Legendary saxophonist George Coleman and his band set the standard at midtown’s newest jazz club, The Pocket, on July 17 — and the bar is high. The 91-year-old saxophonist, who performed on seminal works by Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, showed audiences that there is still a lot to be said on the classics, pushing the boundaries of standard tunes by artists like Wes Montgomery and the late Sonny Rollins in new directions to kick off the group’s weekend run.
The Pocket serves as a “spiritual successor” to the now-closed Jazz Standard club, previously a fixture of the NYC jazz scene, said co-owner Martin Porter at the Friday performance on July 17. Porter and fellow owner Grant Gardner, who both have an extensive background in music and hospitality, built the new club from the ground up, transforming the unfinished basement of the Muse Hotel that had previously been used as a gym and storage facility, into the elegant hub for live music it is today.
Coleman’s performance lands on the heels of The Pocket’s sixth week in operation. Coleman was joined by pianist Steve Myerson, bassist John Webber, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and his son, George Coleman Jr. on drums. Coleman didn’t have a lot of words to say to the intimate and enthusiastic audience last Friday, letting the music speak for itself. The group’s selection of tunes were familiar — popular even, including tunes like Wes Montgomery’s “Road Song,” and Carmichael/Washington’s “The Nearness of You,” and the arrangements were traditional, swinging hard. Each player kept the tunes interesting, allowing their unique voices to shine and often prompting smiles from the bandleader as he sat listening to some of New York’s finest in between ripping solos. At his age, Coleman illustrates a mastery of the instrument only possible through decades of experience, coming alive with the music. “Playing with George Coleman is always a challenge,” said his son after the performance. “He doesn’t call keys or tunes; he knows how to keep you on your toes.” After the show, Coleman was on hand to say hello to fans who were enamored and grateful to spend a moment with the jazz legend who has contributed so much to the genre.
The Pocket has lots of exciting programming coming up, including weekly residencies with the Mingus Big Band and Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Students can receive 50% off at the door with a student ID for late shows. You can find out more info and stay up to date at thepocketnyc.com.
