The Levi Rozek Quartet
The Cellar Dog
258 S 15th St.
Philadelphia
Aug. 13, 2026
Two years ago, I was hanging out at Launderette Records chatting with the store's owner, Mike. When the subject of jazz came up, he told me about Cellar Dog, a venue in the West Village that he praised as his favorite jazz club. To my surprise and delight, Cellar Dog opened a Philly location smack dab in the heart of Center City. After much delay, I finally made it to Cellar Dog for a lowkey night of live jazz. The Levi Rozek Quartet was in control of the bandstand for the evening. A talented and accomplished player, Rozek won best trumpet solo at the 2021 National Jazz Festival with only a week of time to prepare. Rozek was also recognized as an outstanding trumpeter for Jazz At Lincoln Center’s 2026 National Collegiate Jazz Championship. The quartet was rounded out by a cadre of gifted young musicians including Anthony Aldissi on piano, Sam Harris on bass and drummer Noah Buckner drums.
I was a few minutes late for the beginning of their set, and walked in while Rozek was in the middle of a colorful, propulsive solo. Harris’ solo was particularly dextrous and articulate as well, but each player used their brief time in the forefront to deliver tasteful, creative solos. After taking a moment to address the crowd and shout out late sax legend Sonny Rollins, Rozek and company jumped into a dreamy, luminous tune that I didn’t recognize. Here, Aldissi’s soloing stood out as his hands glided up and down the keyboard, conjuring licks that were both playful and virtuosic. Tackling beloved compositions by Chick Corea and Lee Morgan, the Levi Rozek quartet displayed a command of jazz’s vast repertoire of standards that matched their command of their instruments. As an historic jazz town that was once littered with venues where the music was played, Philly could always use a spot like Cellar Dog. Once you add in a cooking band of inspired young players, you have a hopeful glimpse at the brighter side of jazz’s future.
