Six players is a lot of band for a room that seats around sixty, and the front line here pairs Noah Halpern's trumpet against Eden Bareket's baritone saxophone, a combination that gives the arrangements real weight. Vanisha Gould is one of the more distinctive vocalists working downtown right now. If you want the version of New York jazz that happens after most people have gone home, Smalls on a Saturday is it.
What to expect
A cramped basement down a short staircase, with seats close to a low stage and standing room along the wall behind them. Two sets run back to back, and the club typically continues with a late-night jam session after the billed band finishes. Drinks are served throughout and the room is dark and loud with conversation between sets.
Good to know
- Take the 1 to Christopher Street-Sheridan Square; the club is a short walk along West 10th.
- Smalls is a basement with a staircase and no lift, and the space is genuinely tight.
- Admission generally covers both sets, so staying for the second is the better value.
- The club runs a late jam session after billed sets on many nights, which is worth sticking around for.
- Arrive early for a seat; latecomers stand along the back wall.
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Who is in the band?
Chris McCarthy on piano, Vanisha Gould on vocals, Noah Halpern on trumpet, Eden Bareket on baritone saxophone, Sam Minaie on bass and Steven Crammer on drums.
How many sets are there?
Two, starting at 9pm and 10:30pm.
Is it a quartet or a sextet?
The listing URL says quartet but the billed personnel is six players, so it is a sextet.
More this weekend
