Pianist/keyboardist, singer, composer, arranger Matt Jenson lights up the connection between roots-reggae and soul-jazz with his Mix Up Mix Up band featuring trombonist Jeff Cressman, guitarist Jesse Engel, drummer Reese Bullen, and bassist Rob Ewing. The group presents original compositions and creative re-workings of pop, jazz and reggae anthems by Bob Marley, Duke Ellington, Thelonius Monk, Marvin Gaye, George Gershwin, Chopin and more. Their creative interplay, embedded in the intoxicating riddims of Jamaican reggae in an acoustic jazz setting, gives nourishment to the mind, body and soul. Feel the positive vibrations of the Mix Up Mix Up!

Sharmila G. Lash returns after 3 years with her “Music for, by, and about Women” project, presenting a set of chamber vocal ensemble pieces, followed by a set of jazz tunes. They will present music by Melissa Dunphy, Reena Esmail, Mary Lou Williams, and more. With a very special guest!

A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte.

Jazz Piano Masters Series

2ND SHOW ADDED!
5pm & 7:30pm

Michael Wolff brings his Trio to Piedmont Piano Company, featuring Mike Clark on drums, for a gorgeous evening of jazz. Michael will also be reading excerpts from his best-selling memoir, On That Note!!

Jazz Piano Masters Series
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm

Composer and band leader Gerald Clayton searches for honest expression in every note he plays. With harmonic curiosity and critical awareness, he develops musical narratives that unfold as a result of both deliberate searching and chance uncovering. Don't miss this GRAMMY-nominated pianist's first appearance at the piano store.

Jazz Piano Masters Series

Herbie Hancock says of Carmen Staaf: “A consummate jazz pianist with equal talent in composition, orchestration and arranging… She very much displays a complete knowledge of the history of her instrument but more importantly Carmen is constantly reaching beyond history and is not afraid to go into the unknown and challenge herself at every moment. A bright future awaits her.” Staaf will present a set of standards and originals in this rare solo showcase.

Miniatures: from Bach to Kurtag

Rachel Breen returns to the piano store for a solo piano recital. Her program includes two suites, the first by one of the giants of western civilization, J.S. Bach. The second suite of miniatures is on the surface scattered with differences—culture, time period, geography, religion—but is deeply linked by the humanity of its composers and our humanity as listeners.

After two years of pandemic lockdown in Denmark, jazz bassist and vocalist Kristin Korb is returning to Northern California with a new project that departs from her traditional song well and dives deep into the exploration of pop tunes that burst with Korb’s trademark exuberance and inspired arrangements. Joining her for this concert is her LA-based partner in time Andy Langham (piano) and Bay Area legend Mary Fettig (woodwinds).

Jazz Piano Masters Series

From North to South: A Tribute to Duke Ellington and Tom Jobim

Tamir Hendelman famously drives the piano seats of his own trio, the Jeff Hamilton Trio, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. With blistering technique, a quick improvisor's wit, and profoundly refined pianism, Tamir's creative arrangements and crystalline touch can be heard on recordings by Roberta Gambarini, Barbra Streisand, Graham Dechter, and Richard Galliano. Expect a dynamic, intimate, and exciting solo exploration of iconic pianist-composers Duke Ellington and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s musical worlds.

Jazz vocalist and pianist Dena DeRose returns to Northern California after these past two Covid years to perform songs from her most recent recording called Ode To The Road, some new original compositions, and some other gems from her previous 13 CDs.

Joining her for this concert is her long time Bay Area rhythm section of bassist Peter Barshay and drummer Akira Tana.

Hannah Mayer leads this group of talented Bay Area musicians who met in high school and are each currently attending music conservatories across the country. This performance will feature original compositions, improvisational takes on music from the Broadway repertoire (specifically the music of Stephen Sondheim), as well as other known favorites. Hannah Mayer (piano), Tommy Noble (alto saxophone), Oliver Tuttle (trombone), Isaac Coyle (bass), Jayla Hernandez (drums).

Jeff Oster, Michael Manring, Carl Weingarten

Ambient music can often be fascinating for a variety of reasons, but there’s an extra layer of intrigue when it’s performed live. That’s part of the appeal of the trio known as Blue Eternity. Made up of trumpet/flugelhorn player Jeff Oster, bassist Michael Manring, electric guitarist Carl Weingarten, a Blue Eternity live show unfolds in an unhurried pace, like a slow motion jam.

Triangular Conversations

Returning to the Bay Area for his first live concert after the pandemic, Brazilian pianist and composer Jovino Santos Neto teams up with bassist Peter Barshay and drummer David Flores to present his Brazilian music in a piano trio format. The compositions by Jovino, Hermeto Pascoal, and Marcos Valle will serve as points of departure for inspired musical conversations among the three players. The music will range from the lyrical to the deep grooves this trio can generate. Each show is always unique.