SFJAZZ

The legendary vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrates a half-century of music with its SFJAZZ debut, next week (Nov 14-17). Acclaimed author and journalist Jordannah Elizabeth spoke to founding member Carol Lynn Maillard and takes us through their illustrious history: https://www.sfjazz.org/onthecorner/articles/sweet-honey-in-the-rock-heritage-and-harmony/

“It’s important for folks far from where I’m from to hear the sounds of the place I come from…”–Mali Obomsawin

San Francisco Classical Voice previews the SFJAZZ debut of bassist, bandleader, & composer Mali Obomsawin on November 7th: https://www.sfcv.org/articles/preview/mali-obomsawins-brand-native-american-jazz-comes-san-francisco

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/mali-obomsawin/

The November 2024 edition of ‘On The Corner-The SFJAZZ Magazine’ is available now! This month’s issue features:

WATCH
“Harmonies For Healing”
SFJAZZ Dialogues w/ Sweet Honey In the Rock’s Carol Lynn Maillard & Terence Blanchard

READ
“Sweet Honey in the Rock’s 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of Heritage and Harmony”
By Jordannah Elizabeth

LISTEN
“Blues Blowout”
A Video Playlist Curated by Mark Hummel

PLUS
“The Indigenous Legacy of Jazz?”
By Rusty Aceves

SFJAZZ.org/OnTheCorner

(Nov 29-Dec 1) Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend at the SFJAZZ Center with an impressive lineup of modern blues greats converging on the Miner stage — a cross-section of artists representing the living soul of Texas, Chicago, and West Coast blues including renowned vocalist Diunna Greenleaf, guitar slinger Anson Funderburgh, West Coast blues kings Junior Watson of Canned Heat and the Mighty Flyers fame, harmonica master Mark Hummel, blues superstar vocalist Shemekia Copeland, the legendary Charlie Musselwhite and more!

More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/calendar/?month=11.2024&series=76264

‘Math, heritage and jazz — it all adds up for Stephanie Chou’ — The Mercury News previews saxophonist and Bay Area native Stephanie Chou and her incoming SFJAZZ performance this Friday, November 8th:

“She also completed graduate studies in composition at City College of New York, and over the past decade she’s written songs inspired by traditional Chinese music featuring her lithe vocals in Mandarin. She also sets ancient Tang Dynasty-era poems to music, crafts chamber pop ballads and writes instrumental post-bop jazz tunes. Rather than shedding her older pieces as she explores new musical territory, Chou continues to expand her far-ranging repertoire.”

Full read at MECURYNEWS.com

This Friday, November 8th, SFJAZZ presents “One of New York’s most socially relevant and ambitious jazz talents” (New York Music Daily), the adventurous saxophonist and singer Stephanie Chou featuring music from her project ASYMPTOTE, a resonant and harmonious project combining traditional Chinese music and classical influences with American jazz and pop.

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/stephanie-chou-quintet/

This Wednesday (Nov 6), SFJAZZ Education continues our Discover Jazz series ‘Continuum of Courage: Afrofuturism Then and Now’ which journeys into the realm of truly transcendent artists, creatives and game changers, highlighting the intersection between art, culture and technology at the center of Black identity. For this special season’s pairing we illuminate Afrofuturists whose vision and work defy categorization, invite curiosity, and celebrate the promise of a better world.

Our Discover Jazz series covers jazz history, live performance, and lively conversation making it one of the most distinctive jazz appreciation course available for adults. Each series includes stellar live performances by critically-acclaimed guest artists, curated examples of historically significant recordings, and engaging Q&A.

Class 2 • Nov 6 An Afrofuturist Legacy of Literature w/ Dr. Adam Ahmed

Class Schedule:
Wednesdays • Nov 6, 13, & 20

More Information:
https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/education/discover-jazz/continuum-of-courage-afrofuturism-then-and-now-1/

SFJAZZ DEBUT THIS THURSDAY–Bassist, singer, and bandleader Mali Obomsawin performs in our Joe Henderson Lab (Nov 7) with music from their debut album Sweet Tooth, a project that shines a light on the Indigenous history of jazz and expresses the vitality and contemporary nature of Indigenous culture.

An Abenaki from Odanak First Nation, Obomsawin studied with the renowned cornetist and composer Taylor Ho Bynam at Dartmouth, an institution originally founded in the 18th century to educate the Wabanaki people, and they discovered the archived and unheard field recordings of their Odanak ancestors in storage – recordings that have been integrated into Sweet Tooth.

