Ensemble Newsletter · February 16, 2026
From Jam Sessions to Jazz Royalty
Three essential shows spanning intimate sessions to grand celebrations
This week's jazz offerings range from the communal spirit of an afternoon jam session to the festive energy of Fat Tuesday celebrations. Whether you're drawn to collaborative exploration or polished performance, these three shows capture different facets of what makes NYC's jazz scene perpetually compelling.
Producer Mondays with Ray Angry & The Council of Goldfinger, Dan Weiss, Gilad Hekselman, Thomas Morgan — Nublu (Nublu 151)
Ray Angry's Producer Mondays series continues to push boundaries with a stellar lineup that reads like a who's who of contemporary jazz innovation. With Weiss on drums, Hekselman on guitar, and Morgan on bass, expect genre-blending compositions that challenge traditional jazz frameworks.
Event details →Fat Tuesday with Alphonso Horne and the Gotham Kings — Dizzy's Club
Trumpeter Alphonso Horne brings his Gotham Kings to Lincoln Center for a Fat Tuesday celebration that promises both New Orleans spirit and NYC sophistication. Horne's commanding presence and the band's tight arrangements make for an evening that honors tradition while maintaining contemporary relevance.
Event details →Smalls Afternoon Jam Session Hosted by Andrew Kushnir — Smalls Jazz Club
Andrew Kushnir guides this Friday afternoon session where the unexpected regularly unfolds in Smalls' intimate basement setting. These gatherings often produce the kind of spontaneous musical conversations that remind you why jam sessions remain essential to jazz's DNA.
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