#1 Jazz Club in New York City
—SecretNYC
Hailed as the “#1 Jazz Club in New York City (SecretNYC),” SMOKE Jazz Club today announced an exciting line-up for the month of May 2026. Three powerhouse artists celebrate their respective record releases: Steve Wilson Enduring Sonance, Jeremy Pelt Our Community Will Not Be Erased, and Billy Childs Triumvirate. Coinciding with Miles Davis’s May 26th birthday, SMOKE continues its annual Miles Davis Celebration with a 2026 Centennial concert series. A very special group of Davis’s former bandmates and mentees convene to reflect on Miles’s impact: NEA Jazz Masters Gary Bartz and Billy Hart, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, and more. For the most updated May schedule, please visit SMOKEjazz.com. As always, all Friday night concerts are livestreamed!
Joe Locke – vibraphone
Renee Rosnes – piano
Jay Anderson – bass
Kendrick Scott – drums
“Wilson has the rare ability to say more with less and to let the space between each note breathe and resonate.” —The San Diego Tribune
Beloved saxophonist Steve Wilson makes his debut at SMOKE Jazz Club as a bandleader with a brilliant quintet celebrating the release of his new masterpiece, Enduring Sonance (tbr 05.01.26 SMOKE Sessions Records), where he also convened vibraphonist Joe Locke, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Jay Anderson, and drummer Kendrick Scott for a deeply personal and illuminating program. In celebration of the new album, JazzTimes will present the Friday shows (05.01.26) as complimentary livestreams on JazzTimes.com.
Wilson brings that same clarity, artistry, and depth to Enduring Sonance, a collection of compositions that have resonated across his life—from standards to contemporary compositions, all interpreted with his distinctive voice. From Billy Childs, George Cables, and Eliane Elias, to Quincy Jones, Gino Vannelli, and Milton Nascimento, this quintet and the selections from Enduring Sonance are full of surprises.
One of jazz’s most lyrical voices, Wilson has performed and recorded with luminaries including Chick Corea, Dave Holland, Maria Schneider, Billy Childs, and Dianne Reeves. His career has been celebrated in DownBeat Critics and Readers Polls, as well as by the Jazz Journalists Association over several years. His versatility as a player—from alto and soprano saxophone to flute—has made him one of the most respected collaborators in the studio and on bandstands. The Wall Street Journal reports, “Mr. Wilson is essential to this city’s jazz landscape.”
Orrin Evans – piano
Buster Williams – bass
Lenny White – drums
“Pelt is a technical marvel. He executes intricate solos with ease, plays gorgeous ballads in a tasteful manner, and never lacks flair or sensitivity.” —JazzTimes
Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt leads an incredible all-star quartet featuring pianist Orrin Evans and two living legends: bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White, performing music from Pelt’s latest release Our Community Will Not Be Erased (HighNote). One of the leading trumpet voices of his generation, Pelt’s approach and style place him firmly in the tradition of jazz giants like Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard, while pushing the boundaries of modern jazz.
His new album, featuring this band, Pelt says is “profoundly a recording of love." Burning Ambulance aptly describes Pelt as being on “an extended journey, capturing snapshots along the way,” urging jazz fans to join him on this musical adventure. JazzTimes adds, “Pelt has amassed a body of work that’s imbued with electricity — even when electric instruments aren’t present.”
Matt Penman – bass
Ari Hoenig – drums
“One of the most critically acclaimed pianists in modern jazz.” —All About Jazz
Renowned pianist and composer Billy Childs performs the music for his new album, Triumvirate (Mack Avenue Records), his first trio recording in 25 years. This exciting new release harnesses the energy and creative prowess of his touring group — bassist Matt Penman and drummer Ari Hoenig — who appear with him here.
A native of Los Angeles, Childs grew up immersed in jazz, classical, and popular music influences, which he blends in a powerful and personal compositional and performing voice. A child prodigy who started performing at age six and studying at USC at 16, he was “discovered” by trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard, with whom he embarked on a successful performing and recording tour.
He also recorded and performed with several other influential jazz musicians, including J.J. Johnson, Joe Henderson, Wynton Marsalis, Jack DeJohnette, and Dave Holland, among many others, and with such varied artists as Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, Renee Fleming, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet.
Downbeat reports, “The same creative spirit that’s propelled him from the bands of bop giants as a twenty-something side-player to a composer renowned throughout concert halls and across jazz festival stages remains unhampered.” The Los Angeles Times adds, “As a pianist, he possesses the improvisatory skills and powerful sense of swing one associates with world-class artists… Childs is an inventive composer and arranger whose effort in those areas consistently expand the dimensions of the jazz genre—and beyond.”
