Sometimes the finest music can happen right under our noses and we don’t even pay attention. You might think that after six straight years of Sundays at Smoke in NYC, I might have taken notice of Chris Washburne and the SYOTOS Band, but I didn’t and it was my loss.

      On a recent December evening, Chris Washburne and the SYOSTOS Band celebrated the release of their brand new Jazzheads CD, Land of Nod. Smoke, one of the top jazz venues in New York, is a distinctive little hub for the jazz elite to strut their stuff, and on this night Chris Washburne and the SYOTOS Band did just that.

      The set opened with "Pink," a Washburne original. The SYOTOS Band clearly moves as one. The communication on the bandstand is out of this world. Drummer Vince Cherico and bassist Leo Traversa held down the fort with an impeccable rhythmic groove. Washburne and tenor player Ole Mathisen provided quality solos that had every foot in the house stomping. This original was followed up by one of the finest versions I have ever heard of Miles Davis’ "Seven Steps to Heaven." With a Latin feel and musicianship that would have even made the temperamental Davis proud, you were not breathing if you were not moving during this rendition. Next up was a traditional folk song titled "Do Not Go to Evening Parties, George," which was Washburnized into a thunderous Latin groove. Pianist Barry Olsen is a key element to this band and a musician to be heard! The first set concluded with a jaw-dropping "Asia Minor," which allowed all of the musicians to stretch out a bit and gave Washburne the opportunity to captivate the audience with his solos and show why he is clearly one of the best trombone players in the mix today.

      I cannot wait to return to one of the coolest jazz clubs in New York, featuring one of the hottest bands in New York. Washburne and SYOTOS are a New York treasure.