COLTRANE FESTIVAL: “Tenor Titans” Wayne Escoffery / Jimmy Greene / Ron Blake featuring Orrin Evans, Buster Williams and Lenny White

Thu, Jan 02

*PLEASE NOTE: All 7PM and 9PM shows at Smoke are Dinner Shows $35|$40|$50|$55 Jimmy Greene – tenor saxophone Wayne Escoffery – tenor saxophone (Thu - Sat) Ron Blake – tenor saxophone (Sun only) Orrin Evans – piano Buster Williams – bass Lenny White – drums The year begins as 2024 ended with the Countdown 2025 Coltrane Festival Countdown 2025, the final week! The “Tenor Titans” quintet features three incredible tenor saxophonists: Jimmy Greene, Wayne Escoffery, and Ron Blake. Greene and Escoffery are both former students and protégés of the great Jackie McLean. Their playing embodies his passion and fire, as well as the profound influence of John Coltrane. 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.” The great Ron Blake makes a special appearance, replacing Escoffery on Sunday. The BBC says his "superb tone is a refined, expressive, muscular voice." Joining these powerful saxophonists is an inspired rhythm section featuring pianist Orrin Evans and a pair of music legends: bassist Buster Williams and drummer Lenny White.