On October 23, 2025, the trio of Larry Goldings (Hammond B-3 organ), Peter Bernstein (guitar), and Bill Stewart (drums) reunited at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club in New York City for a memorable performance. This engagement marked a special homecoming, as the trio had first played together at Smoke over 30 years prior. Their October 2025 residency was the culmination of a month-long U.S. tour featuring the music of Wayne Shorter, with plans to record new material for an upcoming Smoke Sessions Records album. (tickets.smokejazz.com)
The setlist showcased the trio's deep musical chemistry and versatility. They opened with Randy Weston's "Hi-Fly," followed by Gary Bartz's "Libra" from their 2022 album Perpetual Pendulum. The performance also included Burt Bacharach's "This Guy's in Love with You" from their 2002 album Sweet Science, and Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Luiza" from their 2014 album Ramshackle Serenade. The evening concluded with an unreleased composition by Bernstein titled "Dissipation Blues," which was recorded for their forthcoming live album. (allaboutjazz.com)
Critics praised the trio's interplay and the evening's musical offerings. An All About Jazz review highlighted the "gorgeous tapestry of sound full of sonic delight" woven by Goldings' lush harmonies and Stewart's rhythmic brushwork. (allaboutjazz.com)