Chico Pinheiro – guitar
Rogério Boccato – percussion
“[Luciana Souza] continues her captivating journey as a uniquely talented vocalist who organically crosses genre borders.” —Billboard
Marking her SMOKE Jazz Club debut, Grammy-winning vocalist Luciana Souza joins guitarist ChicoPinheiro and percussionist Rogerio Boccato in a captivating, intimate trio exploring Brazilian music, jazz improvisation, and lyrical storytelling. Born in São Paulo to a family of Bossa Nova innovators, Souza has released more than a dozen critically acclaimed recordings, receiving multiple Grammy nominations, and has collaborated with Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Bobby McFerrin. Entertainment Weekly notes that her performances trace “a landscape of emotion that knows no boundaries.” Souza “uses her voice as an instrument of empathy and intimacy, cultural linkage and poetic disquisition… singing wordlessly but with full expressive intent,” writes The New York Times, bringing profound depth to every note and transforming each performance into a storytelling journey that is both personal and universal.
Gary Bartz – alto saxophone
Billy Hart – drums
“Miles Davis was the artist who defined jazz for me, and who, in his own way, defined American music in the 20th century.” —Quincy Jones
A very special group—with numerous connections to the great Miles Davis—convenes for the 2026 edition of our Miles Davis Festival, celebrating his life and music, as well as his Centennial — Davis was born on May 26, 1926. The five-night festival features a powerhouse acoustic quintet featuring trumpeter Eddie Henderson—praised by DownBeat as “a masterful improviser with a deeply expressive voice”—and alto saxophonist Gary Bartz, whom Connecticut Public Radio hailed as “one of the music’s all-time great alto saxophonists,” and drum legend Billy Hart, described by The Guardian as “one of the great modern jazz drummers.”
Each also has personal connections to Miles: NEA Jazz Masters Bartz and Hart appeared, in the 1970s, on his groundbreaking albums Live-Evil and On the Corner, respectively, while Henderson often credits his remarkable career in music to advice and encouragement from Miles, a close friend of his parents. In fact, Davis stayed with the Hendersons in 1958 and took a young Eddie Henderson, still in high school, with him to the gig where he heard Miles’ sextet with John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. It was a decisive moment for Henderson, and the rest is history.
Every Wednesday-Sunday @ 6:00 p.m. + 8:00 p.m. and an additional 10:00 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
212-864-6662
In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations, visit our website.
MAY 2026 @ SMOKE Jazz Club
Wed-Sun Apr 29-May 3 STEVE WILSON QUINTET ENDURING SONANCE Record Release
Steve Wilson – alto & soprano saxophone, fluteJoe Locke – vibraphone
Renee Rosnes – piano
Jay Anderson – bass
Kendrick Scott – drums
“Wilson has the rare ability to say more with less and to let the space between each note breathe and resonate.” —The San Diego Tribune
Beloved saxophonist Steve Wilson makes his debut at SMOKE Jazz Club as a bandleader with a brilliant quintet celebrating the release of his new masterpiece, Enduring Sonance (tbr 05.01.26 SMOKE Sessions Records), where he also convened vibraphonist Joe Locke, pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Jay Anderson, and drummer Kendrick Scott for a deeply personal and illuminating program. In celebration of the new album, JazzTimes will present the Friday shows (05.01.26) as complimentary livestreams on JazzTimes.com.
Wilson brings that same clarity, artistry, and depth to Enduring Sonance, a collection of compositions that have resonated across his life—from standards to contemporary compositions, all interpreted with his distinctive voice. From Billy Childs, George Cables, and Eliane Elias, to Quincy Jones, Gino Vannelli, and Milton Nascimento, this quintet and the selections from Enduring Sonance are full of surprises.
One of jazz’s most lyrical voices, Wilson has performed and recorded with luminaries including Chick Corea, Dave Holland, Maria Schneider, Billy Childs, and Dianne Reeves. His career has been celebrated in DownBeat Critics and Readers Polls, as well as by the Jazz Journalists Association over several years. His versatility as a player—from alto and soprano saxophone to flute—has made him one of the most respected collaborators in the studio and on bandstands. The Wall Street Journal reports, “Mr. Wilson is essential to this city’s jazz landscape.”
Wed-Sun May 6-10 JEREMY PELT QUARTET featuring BUSTER WILLIAMS AND LENNY WHITE Record Release
Jeremy Pelt – trumpetOrrin Evans – piano
Buster Williams – bass
Lenny White – drums
“Pelt is a technical marvel. He executes intricate solos with ease, plays gorgeous ballads in a tasteful manner, and never lacks flair or sensitivity.” —JazzTimes
Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt leads an incredible all-star quartet featuring pianist Orrin Evans and two living legends: bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White, performing music from Pelt’s latest release Our Community Will Not Be Erased (HighNote). One of the leading trumpet voices of his generation, Pelt’s approach and style place him firmly in the tradition of jazz giants like Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard, while pushing the boundaries of modern jazz.
His new album, featuring this band, Pelt says is “profoundly a recording of love." Burning Ambulance aptly describes Pelt as being on “an extended journey, capturing snapshots along the way,” urging jazz fans to join him on this musical adventure. JazzTimes adds, “Pelt has amassed a body of work that’s imbued with electricity — even when electric instruments aren’t present.”
