On March 13, 2025, the Bill Stewart Trio—featuring drummer Bill Stewart, tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, and bassist Larry Grenadier—delivered a compelling performance at New York's Village Vanguard. This engagement was part of a series of shows from March 11 to 16, 2025, marking Stewart's first residency at the iconic venue. (larrygrenadier.com)
The trio's setlist included original compositions by Stewart, such as "Ten Foot Two," "Purple Veil," and "Mynah," alongside Smith's "ACE." These pieces showcase the group's intricate interplay and improvisational prowess. The performance was recorded and released as "Live at the Village Vanguard" by Criss Cross Jazz in April 2025. (crisscrossjazz.com)
This collaboration was notable for its depth, as Stewart and Grenadier had previously worked together in Pat Metheny's trio, contributing to the live album "Trio → Live" in 2000. (en.wikipedia.org) Their longstanding musical relationship, combined with Smith's distinctive tenor saxophone voice, created a dynamic and engaging performance that resonated with both critics and audiences.
Sources
- Live at The Village Vanguard - Criss Cross Jazz: CRISS1424CD - CD or download | Presto Music
- Bill Stewart Trio - "Live at the Village Vanguard" | Birdland
- Upcoming Performances by Larry Grenadier: On Stage in 2025 – LARRY GRENADIER
- Live At The Village Vanguard | Criss Cross Jazz
- Trio → Live | Wikipedia
