Greg Murphy Trio

Wed, Oct 14 | 9 pm Smalls Jazz Club

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About

From Chicago roots to New York jazz royalty, Greg Murphy has carved a path through the world of music, bridging generations with innovation and fearless creativity. A longtime collaborator with Coltrane drummer Rashied Ali, Greg has shared stages with everyone from Ornette Coleman to Carlos Santana. His piano work spans continents and styles, earning him two #1 JazzWeek albums—Bright Idea (2019) and Snap Happy(2025)—plus an Oscar-nominated soundtrack credit. With grooves that stretch from classic to cutting-edge, Greg remains a vital voice in modern jazz.

Obasi Akoto is a veteran double bass player, composer and educator. He is best known for his work with Elvin Jones and Jazz Machine and piano titan Cyrus Chestnut. Obasi has an extensive performance history which includes performances and/or recordings with some of the greatest jazz artists in the world. His notable collaborations include: Warren Wolf, Sean Jones, Tim Green, Aaron Goldberg, Larnell Lewis, Kenny Barron, Stefon Harris, Mulgrew Miller, James Carter, Joe Lovano, Benny Green, Jacky Terrason, Eddie Henderson, Wycliffe Gordon, Wes “Warm Daddy” Anderson, Miguel Zenon, Avishai Cohen, Lester Bowie, John Hicks, Steve Turre, Lewis Nash, Jimmy Green, George Colligan, Jon Gordon, Herlin Riley, Anat Cohen, Regina Carter, Greg Tardy, Houston Person, Marcus Printup, Joel Ross and Terreon Gully.

In addition to his busy performing career, Obasi holds a Master’s Degree in Jazz Composition from The Manhattan School of music. His passion for education is evident in his involvement with various jazz outreach programs, including the Carnegie Hall Jazz Outreach Program and Lincoln Center Jazz Educators. He has also taught many prestigious music camps and worked with organizations promoting jazz education in schools.

Obasi's dedication to his craft extends to his work as a composer and orchestrator. He has released multiple recordings, including his first full-length orchestral recording entitled “All Over The Map,” which features his original compositions. Described as “impassioned and transformative” the album showcases his compelling and creative skills as a composer and a performer.

After 15 years of teaching on the college level, Obasi is back to performing and composing full time, most notably with his new ensemble SPARX! an exceptional group of seasoned professionals, featuring Sean Jones on trumpet, Warren Wolf on vibes, Tim Green on alto sax, Zach Brock on violin, Aaron Goldberg on piano and Alon Banjamini on drums, whose collective talent transcends boundaries. This ensemble is the culmination of countless performances, where the paths of the musicians intersected, creating and undeniable chemistry and cohesion.

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Smalls Jazz Club

183 West 10th Street West Village