ONE FOR ALL

SMOKE JAZZ CLUB / APRIL 17-20

In the jazz world, the concept of an all-star group dates back to the late ’30s, when Metronome Magazine assembled top players based on reader polls. Since then, the concept has been replicated and popularized with groups like Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, whose torch and spirit have been passed to other all-star collectives, one of whom is the group One for All. In fact, they get their name from the Messengers’ final album. Their lineup currently includes some true all-stars: Eric Alexander, Steve Davis, David Hazeltine, Joe Farnsworth, Jon Webber and for their upcoming Smoke date, the great Jon Faddis. They’ll pay tribute to former member Jim Rotondi, who passed away last year. Formed in 1997 when they were mostly young Turks, these now seasoned veterans have collectively played with a mind-boggling who’s who of jazz. If you want to hear some sizzling hard bop and improvisation performed at the highest level, don’t miss this show!  JZ