The powerful, melodic saxophonist Craig Handy has been a first–call player at the highest level for many years. At one point early in his career, the Oakland, California, native found himself in not one but three headlining attractions – the Mingus Dynasty Band, and the groups led by pianist Abdullah Ibrahim and drummer Roy Haynes. Handy went on to perform and record with such jazz luminaries as Herbie Hancock, Cedar Walton, Elvin Jones, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, and Betty Carter; he played the role of Coleman Hawkins in Robert Altman’s 1996 film Kansas City. More recently, Craig Handy has emerged as a skilled and commanding leader with his group Craig Handy & 2nd Line Smith, its nonpareil musicianship applied to songs made famous by Jimmy Smith (“High Heel Sneakers,” “Mellow Mood”) and Stanley Turrentine (“Minor Chant”). “Without ever seeming gimmicky or pandering, on 2nd Line Smith Handy finds the perfect balance of foot-tapping New Orleans parade rhythms, exploratory jazz improvisations, and blues-inflected, organ-soaked grooves.” (Matt Collar, AllMusic) Craig Handy – tenor saxophone Clark Gayton – sousaphone  Matt Chertkoff – guitar Kyle Koehler – organ Jerome Jennings – drums