On June 1, 2024, bassist Harish Raghavan led a quintet at The Jazz Gallery, featuring tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, guitarist Lage Lund, pianist Taylor Eigsti, and drummer Kendrick Scott. This performance was part of a two-night engagement on May 31 and June 1, 2024, where Raghavan showcased new compositions he was preparing to record. (jazzgallery.org)
The quintet's lineup was notable for its blend of longstanding collaborations and fresh musical explorations. Raghavan and Smith III have a history of working together, including on Smith's album "Return to Casual" released in 2023. (en.wikipedia.org) Lund and Eigsti have also been frequent collaborators with Raghavan, contributing to the cohesive and dynamic sound of the ensemble.
This engagement at The Jazz Gallery was significant for Raghavan, as it provided a platform to debut new material ahead of recording sessions. The venue's intimate setting allowed for an interactive experience between the musicians and the audience, fostering a creative environment for the quintet's improvisations and explorations.