The Joshua Smith Quartet
leading a jazz quartet is a natural calling for a modern saxophonist, and for Joshua Smith, it has been a way of life since his teenage years in Cleveland, Ohio, in the mid-1990s. With the saxophone and rhythm section as his trusted companions, Smith has cultivated a dynamic interplay that captures the essence of jazz: swinging, cohesive, and alive with communicative energy. Over the years, he has collaborated with some of the most notable players in jazz, bringing depth and skill to every performance.
Last November, The Joshua Smith Quartet delivered a blistering set to a packed house at the Jazz Museum of New Orleans for the Jazz Foundation of America. Their more recent performance in Oakland, California, electrified the Bay Area, earning rapturous applause from a captivated audience.
The upcoming tour will reunite Smith with three longtime collaborators, each a master in their own right:
Kim Cass (bass): Known for his work with John Zorn, Bill McHenry, and Noah Preminger, Cass brings inimitable energy and precision.
Keigo Hirakawa (piano): An exceptional talent who has performed with Robert Hurst and whose touch on the keys brings life to any tune.
Hamir Atwal (drums): A versatile force in jazz (Tuneyards) with over a decade of history performing alongside Smith.
This quartet promises a performance overflowing with musicality, versatility, and the unbridled communicative power of jazz. Whether reinterpreting standards or delivering Smith’s original compositions, the group strikes a balance between reverence for tradition and bold exploration, appealing to casual listeners and seasoned jazz aficionados alike.
About Joshua Smith
Joshua Smith is a saxophonist whose music bridges worlds. From his roots in Cleveland’s jazz culture to his avant-garde experiments, Smith embodies the spirit of jazz evolution. A co-founder of the avant-jazz trio Birth in 1998, he’s equally at home playing straight-ahead jazz as he is delving into highly refined improvisational landscapes.
Smith’s musical pedigree is undeniable. He’s performed with luminaries like Joe Lovano, experimental innovators such as Nels Cline and Nate Wooley, and creative music giants like Cuong Vu and Ben Goldberg. His collaborations span decades and genres, with a rich history of work in Cleveland, New York, the Bay Area, and his current home in New Orleans.
Joshua spent 16 years in the Bay Area, where he was a core member of The Scott Amendola Quartet and played with a who’s who of the local music scene. Since relocating to New Orleans in 2020, Smith has continued to lead and innovate, performing with New Orleans stalwarts such as Johnny Vidacovich, Papa Mali, and Quinn Sternberg.
Smith’s forthcoming tour with The Joshua Smith Quartet in May 2025 will showcase a cross-section of his musical universe: original works that highlight the breadth of his influences, from the tonal richness of classic jazz to the adventurous spirit of creative improvisation.
Smith’s career is a testament to his versatility and dedication to the craft. Whether leading his quartet, collaborating with legends, or exploring new musical horizons, Joshua Smith remains a saxophone trailblazer and an essential voice in the jazz world.
Tickets are $20 at the door, or online.
Half price for students with valid ID!
Doors open at 7pm, and concert will begin at 8pm.