SFJAZZ is attempting one thing new.
And to this point, so good.
The group’s longstanding San Francisco Jazz Competition — which some Bay Space music lovers in all probability didn’t even identified was nonetheless a factor — has adopted a extra conventional single-weekend competition format for 2025.
It is a massive change from its previous format, the place exhibits have been held over the course of practically two weeks. (For example, the 2024 competition featured 40 live shows stretched out throughout 12 days.)
That earlier mannequin was intriguing earlier than the SFJAZZ Middle opened in 2013, because it utilized all kinds of venues in San Francisco and, typically, past. Within the years that adopted, nonetheless, it’s simply felt like a extremely busy interval of programming for the constructing — moderately than a conventional competition.
That each one modified this weekend, because the acclaimed arts presenter unveiled the brand new idea that includes some three dozen performances throughout three totally different phases in and across the SFJAZZ Middle.
“This is something we’ve been dreaming about doing,” SFJAZZ Govt Inventive Director Terence Blanchard stated.
The three-day shindig opened in triumphant vogue on Friday with a invoice highlighted by legendary saxophonist Charles Lloyd and the multi-talented Don Was.
It was set to proceed on Saturday with a lineup that included the pairing of bassist-extraordinaire Stanley Clarke and Cuban jazz piano maestro Gonzalo Rubalcaba in addition to Grammy-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer with New York Metropolis fusion act Grand Baton.
On Sunday – third and last day of the 2025 run — brings acclaimed keyboardist Patrice Rushen, the pairing of bass grasp Dave Holland and guitar wiz Lionel Loueke, Afro-Cuban act Cimafunk and others to the SFJAZZ phases. For San Francisco Jazz Competition tickets and different info, go to sfjazz.org.
Gates opened at 2 p.m. on Friday and the music ran proper as much as till 9 p.m. (Sat-Solar hours have been 1-10 p.m.)
Folks queued up outdoors the principle SFJAZZ Middle entrance to choose up their tickets (i.e. wristbands) at a field workplace space assembled particularly for the competition. From there, they have been capable of catch reside music on the venue’s two common spots — the intimate downstairs Joe Henderson Lab and the all-world efficiency area generally known as Miner Auditorium.
To this point, so regular, proper? The most important change was the non permanent efficiency area erected particularly for the competition in a tent situated kitty-corner (and down Franklin Road a bit) from the SFJAZZ Middle entrance.
Not surprisingly, that was the least inviting of the three choices, with all the things about it shouting “makeshift” and the sound cranked up approach too loud. (If you’ll the competition, be certain to convey earplugs — particularly should you plan to spend time on the competition tent.)
There are some meals vehicles parked close to that stage, which makes makes for a pleasant solution to get some nourishment between jazz programs. Generally, nonetheless, you’ll need to spend most of your time at SFJAZZ Middle’s two common efficiency areas — and, in all probability, focus primarily on Miner Auditorium — and simply seize a chunk at one of many many good Hayes Valley eating places situated inside simple strolling distance.
The 2 Miner Auditorium units I caught on Friday have been each glorious.
First up was Don Was, the six-time Grammy-winning musician/producer/composer who many nonetheless greatest keep in mind from the ’80s dance-pop/funk act Was (Not Was).
On this afternoon, the proficient bassist — who can also be the president of prestigious jazz label Blue Observe Data — was main his Pan Detroit Ensemble in a preview of the band’s forthcoming debut album (due out someday this summer time).
The group is constructed from musicians hailing from Was’ hometown of Detroit, together with Blue Observe recording artist Dave McMurray on saxophone and Eminem collaborator Luis Resto on keyboards.
The barefoot Was — who seemingly owns no footwear — was a masterful presence on bass as he led the funky incredible troupe by way of a 75-minute set that included a fab cowl “Shakedown Street” by the Bay Space’s personal Grateful Useless.
Was, who had been honored the evening prior with the lifetime achievement award on the SFJAZZ Gala, additionally took the time to provide a shout out to SFJAZZ’s govt creative director.
“Terence Blanchard has been like an angel in my life,” Was instructed the viewers. “Every time I’ve needed him over the last 30 years, he’s been there.”
“We are doing everything we can to bring you the best entertainment on the planet,” he stated. “We’ve saved the best for last.”
And Lloyd would most positively show Blanchard proper, as he took the stage proper round 7:30 p.m. together with his superb Sky Quartet — that includes pianist Jason Moran, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Eric Harland — and settled into a wide ranging model of the Seaside Boys’ “God Only Knows” in honor of the not too long ago departed Brian Wilson.
The 87-year-old saxophonist/flutist sounded otherworldly as he went on to steer this troupe of A-plus gamers in an absolute jazz grasp class.
The musicians’ abilities coalesced across the music and spirit of the 2024 double-album “The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow,” a towering achievement that introduced 4 of the style’s most interesting voices collectively for the primary time.
Moran, who has collaborated with Lloyd for years, was nothing in need of a genius on the piano, bringing a smile to the bandleader’s face as he exhibited his mastery over the keys. Grenadier, a Bay Space native and Stanford graduate, confirmed as soon as once more that he’s among the many most complementary musicians within the recreation. Longtime Lloyd contributor Harland wasn’t featured on the album (which discovered the good Brian Blade on the drum throne) however he introduced such vibrant pleasure to the music within the reside setting.
Collectively, we’re speaking about what could be the best quartet in all of jazz right now. And there’s no saxophonist on the planet who I’d moderately hear play than Charles Lloyd.
Bay Space music lovers can see and listen to what I imply when the Charles Lloyd Sky Quartet performs two exhibits, at 7 and 9 p.m., at Kuumbwa Jazz Middle in Santa Cruz on Sunday (June 15), kuumbwajazz.org.