Wed-Sun May 13-17 BILLY CHILDS TRIO Record Release
Billy Childs – pianoMatt Penman – bass
Ari Hoenig – drums
“One of the most critically acclaimed pianists in modern jazz.” —All About Jazz
Renowned pianist and composer Billy Childs performs the music for his new album, Triumvirate (Mack Avenue Records), his first trio recording in 25 years. This exciting new release harnesses the energy and creative prowess of his touring group — bassist Matt Penman and drummer Ari Hoenig — who appear with him here.
A native of Los Angeles, Childs grew up immersed in jazz, classical, and popular music influences, which he blends in a powerful and personal compositional and performing voice. A child prodigy who started performing at age six and studying at USC at 16, he was “discovered” by trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard, with whom he embarked on a successful performing and recording tour.
He also recorded and performed with several other influential jazz musicians, including J.J. Johnson, Joe Henderson, Wynton Marsalis, Jack DeJohnette, and Dave Holland, among many others, and with such varied artists as Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, Renee Fleming, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet.
Downbeat reports, “The same creative spirit that’s propelled him from the bands of bop giants as a twenty-something side-player to a composer renowned throughout concert halls and across jazz festival stages remains unhampered.” The Los Angeles Times adds, “As a pianist, he possesses the improvisatory skills and powerful sense of swing one associates with world-class artists… Childs is an inventive composer and arranger whose effort in those areas consistently expand the dimensions of the jazz genre—and beyond.”
Wed-Sun May 20-24 LUCIANA SOUZA SMOKE debut
Luciana Souza – vocalsChico Pinheiro – guitar
Rogério Boccato – percussion
“[Luciana Souza] continues her captivating journey as a uniquely talented vocalist who organically crosses genre borders.” —Billboard
Marking her SMOKE Jazz Club debut, Grammy-winning vocalist Luciana Souza joins guitarist ChicoPinheiro and percussionist Rogerio Boccato in a captivating, intimate trio exploring Brazilian music, jazz improvisation, and lyrical storytelling. Born in São Paulo to a family of Bossa Nova innovators, Souza has released more than a dozen critically acclaimed recordings, receiving multiple Grammy nominations, and has collaborated with Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Bobby McFerrin. Entertainment Weekly notes that her performances trace “a landscape of emotion that knows no boundaries.” Souza “uses her voice as an instrument of empathy and intimacy, cultural linkage and poetic disquisition… singing wordlessly but with full expressive intent,” writes The New York Times, bringing profound depth to every note and transforming each performance into a storytelling journey that is both personal and universal.
Wed-Sun May 27-31 MILES DAVIS 100TH CELEBRATION WITH THE EDDIE HENDERSON QUINTET featuring GARY BARTZ AND BILLY HART
Eddie Henderson – trumpetGary Bartz – alto saxophone
Billy Hart – drums
“Miles Davis was the artist who defined jazz for me, and who, in his own way, defined American music in the 20th century.” —Quincy Jones
A very special group—with numerous connections to the great Miles Davis—convenes for the 2026 edition of our Miles Davis Festival, celebrating his life and music, as well as his Centennial — Davis was born on May 26, 1926. The five-night festival features a powerhouse acoustic quintet featuring trumpeter Eddie Henderson—praised by DownBeat as “a masterful improviser with a deeply expressive voice”—and alto saxophonist Gary Bartz, whom Connecticut Public Radio hailed as “one of the music’s all-time great alto saxophonists,” and drum legend Billy Hart, described by The Guardian as “one of the great modern jazz drummers.”
Each also has personal connections to Miles: NEA Jazz Masters Bartz and Hart appeared, in the 1970s, on his groundbreaking albums Live-Evil and On the Corner, respectively, while Henderson often credits his remarkable career in music to advice and encouragement from Miles, a close friend of his parents. In fact, Davis stayed with the Hendersons in 1958 and took a young Eddie Henderson, still in high school, with him to the gig where he heard Miles’ sextet with John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. It was a decisive moment for Henderson, and the rest is history.
About SMOKE
Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at the junction of Broadway and 106th Street (aka Duke Ellington Boulevard), Smoke Jazz Club is one of New York City’s premier live music venues. Renowned for offering top-notch programming of accessible, timeless jazz featuring legendary performers, modern masters and rising stars, Smoke stands apart with its candlelit dining room, stellar acoustics, and classic American cuisine. Founded in 1999, SMOKE also boasts a GRAMMY-nominated label, Smoke Sessions Records, and a celebrated streaming concert series, Smoke Screens.Every Wednesday-Sunday @ 6:00 p.m. + 8:00 p.m. and an additional 10:00 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
2751 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
212-864-6662
In-Person $25-$60. Livestream $15. For more information and to make reservations, visit our website.
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