David Kikoski is a Grammy-nominated jazz pianist known for his virtuosic technique, versatility, and innovative approach. With over three decades of performing and recording, he has collaborated with jazz legends including Roy Haynes, the Brecker Brothers, Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, and the Charles Mingus Big Band, establishing himself as a sought-after presence on the global jazz scene. Blending bebop, post-bop, and contemporary jazz, Kikoski’s dynamic, spontaneous, and deeply swinging style continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Dave and Smitty were contemporaries at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the early 1980s, and Ralph was already active on the Boston scene at the time, so Dave played with both Ralph and Smitty during those years.
Dave and Ralph later crossed paths again through Roy Haynes' band and recorded together in the late 1980s. Although their paths diverged for many years, they renewed their collaboration in 2025 with a month-long European tour, followed by a new recording project and performances in Northern California and British Columbia in early 2026. Dave and Smitty also reunited on vibraphonist John Locke's 1993 recording Wire Walker
When plans for the Black Cat residency came together, Dave reached out to Ralph, and the two of them invited Smitty to revisit those longstanding musical connections. Rob, from a younger generation and active on the Los Angeles scene, came highly recommended by Ralph.
Band Lineup:
David Kikoski, piano
Ralph Moore, tenor saxophone
Marvin “Smitty” Smith, drums
Rob Moreno, bass
Happens on the following Dates:
Aug 14, 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Aug 14, 2026, 9:30pm to 11:00pm Timezone: Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Aug 15, 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Aug 15, 2026, 9:30pm to 11:00pm Timezone: Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Aug 16, 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Aug 16, 2026, 9:15pm to 11:00pm Timezone: Pacific Time (US & Canada)