Fly at Yoshi’s
In the first set of their one-night gig at Yoshi’s Oakland, Fly negotiated seven musical obstacle courses with the precision of a commando team and the agility of an Olympic gymnast.
Category: Concert Reviews
Logan Richardson Sextet at Cornelia Street Cafe
Logan Richardson is a powerhouse improviser, a keen postmodernist composer and a bandleader who can attract some sharp talent. So why don’t more people know about him?
Sachal Vasandani / John & Gerald Clayton at Sweet Rhythm
This was one of those nights when nothing went as intended but it all worked out in the end, as I stumbled onto a double bill by two up-and-coming artists.
Jan 09, 2009 | 0 comments | View Post
Dave Holland Octet at Birdland
This expanded version of the bassist’s working band is slightly less consolidated than his smaller groups, but adds new layers of complexity and a driving attack.
Frisell / Carter / Motian at the Blue Note
It was standing room only as guitarist Bill Frisell, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Paul Motian began the third night of their weeklong stint, a true meeting of the masters.
Jan 09, 2009 | 3 comments | View Post
Cecil Taylor at Grace Cathedral
Matching a transcendent environment with transcendent music, the iconic free-jazz pianist delivered a solo performance that defied easy categorization.
Oct 26, 2008 | 3 comments | View Post
Rebeca Mauleón at SFJAZZ
Celebrating her receipt of the SFJAZZ Beacon Award with a powerhouse ensemble, Mauleón demonstrated the passion that drives Bay Area Latin jazz.
Esperanza Spalding at Yoshi’s
Esperanza Spalding is a true original. And at 24 she already has the performing mastery — and star power — of a veteran.
Oct 15, 2008 | 2 comments | View Post
Scott Amendola Trio at Yoshi’s
With Chicago guitarist Jeff Parker on one side and bassist John Shifflett on the other, the exuberant drummer balanced broad, fluid strokes with laserlike precision.
Miles from India at SFJAZZ
The 15-piece supergroup Miles from India began their sprawling concert at Davies Hall with 40 minutes of blazing brilliance. Unfortunately, it was a 2-hour show.
Oct 04, 2008 | 3 comments | View Post
Dave Holland Sextet at Yoshi’s
The Dave Holland Sextet kicked off a five-night engagement at Yoshi’s with style and power, in an exhilarating set derived largely from their new CD, Pass It On.
David “Fathead” Newman at Pearl’s
When David “Fathead” Newman picks up his weathered tenor saxophone and begins to blow, his sound embodies a depth of feeling that suffuses the atmosphere of the room.
Jan 23, 2006 | 0 comments | View Post
