The Roots’ IAN HENDRICKSON-SMITH Quartet

Set Times: 7:30pm-8:30pm; 10:00pm-11:00pm; 11:30pm-12:30am

The ROOTS’ lead saxophonist Ian Hendrickson-Smith is much in demand in the NYC jazz scene for his remarkable tone, soulful approach and blues driven melodies.  He is a full-time member of the house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and travels extensively with The Roots.

Hendrickson-Smith’s extensive recording experience includes 14 releases of jazz albums as a leader. In addition, he’s played on over 100 major label recordings with artists such as: Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Sharon Jones, Celine Dion, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Al Green, Sturgill Simpson and many more.

Ian recently recorded his 15th solo album at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder studio; it is due to be released in 2020. 

Ian is joined by 3 of his favorite musicians — “my dearest friends!” — for this birthday weekend celebration at Black Cat.  All the cats have played together since they met at the famed Manhattan School of Music in NYC and have gone on to play with the greatest jazz musicians in the world. 

Jeremy Manasia (piano) and Ian, havingplayed together since students, developed a highly cohesive sound early on.  Ian says: “it’s been a magic carpet ride ever since!” Affectionately known as “The Tickler”, Manasia captivates audiences with his beautiful touch, hard swing and incredible sense of harmonic adventure. Jeremy currently resides in NYC, teaches at Manhattan School of Music and plays with a slew of top jazz artists including: Javon Jackson, Willie Jones III and many more.

Hans Glavishnig (bass) has also played with Ian since their days at the conservatory.  Expect to hear incredible technical mastery of the upright bass, hard swing and a most supportive, empathetic musician.  “He swings hard!”, exclaims Ian. Hans currently resides between Frankfurt, New York City and San Francisco. He’s worked with a huge list of jazz greats including: David Sanchez, Miguel Zenon and many more.

Charles Ruggiero (drums) is the final member of this incredible jazz trifecta who have played with Ian since school days. Charles and Ian have made countless records together including Ian’s ballad’s album “The Soul Of My Alto” which went to #1 on the national Jazzweek radio charts.   Ian says “Charles possesses a truly unique style that is intangible in it’s hipness, it’s groove and his sensitive and powerful touch!” Charles currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. He’s played with a who’s who of jazz including: Chris Potter, Larry Goldings and many more.

Expect to hear a combination of originals and jazz standards this weekend played by a group of musicians who’ve known and worked together for all their adult lives!. The chemistry is instant. The groove is epic. The smiles constant. The party is on!!  Please join us unless you want be square and miss out.

DOOR POLICY:  Seats are on a first come-first served basis. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive UP TO ONE HOUR BEFORE the set time to enjoy food and drinks.   Guests should arrive AT LEAST 20 MINUTES BEFORE the set time to ensure timely seating. Please book your seat times appropriately to ensure the best seating and a relaxed evening.