuring Rahsaan over a deep groove. Downbeat says, “Few artists ‘own’ their instrument to the degree that trombonist Steve Turre does. Whether playing the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, performing as a member of the Saturday Night Live house band, or with one of his own units, his voice is distinctive and memorable.” His special guests take this group to another level. The Washington Post writes, “To hear saxophonist James Carter is to be blown away,” and The Wall Street Journal declares, “ELEW plays with fire, style, and relentless energy.” Finally, an indispensable rhythm section, featuring bassist Peter Washington and drummer Herlin Riley, completes this exciting ensemble.