George Coleman

Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, founded by partners Paul Stache and Molly Sparrow Johnson, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. The club, which opened in April 1999, quickly became a favorite among both musicians and patrons for its intimate atmosphere and great sound.
Paul Stache has a special fondness for tenor saxophone great George Coleman, who led the first band on Smoke's original stage at the opening in 1999. Since then, Smoke has hosted numerous jazz stars and built a reputation as a great place to play.
While jazz clubs often prioritize the music over the food, Chef Molly Sparrow Johnson aims to change that perception at Smoke. The restaurant, which opened in 2005, offers a diverse menu made from scratch. In addition, Smoke opens a sidewalk cafe in the spring and summer, providing a unique dining experience.
Smoke Jazz & Supper Club has faced challenges over the years, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the club has remained resilient, reopening soon after each crisis. George Coleman, a regular performer at Smoke, played a pivotal role in both instances, providing emotional performances that brought hope and healing.
Paul and Molly are committed to supporting the next generation of jazz musicians. They offer low-price tickets to make the music accessible to students and younger audiences. Additionally, they feature multigenerational bands to keep jazz alive and evolving.
In 2013, Paul and Molly founded Smoke Sessions Records as an extension of the club. The record label captures the spirit of live club music, even when recording in the studio. Smoke Sessions Records has released both live and studio recordings of artists who have played at Smoke, ensuring that the music remains vibrant and alive.
To celebrate the club's 25th anniversary, Smoke Sessions Records is releasing a series of live records recorded at Smoke. The first recording, featuring the Charles McPherson Quintet with Terell Stafford, is dedicated to Barry Harris and is set to be released in May.
During the forced closure of Smoke Jazz & Supper Club due to the pandemic, Paul and Molly took the opportunity to remodel the space. The bar was moved to a separate room to add seating capacity, creating a more focused listening room where the music takes center stage.
As Smoke Jazz & Supper Club continues to grow and evolve, Paul and Molly remain dedicated to their mission of supporting and cherishing jazz as an art form. They believe in balancing the need to pay artists and making the music accessible to all. By engaging with younger players and constantly bringing new artists into the room, Smoke Jazz & Supper Club ensures that the music will continue to thrive for years to come.

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