The SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star jazz ensemble comprising eight of the finest performer/composers at work in jazz today. Launched in 2004, the ensemble annually performs a new list of compositions by a modern jazz master and new pieces by the Collective members.
The octet is truly an international band, with members from Puerto Rico, Venezuela and New Zealand, as well as New York, Philadelphia and Miami.
Founding member alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in composition and the prestigious MacArthur “genius” Grant. His recordings are Grammy-nominated and he recently launched his Caravana Cultural program to bring jazz performances to rural areas of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rican tenor saxophone virtuoso David Sánchez has become a one of the most celebrated instrumentalists in jazz, recording nine albums as a leader and winning a Latin Grammy Award for his 2004 orchestral session, Coral. Sánchez also has an impressive résumé as an educator, conducting master classes, workshops and residencies at the world’s top universities and conservatories.
Pianist Edward Simon was born in the coastal town of Punta Cardón, Venezuela, where he grew up in a family of musicians. He has produced ten critically acclaimed albums as a leader, including two The New York Times top ten jazz records of the year: Edward Simon and Simplicitas. In July 2010 Simon was named a Guggenheim Fellow.
Drummer Obed Calvaire is a Miami native who grew up with the Latin music scene, and with a father who was a Haitian gospel singer. Obed made his mark with trombonist Steve Turre and has performed and recorded with Eddie Palmieri, Roy Hargrove and others. Calvaire performs extensively in Afro-Cuban, R&B, pop and world music contexts. He holds a Master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music.
The SF Jazz Collective performs at 8pm on Tuesday night, October 22 at Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall for the Earshot Jazz Festival.
http://youtu.be/IgMMPItMS70
Listen for great Latin Jazz on Jazz Caliente, Thursdays at 2pm on KPLU's Mid Day Jazz!
