CONCERT ARCHIVE
Our concert series began in 2005 in our San Francisco store. It now continues in our Uptown Oakland home. Below are some of the artists who have appeared in our series.
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Since touring with Ray Brown in the early 2000s, pianist Larry Fuller has built a reputation as one of the hardest-swinging pianists on the scene. From bop, to stride, to swing, to blues, the Larry Fuller Trio returns to the piano store! Larry Fuller, a Yamaha Artist, is known to ‘swing like a beast.’ Direct from NYC, Fuller brings his Trio, with Lorin Cohen on bass and Carmen Intorre, Jr., on drums. Don’t miss this top-notch jazz trio while they’re in the Bay Area!
Larry Vuckovich celebrates his 89th year on his actual birthday! He will be playing with his favorite guitarist, Kai Lyons. Larry and Kai have been regularly expanding their diverse and wide-ranging repertoire. Besides the great jazz classics of top composers, they will cover seldom heard standards, great Latin and Brazilian pieces, World Music gems, and as always funky, boogaloo blues selections. They will present special jazz vocals, as well as an original arrangement of the theme from The Godfather. Don’t miss this special event!
Experience the Magic of the Holidays with Nicolas Bearde LIVE
Now celebrating his 18th Annual Holiday show, this special concert is a "must see" for all fans of contemporty Jazz and Blues.
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Pianist Michael Wolff and drummer Mike Clark will play music from their recently released albums: Michael’s Sunny Day on Sunnyside Records and Mike’s Itai Doshin on Wide Hive Records.
Claudia Villela (vocals, pianos, and percussion) returns to the piano store, joined by Vitor Gonçalves (accordian, piano). They will play music from her latest album, Cartas ao Vento, plus Brazilian classics by Egberto Gismonti, Villa Lobos, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Pixinguinha, and more.
Internationally acclaimed Jazz Singer, Jackie Ryan, returns to Piedmont Piano to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of her critically praised CD, Passion Flower, with Larry Vuckovich and Noel Jewkes.
South African composer, saxophonist and visionary artist Steve Dyer joins forces with the inimitable Kenyan pianist Aaron Rimbui for an intimate musical conversation. Steve and Aaron’s rapport is exceptional. Come along for an engaging performance and a unique opportunity to find out how these unique personalities interact, and various African musician traditions are woven into the artform of jazz.
Pure Imagination: Tribute to Lou Rawles
Grammy Award winner with The Count Basie Orchestra and internationally renowned vocalist Jamie Davis will seduce you with his deep, velvety voice. This evening, he delivers a tribute to the smooth sounds of one of the best Baritone’s of our time, R&B vocalist Lou Rawls. He’ll be joined by Glen Pearson, (piano), Tod Dickow (saxophone), Ron Belcher (bass),
Otonowa, led by Akira Tana, was founded in 2013 to tour and raise funds for the communities devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011. The project pays homage to the victims of the natural disaster by presenting traditional and pop Japanese songs that Tana and Otonowa completely transform into modern American jazz instrumentals. Otonowa is Akira Tana (leader/drums), Masaru Koga (reeds and shakuhachi), Art Hirahara (piano), Ken Okada (bass), and special guest artist Jimi Nakagawa (taiko).
For the past three decades, Rio-born multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and educator Marcos Silva has poured his energy into spreading the gospel of Brazilian music, playing an inordinate role in the San Francisco Bay Area’s emergence as a verdant outpost of Brazilian jazz. In 2019, he released his first new album in 30 years, Brasil From Head to Toe, featuring his own compositions. He’ll be joined by a couple of the musicians on the album, Mauricio Zotterelli (drums) and Gary Meek (sax & flute), as well as Richard Lindsey (bass).
SECOND SHOW ADDED! 5:30pm / 8pm
American jazz and cabaret singer Paula West makes her Piano store debut, with Adam Shulman (piano), Aaron Germain (bass), and Leon Joyce, Jr. (drums). Paula is known for her rich, powerful contralto voice and for her highly nuanced interpretations of an extraordinarily eclectic selection of songs that range from the Great American songbook to reinterpretations of songs by artists such as Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Lou Reed and Johnny Cash. Join us for an intimate evening with this Bay Area treasure!
