Austin Live Jazz Meetup

Come join Austin Jazz Society as they continue their collaboration with Monks Jazz Club. This series, known as MidWeek at Monks, features a different Austin-area jazz leader every other Wednesday. This coming Wednesday showcases the Eric Hargett Quintet.

THE ERIC HARGETT QUINTET
- Eric Hargett – Saxophones
- Tommy Howard – Guitar
- Andy Langham – Piano
- James Suter – Bass
- Gerry Gibbs – Drums

About Eric Hargett
Eric Hargett, originally from Houston, Texas, has established himself as an in-demand musician on the vibrant Austin music scene. While he began his musical path with classical piano, he soon discovered his true voice on the saxophone.
Today, Eric is fluent across the full family of instruments—soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophone—bringing a powerful, expressive, and versatile sound to every setting. His playing reflects a deep grounding in the jazz and blues tradition while embracing the spirit of innovation found in bebop, soul jazz, 1970s fusion, funk, and beyond. Whether delivering hard-swinging bebop lines, soulful ballads, or adventurous modern textures, Eric’s voice remains distinctive and rooted in the lineage of the great saxophonists.

That artistry is on full display in his debut recording as a leader, Steppin’ Up, which featured legendary organist Joey DeFrancesco and drummer Gerry Gibbs. The album spans burning bebop, real-deal blues, funk-driven grooves, and lyrical ballads, with moments that even hint at modern electronic influences. Jazz critic Bill Milkowski praised the project, noting that Hargett “mines the same soul jazz/hard bop territory that bari ace Ronnie Cuber established… Steppin’ Up reveals a saxophonist who is comfortable in a myriad of settings, from '70s styled funk to burning bebop, real-deal blues, and lyrical ballads.” Jazz legend Terry Gibbs remarked, “Listening to Eric Hargett play on his new album reminds me of all the great bebop players of my era. Whether it be the tenor sax or the baritone sax, it’s got that great feeling. To me a good solo is that after you hear it a few times you can wind up singing that solo, and that’s how Eric plays.” Baritone saxophone master Gary Smulyan added, “Eric Hargett’s playing has it all… an immediately identifiable sound, great time and sense of phrasing, soulful with a sophisticated harmonic concept, and deep roots in the jazz and blues tradition. He knocked me out and I can’t wait to hear more.” With his command of the full saxophone family and his deep musical roots, Eric continues to be recognized as one of the most dynamic and versatile saxophonists on the scene.