BILLY CHILDS TRIO

SMOKE / MAY 13-17

A child prodigy who was steeped in classical music, jazz and popular music, Billy Childs first gained notice for his work with J.J. Johnson, Nat Adderley and Freddie Hubbard in the late 1970s and early 1980s, though before long, he was focused on leading his own band. Billy’s approach to piano reveals a wide-ranging palette, drawing from his many musical interests. A gifted composer and arranger, Billy has been honored with several GRAMMY Awards, in addition to being commissioned to compose extended works by a number of orchestras, including “Labyrinth,” which blended a big band and rhythm section with orchestra. Billy’s recently released Mack Avenue record, Triumvirate, features his regular trio with bassist Matt Penman and drummer Ari Hoenig; they will join him at Smoke.—KD