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/mali-obomsawin/

We lost a titan of American music on Sunday with the passing of composer, arranger, producer, and artist Quincy Jones at age 91. Over his seven-decade career, the man known simply as “Q” was an omnipresent part of American popular culture, from his teenage association with Ray Charles and his masterful albums for the Mercury label in the 1960s to his timeless arrangements for Frank Sinatra, innumerable production credits, and countless film and television scores. His production work encompassed jazz, bossa nova, R&B, and pop, from Louis Armstrong and Cannonball Adderly to Aretha Franklin and Terrace Martin, and he elevated the role of superstar producer through his work with Michael Jackson. Their 1982 collaboration “Thriller” remains the best-selling album of all time. Jones won the GRAMMY Legend Award in 1992 and is third on the list of all-time GRAMMY winners with 28 awards. He received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2001, the Ahmet Ertegun Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and the National Medal of Arts in 2011 from then-president Obama.

This past weekend, we had the pleasure of hosting the sounds of visionary pianist Vijay Iyer and his all-star trio with drummer Tyshawn Sorey, and bassist Linda May Han Oh at the SFJAZZ Center exploring his original songbook, including selects cuts from his newest release ‘Compasion’.

Photo credit: Rick Swig

We can’t wait for Vijay Iyer and his trio with Linda May Han Oh and Tyshawn Sorey to perform tonight and tomorrow. Here are five things you should know about Pulitzer Prize winning drummer Tyshawn Sorey. Tickets at SFJAZZ.org.

SFJAZZ.org | 5 Things You Should Know About Tyshawn Sorey Vijay Iyer’s performances are always highlights of our season. For this article, we look at the career of drumming great Tyshawn Sorey, who performs with Iyer and bassist Linda May Han Oh on 11/2-3.

Tonight on Fridays Live–GRAMMY-winning pianist Bill Charlap, vocal legend & 2017 NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater, and founding SFJAZZ Collective member, multi-instrumentalist, & trumpet icon Nicholas Payton joined by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington.

Livestream premieres Friday, November 1st at 7:30PM-PT. Encore broadcast streams Saturday, November 2nd at 11AM-PT. Watch this concert On-Demand starting November 8th.

Broadcast Information at SFJAZZ.org/AtHome

Night 2 of our Legacy of Wayne Shorter tribute featuring the three members of the late great legend’s longtime quartet in Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, & Brian Blade w/ special guest saxophonist Mark Turner continues tonight. They will perform their own interpretations of Wayne Shorter’s compositions in honor of his pivotal contributions to jazz. Only a few tickets remain!

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/danilo-perez-john-patitucci-brian-blade-mark-turner/

Photo Credit: Rick Swig

(Nov 14-16) SFJAZZ presents dynamic and influential a ca****la ensemble deeply rooted in Black history and culture, the GRAMMY-winning Sweet Honey in the Rock making their Miner Auditorium debut with a series of concerts celebrating five decades of musical alchemy.

Founded in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, the group’s repertoire spans gospel, blues, jazz, and traditional African melodies, often interwoven with themes of empowerment and love.

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/sweet-honey-in-the-rock/

We are thrilled to announce that Burkhard Hopper has joined SFJAZZ as our new Director, Artistic Programming. Burkhard brings a wealth of experience in the performing arts with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. As a producer, presenter, and artist representative, he has been at the forefront of the global jazz scene, curating and producing over 6,000 concerts across major festivals and concert halls worldwide. His deep expertise includes collaborations with legendary artists such as Lalo Schifrin, Ray Brown, Dee Dee Bridgewater, James Morrison, Esbjorn Svensson, alongside successful production of landmark events like the Rising Stars Jazz Circuit starting the European careers of artists such as Diana Krall, Kurt Elling, Brad Mehldau, Nicholas Payton and more, and organizing concerts and tours for jazz luminaries from Oscar Peterson to Wynton Marsalis.

Burkhard's ability to nurture new talent, negotiate recording and sponsorship deals, and execute artistic visions on the global stage makes him a valuable addition to our team. We are excited to leverage his unique vision and leadership as we continue to elevate SFJAZZ’s artistic programming and deliver unforgettable experiences to our audiences.

Please join us in welcoming Burkhard Hopper to the SFJAZZ team. We look forward to his contributions in further strengthening our position as a world-class institution.

SFJAZZ Halloween festivities kick-off this TONIGHT, October 31st featuring a hotplate tribute of drummer Philly Joe Jones monumental record ‘Blues for Dracula’ by Bay Area drummer/multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson and a special presentation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1927 silent thriller ‘The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog’ at the Grace Cathedral with an original live score performed on their famous pipe organ by renowned organist and composer Dorothy Papadakos. Costumes encouraged!

