On October 3, 2024, at the Village Vanguard, tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III led a captivating performance with his quartet: pianist Jason Moran, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Eric Harland. This ensemble, all hailing from Houston except Rogers, who is from the Virgin Islands, showcased a deep-rooted musical synergy. Their collaboration was highlighted in Smith's 2024 album, Three of Us Are From Houston and Reuben Is Not, released on September 27, 2024. (ccmusic.com) The album features ten original compositions by Smith, including the evocative "Office Party Music," which draws inspiration from the TV series Severance. (bluenote.com) This performance at the Vanguard was a significant event, marking the live debut of material from the album and underscoring the quartet's cohesive and dynamic interplay.
