Smoke Jazz Club Celebrates 26 Years of Improvised Music and legendary Performances
New York City’s iconic Smoke Jazz Club is ringing in its 26th year in 2025, a remarkable milestone in an industry where many venues come and go within a few years. Founded by Paul Stache in 1999, the club has become a cornerstone of the city’s jazz scene, attracting both legendary musicians and a loyal audience.
Stache attributes the club’s longevity to staying true to its roots. “It’s improvised music. And I think that ultimately it’s what I enjoy. That’s the perk that I have,booking the club,and ultimately what people are looking for. I think that there is a very loyal, regular customer base that comes to hear music,” he says.
A Legacy of Legends
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when Stache opened Smoke in 1999,he was just 25 years old. Inspired by his father’s love of jazz and a deep record collection, he sought to create a space where the music he cherished could thrive. “I realized that many of these legendary players that I used to listen to growing up now live in New York,” Stache recalls. early bookings included jazz greats like Benny Golson, George Coleman, and Harold Mabern, setting a high standard for the club.
Over the years, Smoke has become a magnet for world-class talent. “when you have George Coleman and Harold Mabern open the club in 1999, you set a standard and a bar pretty high in terms of what’s presented,” Stache notes. The club’s ability to attract such luminaries has cemented its reputation as a premier jazz venue.
The New York Advantage
Stache credits New York City’s deep pool of talent as a key factor in Smoke’s success.“The New York musician pool is just so deep,and there’s a lot of talent here,” he says. This abundance of talent has allowed the club to consistently deliver high-quality performances, from legendary heart boppers to emerging artists.
Despite the challenges of running a jazz club, Stache has resisted expanding to other locations. “People ask me, ‘Why don’t you open up another Smoke somewhere else?’ I say, ‘You know what, it’ll be hard to do.’” For Stache, the magic of Smoke lies in its connection to new York’s vibrant jazz community.
A Quarter Century of Evolution
Over its 25-year history, Smoke has evolved alongside the jazz scene. Stache reflects on the changes he’s witnessed, from the rise of new talent to shifting audience preferences. yet,the club’s commitment to great music has remained constant. “For me, the primary thing is it’s got to be great music,” Stache emphasizes.
This dedication has fostered a loyal following. “There’s a certain audience that has an aesthetic that comes to Smoke,” Stache explains. By balancing audience preferences with his own musical standards, Stache has created a space where both artists and listeners feel at home.
Looking Ahead
As Smoke enters its 26th year, Stache remains focused on maintaining the club’s legacy. “I try to make the tent as big as I can,” he says, ensuring that Smoke continues to showcase a diverse range of jazz styles.
For jazz enthusiasts, Smoke is more than a club—it’s a cultural institution. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor,the club offers an unparalleled experience of live,improvised music.| Key Highlights of Smoke Jazz Club |
|—————————————|
| Founded: 1999 |
| Founder/Owner: Paul Stache |
| Location: New York City |
| Specialty: Improvised jazz music |
| Notable Performers: Benny Golson, george Coleman, Harold mabern |
As Smoke continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of jazz and the vision of one man who dared to dream big. For more facts on upcoming performances, visit the official Smoke Jazz Club website.
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This article is based on an interview with Paul Stache, founder of Smoke Jazz club, and highlights the club’s remarkable journey over the past 25 years.
The Hudson Valley Jazz Exodus: How New York’s Rising Costs Are Reshaping the Music Scene
The Hudson Valley has become an unexpected haven for some of New York’s most celebrated jazz musicians. As the cost of living in the city continues to soar, artists like Dave Holland, Al Foster, and Joe Lovano have relocated to this scenic region, creating a ripple effect on the city’s jazz scene.
“It seems like half the new York jazz scene lives in the Hudson Valley,” says Lorenzo Tujá, a prominent figure in the jazz community. “The city has become unaffordable, and that’s definitely having an effect.”
This migration isn’t just a personal choice for these musicians—it’s reshaping the way jazz is presented and experienced. Venues like Smoke Jazz Club, a staple in New york’s jazz landscape, are feeling the impact. “I find myself now more so than ever, not just being a presenter, but also being a travel agent,” Tujá adds.
Smoke Jazz Club: A Launchpad for Legends
For over two decades, Smoke Jazz Club has been a cornerstone of New York’s jazz scene, nurturing emerging talent and hosting legendary performers. “I’m a fan of music; I don’t consider myself as somebody who is trying to discover artists,” says Stache, the club’s owner. “I try to provide a venue that allows music to flourish and artists to develop their music.”
The club has been instrumental in the careers of artists like Emmet Cohen, who started performing at Smoke as a young musician and has since become a celebrated figure in jazz. “It’s been a lot of fun really seeing him grow into the musician he is now,” Stache reflects.
Another standout is Gregory Porter, whose rise to stardom began with a residency at Smoke. “I remember meeting his manager Paul Ewing before too many people realized how incredibly talented Gregory Porter is,” Stache recalls. “He handed me a CD, and I said, ‘I usually don’t hire artists off a CD.’ But Paul insisted that I check it out. So, I did.”
Porter’s residency lasted two to three years, cementing his place in the jazz world.Today, he’s a global sensation, and Smoke remains a proud part of his journey.
The Intimacy of Smoke
One of the key reasons artists are drawn to Smoke is the intimacy of the venue. “even though we’re a little bit bigger now, we’re an 80-seat house without a real green room,” Stache explains. “It’s a space where musicians can connect deeply with their audience.”