More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/calendar/?month=10.2024

Happy Halloween from SFJAZZ! Enjoy a curated playlist of some of the spookiest jazz recordings ever made. Listen here: https://www.sfjazz.org/onthecorner/halloween-playlist/

SFJAZZ presents our ‘Sing, Sing’ Sing’ series (November 21-24) with a curated line-up of vocal driven ensembles featuring rising stars, hot jazz & swing, and a hotplate tribute to Ernestine Anderson. Full Joe Henderson Lab schedule:

11.21 - Marina Crouse sings Ernestine Anderson’s ‘Never Make Your Move Too Soon’
11.22 - Jimmie Herrod (of Pink Martini, America’s Got Talent)
11.23-24 - Stella Heath Sextet (1920-40s Great American Songbook)

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/calendar/?month=11.2024&series=76262

Bay Area based pianist Adam Shulman curates a four-part concert series at the SFJAZZ Center (Nov 14-17) showcasing his versatility as an artist featuring a duo project with veteran saxophonist Noel Jewkes, Shulman’s longstanding Sextet with material from his album ‘Full Tilt’, a groove-oriented Organ Trio, and a standards trio. Full residency:

Nov 14 - Adam Shulman & Noel Jewkes
Nov 15 - Adam Shulman Sextet
Nov 16 - Organ Trio w/ Jack Riordan & Mark Ferber
Nov 17 - Trio w/ John Wiitala & Smith Dobson

More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/calendar/?month=11.2024&series=76261

On November 9th, we continue ‘The Upswing Series’ with an exciting double bill featuring Jon Cowherd Trio w/ Brian Blade & John Patitucci (formerly of Wayne Shorter Quartet) and Ingrid Jensen Quartet.

Recommended by SFJAZZ Executive Artistic Director Terence Blanchard:

"Jon Cowherd has an interesting approach to composition and performance that gives his music a sense of forward-thinking expression. His music is unique and while steeped in tradition, he breaks the boundaries of tradition and still sounds current.

Ingrid Jensen is one of the most creative trumpet players I’ve known. I love her approach to creating melodies. Her sound is beautiful and inviting. Her compositions are inspiring and thought-provoking."

Terence Blanchard instituted the “UpSwing Series” to put a spotlight on rising stars and mid-career jazz masters.

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/jon-cowherd-ingrid-jensen/

THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY–SFJAZZ presents “One of the truly great jazz musicians of our time” (Stereophile), pianist Vijay Iyer (Nov 2-3) featuring his all-star trio with drummer Tyshawn Sorey, and bassist Linda May Han Oh returning to the Miner stage with music from his latest ECM album, Compassion.

SAT, Nov 2 · 3PM & 7:30PM
SUN, Nov 3 · 7PM

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/vijay-iyer-trio/

SFJAZZ Halloween festivities kick-off this Thursday, October 31st featuring a hotplate tribute of drummer Philly Joe Jones monumental record ‘Blues for Dracula’ by Bay Area drummer/multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson and a special presentation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1927 silent thriller ‘The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog’ at the Grace Cathedral with an original live score performed on their famous pipe organ by renowned organist and composer Dorothy Papadakos. Costumes encouraged!

More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/calendar/?month=10.2024

Tonight on Fridays Live–The SFJAZZ Collective debut new music at 7:30pm PT (SFJAZZ At Home) or Saturday 10/26 on !

In the band – Chris Potter (tenor & soprano saxophones), David Sánchez (tenor saxophone), Mike Rodriguez (trumpet), Warren Wolf (vibraphone), Edward Simon (piano), Matt Brewer (bass) and Kendrick Scott (drums).

Tune in at SFJAZZ.org/AtHome or videos.qwest.tv/content/sfjazz.

If you can't make the livestreams, the concerts will be available on-demand on both QwestTV and SFJAZZ At Home the following week.

About SFJAZZ Collective's music:
This year, we commissioned each SFJAZZ Collective member to compose a song inspired by the de Young Fine Arts Museum’s ‘About Place: Bay Area Artists’ collection. The exhibition explores how artists relate to their environments through place: place as the physical land, place as heritage, place as the imaginary, and place as belonging. Some of the specific subject's touch on topics like climate change, immigration, LGBTQ+ movement, California droughts and fires, and more.

Last night, the SFJAZZ Collective kicked-off their annual SFJAZZ residency in style with new works inspired by the de Young Museum’s ‘About Place: Bay Area Artists’ collection which blends sonic representations of striking visual works produced by some of the Bay Area’s best visual artists featuring music director and tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, tenor saxophonist David Sánchez, trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, pianist Edward Simon, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Kendrick Scott.

The Collective continues their residency Tonight-Sunday (Oct 25-27) in San Francisco.

Photo Credit: Rick Swig

Tickets + More Information: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/24-25/sfjazz-collective/