When living in Chicago, it was not an uncommon weekend occurrence to go out and catch a jazz set at the Bulls, the Gold Star Sardine Bar, Buddy Guy's or the Jazz Showcase. True, with covers and bar minimums they could be expensive evenings for the poor and recently-graduated. But, when you caught an amazing set of improvisational music, it was always worth it.

A lot of our favorite Chicago jazz clubs are now closed and since moving, Beth and I haven't really made the effort to explore the remaining clubs in New York City. We finally decided to jump back into the scene on Saturday night after a six year absence as we headed up to Smoke on the Upper West Side. Crowded yet intimate and elegant, we were lucky to get in without a reservation.

There is just something amazing about live music that's experienced up close and personal and, with Vincent Herring and the Earth Jazz Agents playing we weren't disappointed. A talented quartet with Vincent playing sax and one of the most energetic jazz drummers I’ve seen since Buddy Rich, they put on an excellent show. Cool.