Jun
22
10:00 AM10:00
Jul
6
2:00 PM14:00
Besos de Jazz
The Besos Jazz Trio has been stirring up audiences with vibrant performances of music and dance since 2017. These worldly performers are a study in balancing traditions. With roots in Mexican ballet folklorico, Claudia Gomez plays percussion and tap dances. Evona Wascinski, from Poland, brings a classical virtuosity to the upright bass. And Beston Barnett, a Nashville native, plays manouche guitar and sings in five languages. “We keep it loose but alive; we leave space for what each of us does best,” says Wascinski. Together, they improvise, sing, and dance their way through an eclectic stew of swing tunes and sambas, boleros and musettes. music, original compositions and more.
Aug
3
2:00 PM14:00
Joshua White
“Engaging in conversation with piano colossus Joshua White is somewhat akin to experiencing one of his live performances. There will be a natural, if unpredictable arc, it will behoove and reward the witness to pay close attention at all points. It can careen from one topic to the next, but it will highlight a unifying mosaic of intellectual curiosity, profound understanding of tradition, and an exhilarating sense of freedom. Like most opportunities in life–it is helpful to jettison your expectations and embrace the moment.
One of the qualities I cherish most in an improvising musician (Mr. White avoids the term “jazz,”) is audacity–that sense of disbelief that can make the listener laugh out loud, marveling over a defiance of expectation. All of the great pioneers of the African—American musical tradition exemplified this attribute. I don’t know what else to call it besides genius, and Joshua exudes that quality at every turn.”
-Robert Bush, Troubadour
Sep
7
2:00 PM14:00
Kahlil Childs
Recently chosen as a member of the prestigious Next Generation Jazz Orchestra that will perform at the 68th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival under the directorship of Gerald Clayton, saxophonist Kahlil Childs returns to the First Sunday series with his quartet of some of the best young jazz players in California. The concert will feature a set of original compositions by Kahlil that comprise a beautifully conceived suite in the tradition of conceptual works such as Immanuel Wilkins's The 7th Hand and John Coltrane's A Love Supreme. Joining Kahlil will be Quincy Reyes (piano), Luke Little (bass), and Zollie Wariner (drums). Watch the Kahlil Childs Quartet
Jun
1
2:00 PM14:00
Sunshine of Your Love - Peter Sprague Plays Cream
Some words from Peter: “Sunshine of Your Love” — probably the second most iconic rock riff right behind the descending chord movement of “Stairway to Heaven.” I learned to play it when I was young and with a surfboard under the other arm I pretty much owned the world at large. Hah! It’s hard to take over the planet but if you’re fortified with the songs of Cream, world domination by sound is a cinch. Their music is hard hitting, beautiful, and to my ears, just waiting to be reimagined through our jazz and Brazilian influence. Cream was one of my favorite bands when I was growing up. They blasted loud with hard hitting rock sensibilities all the while going cosmic with jazz explorations —extended jams that explored the outer realms of modal harmony. It was the ultimate power trio with Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass, and Ginger Baker pounding on the drums. We played their songs in our garage band back in the ’70’s and now, some 50 years later, we’re taking them for a new spin. We levitate the classic “Had To Cry Today,” flat tire wobble on “Born Under a Bad Sign,” astral travel on “Badge,” and do some silent moon gazing on “Can’t Find My Way Home.” And of course we fit in a little “Sunshine of Your Love” to fully illuminate the set. The band includes some of the best with Leonard Patton on vocals, Tripp Sprague on sax and flute, Mack Leighton on bass, Justin Grinnell on bass, Danny Green on piano, Duncan Moore on drums, and Peter Sprague on guitar. Thanks amigos, Peter Watch Peter on YouTube