Charles McPherson Reverence LP

Legendary alto saxophonist Charles McPherson makes his Smoke Sessions debut with an inspired 2024 album, Reverence, dedicated to his lifelong mentor and friend Barry Harris. These thrilling performances were captured in front of a live audience at Smoke Jazz Club and feature his quintet of Terell Stafford, Jeb Patton, David Wong, and Billy Drummond and represent the first of a series of live recordings scheduled for release to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Smoke Sessions Records and the 25th anniversary of Smoke Jazz Club. McPherson certainly reveals why he's been held in such reverence for the last 60 years. The set is a showcase for McPherson's gifts as both composer and soloist and bridges his deep and far-reaching exploration of the full jazz spectrum.

Over 60 years into his career, McPherson ascended the ranks of jazz master long ago, and finds his own creative voice alongside the work of his idols Harris and Parker. Reverence honors that journey, and McPherson plays with the kind of hard-swinging, cogent improvisational style that echoes their spirit.