This closeness has attracted icons like Brandford Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, and Dave Holland, who have all graced the club’s stage. “We’ve been very lucky in the sense of what we’ve been able to present,” Stache says. “It’s a labor of love.”
the Future of Jazz in New York
As more musicians move to the Hudson Valley, the dynamics of New York’s jazz scene are shifting. Venues like Smoke are adapting, but the challenge of maintaining a vibrant jazz community in an increasingly expensive city remains.
“Building on a neighborhood and audience and a community and a New York crowd is what’s worked for us,” Stache notes. “But I would be remiss if I would not give much of that credit to some of the phenomenal musicians that come through here.”
| Key Highlights | Details |
|—————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Hudson Valley Migration | Jazz musicians like Dave Holland and Joe Lovano are relocating due to costs.|
| Smoke Jazz Club’s Role | A launchpad for artists like Emmet Cohen and Gregory Porter. |
| Venue Intimacy | An 80-seat house that fosters deep artist-audience connections. |
| Recent Performers | Brandford Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, and Ravi Coltrane. |
The story of Smoke Jazz club and the Hudson Valley exodus is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the jazz community. As artists and venues navigate these changes, one thing remains clear: the love for jazz continues to thrive, whether in the heart of new York or the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley.
What’s your take on the evolving jazz scene? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
The Intimate Magic of Music Venues: Where Artists and Audiences Connect
There’s something undeniably special about a music venue that feels like home. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the atmosphere, the connection, and the shared energy between artists and audiences. One such venue, described by its passionate owner, embodies this ethos perfectly.
“It’s all sort of intermingled with the audience,” the owner explains. “So it’s the feedback that I think that the artists get from the audience is a little bit more immediate and a little bit warmer and a little bit more intimate here than in some other venues.”
this intimacy is no accident. During set breaks, artists don’t retreat to green rooms or private spaces. Rather,they mingle with the audience in the lounge next door,creating a sense of community that’s rare in larger,more impersonal venues. “It’s an intimate feel,” the owner notes. “I think that has something to do with it.”
A Commitment to Excellence
The venue’s dedication to quality extends beyond the music. The owner, who describes himself as a perfectionist, has high standards for every detail. “I have a high standard for what a music venue should look and smell,” he says. This attention to detail ensures that every performance is presented in the best possible light.
For example, when hosting legendary jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, the venue ensures that only the finest piano is on stage. Similarly, when bassist Ron Carter performs, the sound system is meticulously calibrated to match his unparalleled talent. “If you’re going to present Brad Mehldau, you better make sure that you have the best piano up there that you can find. And Ron Carter, you better make sure that that bass has the sound system to play through, that it sounds as great as Ron Carter sounds.”
The Heartbeat of the Venue
The venue’s commitment to excellence isn’t just about the artists—it’s about the audience, too. “The audience that comes through here, it’s their life,” the owner reflects. “They practice hours a day.They play music all the time.So, if you’re going to present them in a room, make sure that it looks right and it sounds right.”
This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the venue, from the carefully curated microphone collection to the expertise of the sound engineers. “I think artists appreciate it if you have a microphone collection and a sound system and a sound engineer that care,” the owner says.
A Table of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Intimacy | Artists mingle with the audience during breaks, creating a warm, communal vibe. |
| attention to Detail | high standards for instruments, sound systems, and overall presentation. |
| Audience Connection | A space designed for music lovers who live and breathe the art form. |
| perfectionist Approach| A commitment to ensuring every performance is flawless. |
Why This Venue Stands Out
What sets this venue apart is its unwavering dedication to creating an environment where music thrives. It’s not just a place to perform—it’s a place to connect, to feel, and to experience music in its purest form.
For artists, it’s a sanctuary. For audiences, it’s a haven. And for the owner,it’s a labor of love. “we’re a little bit of perfectionists in a way,” he admits. “If you’re going to present them in a room, make sure that it looks right and it sounds right.”
This is more than a music venue—it’s a party of the art form, a space where every note matters, and every detail is crafted with care.
Experience the magic for yourself. Discover more about this unique venue and its upcoming performances here.
Mself as a “fan of music” rather than a discoverer of artists, emphasizes the importance of creating a space where music can flourish. “I try to provide a venue that allows music to flourish and artists to develop their music,” he says. this philosophy has made the venue a beloved institution in the jazz community, attracting both emerging talent and established legends.
Artists Who’ve Graced the Stage
Over the years, the venue has hosted a who’s who of jazz greats. From Brad Mehldau and Brandford Marsalis to Ravi Coltrane, the stage has seen some of the most influential names in the genre. These performances are not just concerts—they’re experiences that leave a lasting impression on both the artists and the audience.
“We’ve been very lucky in the sense of what we’ve been able to present,” the owner reflects. “It’s a labor of love.” This love is evident in every detail, from the carefully curated lineup to the warm, inviting atmosphere that makes everyone feel like they’re part of something special.
The Challenges of a Changing Landscape
Despite its success, the venue is not immune to the challenges facing the jazz community. The rising cost of living in New York City has led many musicians to relocate to more affordable areas like the Hudson Valley. This migration is reshaping the jazz scene, forcing venues to adapt to new realities.
“Building on a neighborhood and audience and a community and a New York crowd is what’s worked for us,” the owner says. “But I would be remiss if I would not give much of that credit to some of the phenomenal musicians that come through here.”
Looking Ahead
As the jazz scene continues to evolve, venues like this one remain committed to preserving the essence of what makes jazz so special: the connection between artists and audiences. Weather in the heart of New York City or the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, the love for jazz endures.
“It’s all about the music,” the owner concludes. “And as long as there are people who love it, we’ll keep doing what we do.”
What’s your take on the evolving jazz scene? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
