Thursday, March 1, 7:30pm, Concert Hall
Given the extraordinary talent assembled in the SFJAZZ Collective, it is tempting to think of this ensemble as an “all-star band,” pure and simple. But these exceptional artists have come together in pursuit of a larger purpose—namely, the celebration of jazz not only as a great art form, but as a constantly evolving, ever-relevant, quintessentially modern art form. In The New York Times’ emphatic words: “Modernity is the mantra of the SFJAZZ Collective.” This program features arrangements of Stevie Wonder tunes, as well as original compositions inspired by him.
Reserved Seating: $35, $30, $15; FC, GCC, STCC and 17 & under $10
SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star jazz ensemble comprising eight of the finest performers and composers at work in jazz today. Launched in 2004 by SFJAZZ, the SFJAZZ Collective has quickly become one of the most exciting and acclaimed groups on the American and international jazz scenes.
The Collective’s 2011 personnel features MacArthur “Genius Grant” winner, three-time DownBeat “#1 Rising Star Alto Saxophonist” and founding member Miguel Zenón; trombonist Robin Eubanks, a two-time DownBeat “Trombonist of the Year,” trumpeter Avishai Cohen, Grammy-nominated vibraphonist Stefon Harris and the incendiary rhythm section boasts 2010 Guggenheim Fellow Edward Simon on piano along with two of the most in-demand sidemen on the international scene – bassist Matt Penman and Eric Harland, winner of DownBeat #1 Rising Star drummer for the last three years.
The music was good – Harland, Harris, and Hart were super. But the sound was awful! I had what I thought would be a good seat – row 3, center – but the sound was no better than my cheap home stereo. The horns were muddy, and the bass (and even the low register on the piano) sounded like a synthesizer. I’m going to renew my vow to avoid all music in the FAC Concert Hall.
The music was great. What innovative performers and composers!
The SF Jazz Collective gave one of the finest jazz performance we have ever heard. Each performer was so talented in his own right. The merging of those talents gave us a dazzling evening. Thanks to the FAC for making this concert possible.
Delightful!
This group is brilliant and refreshing. They gave me energy. I will go out of my way to catch them again. They are now part of my “jazz memory bank.” This experience is why I have followed jazz for years and why I included jazz in my humanities course.