Biography
Sam Yahel, Ari Hoenig, and Seamus Blake are renowned jazz musicians who collaborated as a quartet with guitarist Mike Moreno on the 2008 Chesky Records album Jazz Side of the Moon, a creative reinterpretation of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, recorded in 2007 at St. Peter's Church in New York City. Sam Yahel (born 1971), a jazz pianist and Hammond B-3 organist from New York, emerged as a distinctive voice in the Hammond organ scene after moving to New York City in 1990, where he quickly established himself through collaborations with leading artists.[1][2][3] Ari Hoenig, a Philadelphia-born drummer known for his innovative and melodic approach to drumming, has earned acclaim in East Coast jazz circles for his flexible and broad-minded style.[6][7] Seamus Blake, a tenor saxophonist, joined this supergroup effort, contributing to their indie jazz sound as noted on Spotify.[context]
Their joint project exemplifies the indie jazz genre, blending organ-driven grooves, intricate drumming, dynamic guitar work, and expressive saxophone lines in a fresh take on classic rock material. Yahel's career development includes leading albums like Searchin' (1997) and Truth and Beauty (2007), alongside sideman roles with luminaries such as Norah Jones on Come Away with Me (2002), Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell, and others, solidifying his reputation—highlighted by top rankings in Down Beat's critics polls.[1][5] Hoenig continues to explore melodic drum possibilities through his trios and compositions, while Blake's participation underscores his role in high-caliber ensemble work. Together, they represent a snapshot of New York's vibrant jazz scene, though no extensive group biography exists beyond this recording; their individual legacies endure through ongoing performances and recordings.[1][3][8]
The quartet's low Spotify popularity (2) belies their supergroup status and critical recognition within jazz communities, contributing to the organ trio tradition's evolution and cross-genre experimentation.
Fun Facts
- Their album Jazz Side of the Moon transforms Pink Floyd's iconic Dark Side of the Moon into an organ-led jazz interpretation, recorded live at St. Peter's Church in New York.[3]
- Sam Yahel earned the top spot in Down Beat's annual critics poll for Hammond B-3 organ, marking him as a leading voice in the instrument's modern jazz revival.[5]
- Ari Hoenig is celebrated for relentlessly exploring the melodic possibilities of drums, approaching them with an innate enquiring mind.[6]
- Despite their supergroup caliber, the Spotify artist page for 'Ari Hoenig, Seamus Blake & Sam Yahel' registers very low popularity at 2, highlighting niche jazz appeal.[context]
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- Mike Moreno - guitarist in jazz supergroup quartet (Jazz Side of the Moon (Chesky, 2008)) [2007]
- Sam Yahel - organist/pianist, co-leader on collaborative album (Jazz Side of the Moon (Chesky, 2008)) [2007]
- Ari Hoenig - drummer, co-leader on collaborative album (Jazz Side of the Moon (Chesky, 2008)) [2007]
- Seamus Blake - tenor saxophonist, co-leader on collaborative album (Jazz Side of the Moon (Chesky, 2008)) [2007]
- Bill Frisell - early collaborator with Sam Yahel (various sessions post-1990) [1990s]
- Joshua Redman - sideman work with Sam Yahel; Yahel in Yaya^3^ with Redman and Brian Blade (Elastic (2002), Momentum (2005), Yaya^3^ (2002)) [2000s]
- Norah Jones - sideman organ/piano with Sam Yahel (Come Away with Me (2002), Feels Like Home (2004)) [2000-2004]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Ari Hoenig, Seamus Blake & Sam Yahel has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2, 2026 | 06:47 | Moneyfrom The Jazz Side Of The Moon | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive |