Alexander Claffy Quintet - Live Recording: “Live in Philly at Chris’ Jazz Cafe”

Fri, Mar 7, 2025
Sat, Mar 8, 2025

Alexander Claffy Quintet - Live Recording: “Live in Philly at Chris’ Jazz Cafe”

At age 32, bassist Alex Claffy has become one of the most in-demand performers of his generation, both as a sideman working with the biggest names in Jazz and Popular music, and also as a bandleader, composer and producer having just released his fourth album as a leader “Music From Big Orange” in late 2022 with another record on the way ft. Michael “Sonny Step” Stephenson in early 2023. Living in New York City but born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Claffy is the next great Jazz artist in his hometown’s storied lineage, following in the footsteps of Philadelphia bass luminaries such as Christian McBride, Percy Heath and Jimmy Garrison. His resumé as a sideman reads as a veritable who’s who of Jazz royalty, ranging from Jazz masters such as George Coleman, Harold Mabern, Randy Brecker, Jimmy Cobb, George Cables, Wallace Roney, Mike LeDonne, Fred Hersch, Victor Lewis, and Louis Hayes, to the top stars of today such as Nicholas Payton, Christian Adjtunde Adjuah, Kevin Hays, Aaron Parks, Seamus Blake and Kurt Rosenwinkel - the latter of which he’s appeared with three times at Village Vanguard since the Summer of 2022. His work in more Pop settings with the likes of trumpet icon Chris Botti, the genre-bending songstress Veronica Swift and breakout Hamilton star vocalist Leslie Odom Jr. prove his versatility as a bassist and musician know no bounds. When he’s not touring the world headlining major Jazz festivals and clubs, Claffy can be found in any of the top venues in New York City’s decorated Jazz scene such as Birdland, the Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, SMOKE and Smalls, as well as frequent trips back to Philadelphia, where he is committed to enriching and enlivening his hometown scene as well. In his spare time he’s an avid vinyl collector, has a voracious appetite for podcasts and the greats of stand-up comedy, as well as his dedication to his work as a clinician and teacher, hosting a private studio of bass students as well as adjunct work at his alma mater, the New School of Jazz.

Friday, March 7th, 2025
Alexander Claffy - Bass
Seamus Blake - Saxophone
Sean Jones - Trumpet 
Bill Stewart - Drums
Kevin Hays - Piano 

Saturday, March 8th, 2025

Alexander Claffy - Bass
Seamus Blake - Tenor Saxophone 
Jaleel Shaw - Alto Saxophone
Kevin Hays - Piano 
Bill Stewart - Drums 

General Admission ~ $35 Includes a la carte menu
Dinner & Show ~ $105 Includes 3-course dinner
VIP Dinner & Show ~ $125 Includes dinner above and upgraded stage-front seating 
(Beverages not included)

Dinner & Show fees include server gratuities.

Streaming on our YouTube channel: @ChrisJazzCafePhilly

At age 32, bassist Alex Claffy has become one of the most in-demand performers of his generation, both as a sideman working with the biggest names in Jazz and Popular music, and also as a bandleader, composer and producer having just released his fourth album as a leader “Music From Big Orange” in late 2022 with another record on the way ft. Michael “Sonny Step” Stephenson in early 2023. Living in New York City but born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Claffy is the next great Jazz artist in his hometown’s storied lineage, following in the footsteps of Philadelphia bass luminaries such as Christian McBride, Percy Heath and Jimmy Garrison. His resumé as a sideman reads as a veritable who’s who of Jazz royalty, ranging from Jazz masters such as George Coleman, Harold Mabern, Randy Brecker, Jimmy Cobb, George Cables, Wallace Roney, Mike LeDonne, Fred Hersch, Victor Lewis, and Louis Hayes, to the top stars of today such as Nicholas Payton, Christian Adjtunde Adjuah, Kevin Hays, Aaron Parks, Seamus Blake and Kurt Rosenwinkel - the latter of which he’s appeared with three times at Village Vanguard since the Summer of 2022. His work in more Pop settings with the likes of trumpet icon Chris Botti, the genre-bending songstress Veronica Swift and breakout Hamilton star vocalist Leslie Odom Jr. prove his versatility as a bassist and musician know no bounds. When he’s not touring the world headlining major Jazz festivals and clubs, Claffy can be found in any of the top venues in New York City’s decorated Jazz scene such as Birdland, the Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, SMOKE and Smalls, as well as frequent trips back to Philadelphia, where he is committed to enriching and enlivening his hometown scene as well. In his spare time he’s an avid vinyl collector, has a voracious appetite for podcasts and the greats of stand-up comedy, as well as his dedication to his work as a clinician and teacher, hosting a private studio of bass students as well as adjunct work at his alma mater, the New School of Jazz.