Wayne Escoffery with the ELEW Trio

Thu, Apr 02

*PLEASE NOTE: All 6PM and 8PM shows at Smoke are Dinner Shows $25.00 / $40.00 / $50.00 / $55.00 – Wed, Thu, Fri & Sun $25.00 / $50.00 / $60.00 / $65.00 -- Sat Wayne Escoffery – tenor saxophone ELEW – piano Bar Filipowicz – bass David Hawkins – drums “Every time he plays, saxophonist Wayne Escoffery brings a sense memory that includes early days in the church choir in New Haven, Connecticut; the wisdom and watchful eye of the legendary Jackie McLean; time spent with The Mingus Big Band, Ron Carter and Tom Harrell.” –WBGO Acclaimed tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery joins forces with pianist ELEW and the dynamic ELEW Trio for a highly anticipated, high-voltage collaboration. A two-time Grammy Award winner and longtime member of The Mingus Big Band, Escoffery is widely regarded as one of the premier tenor saxophonists of his generation. His sound is commanding yet lyrical, rooted in the hard-bop tradition while exploring modern harmonic territory. One of the most prominent protégés of the great Jackie McLean, Escoffery authentically channels the energy and passion of his formative mentor. All About Jazz says, “Not since the works of bassist Charles Mingus and saxophonist John Coltrane has there been music so charged with emotion and so engulfed in spirituality.” Stereogum adds, “the leader’s playing has thoughtfulness and muscle in equal measure.” ELEW (formerly Eric Lewis) is widely acclaimed for redefining the piano trio format. He is renowned for explosive live performances and daring reinterpretations of contemporary repertoire, infusing them with the raw energy of rock and pop. His percussive attack, sweeping dynamics, and rhythm ingenuity create a sound that is both original and immediately familiar. The Wall Street Journal declares, “ELEW plays with fire, style, and relentless energy.”