Los Angeles-based pianist and composer Paul Cornish strives to inspire freedom and collaboration in his music and community. He has performed extensively across the globe with such notable artists as Joshua Redman, Louis Cole, Mark Guiliana, and more. Paul brings his trio featuring Jonathan Pinson (drums) and Jermaine Paul (bass) in support of his Blue Note Records debut album You’re Exaggerating. “The Blue Note tradition began 86 years ago with great jazz pianists and Paul is the next purveyor of that hallowed legacy.” –Don Was, Blue Note Records
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Jorge Luis Pacheco is known for his technical virtuosity on the piano and his electrifying performances. In his solo concerts, he uses a loop station to create complex accompaniments that allow him the freedom to improvise. Also an excellent vocalist with great sensitivity, he always pays tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club with some of their most famous songs. Pacheco reinterprets Latin and Cuban jazz, fusing diverse traditional and contemporary genres to create his own unique style, while maintaining a deep connection with his Cuban heritage.
Internationally renowned jazz flutist, Ali Ryerson, is excited to return to Piedmont Piano Company with her longtime colleagues, Steve Rudolph on piano, John Wiitala on bass, and Akira Tana on drums. Their repertoire features beautifully arranged jazz and Brazilian classics. The quartet comes to Oakland directly following their weeklong residency at Hidden Valley Music Seminars on the Monterey Peninsula, where Ryerson conducts her annual jazz flute masterclass.
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Piedmont Piano Company is proud to welcome back Alan Broadbent and Harvie S for their third performance on our stage. With decades of musical collaboration between them, Broadbent and Harvie S share a rare and intuitive connection that brings their performances to life. This seasoned duo will present a captivating evening of jazz standards and original compositions, all delivered with their signature style and remarkable interplay.
Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur and pianist Larry Vuckovich have developed a close musical chemistry, both having an affinity for showcasing their prowess in bebop, as well as various styles within World Music. They will treat the audience to a wide-ranging and exciting set of tunes, including selections honoring the great Charlie Parker just two days after what would have been his 105th birthday.
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"Sounding Line" Album Release Preview
Taking cues from two uncompromising geniuses of the piano, pianist/composer Carmen Staaf presents a fabulous contemporary accounting of the importance of Mary Lou Williams and Thelonious Monk in the lineage of jazz on her new recording, Sounding Line (Sunnyside, September 2025). For this preview performance, she is joined by some of the illustrious musicians from the album - Ben Goldberg, Dillon Vado, and Hamir Atwal - for a set of duos, trios, and quartets exploring music by Williams and Monk, as well as originals. "A consummate jazz pianist" - Herbie Hancock.
Celebrating the release of her 44th album "One Hour Mama – The Blues of Victoria Spivey," Maria Muldaur will be performing a special intimate acoustic concert of swingin' Vintage Naughty Bawdy Blues and Jazz tunes from the '20s and '30s, accompanied by the amazing young piano virtuoso Neil Fontano.
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UnStandards – The Art Lande Quartet is comprised of highly experienced musicians who have developed distinctive voices on their instruments and know how to listen and connect to each other. The focus of this project is Art's UnStandards — reworking music familiar to the ear and bringing it to a fresh, present moment while honoring the history. Mixing meters, re-harmonizations, adding new sections and changing the whole mood of these old songs are some of the ways that Art fabulized the music during his months in Arizona last winter. This band promises to bring both surprises and consistency to these performances of new music in familiar packages. Come and taste the flavors.
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A masterful jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut balances his lithe technical skill with a robust, soulful style that speaks to his deep gospel roots and love of swinging hard bop. Raised in the church, he learned how to infuse his swinging, classically trained style with a warm gospel sound. Every set he plays is unique, as he reads the audience and the space to create a singular musical experience.
Pianist Winnie Cheung is excited to share the stage with her musical brother in combat, Bandoneonista C.C. Lee, this time in the US! Don’t miss these two powerhouses joining forces in a program celebrating a two year collaboration with tango musicians in Taiwan. Their combined love and knowledge of tango has knitted together their local communities. The Tango with Winnie Collective will perform tango classics of Troilo, Pugliese, and Gobbi alongside tango composers of today, with special guest Teresa Tam.
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An accomplished singer, pianist, educator, conductor, and composer, Alex Taite will share songs and stories from his multifaceted career, working in various musical genres and styles, and creating and producing his one-man show, an in-depth exploration of the Negro Spiritual. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Ricardo Peixoto and Marcos Silva, both originally from Rio de Janeiro and currently based in the Bay Area, are joined by honorary Brazilian Brian Rice. All three have been fixtures of the Bay Area’s Brazilian and Jazz music scenes for decades and have collaborated in many groups and recordings. Silva and Peixoto’s collaborations date back to the 1980’s as part of Airto and Flora Purim’s group as well as Silva’s Steps of the Imagination, and Peixoto’s Terra Sul, while Rice and Peixoto have been part of The Berkeley Choro Ensemble for over 10 years. Join us for a dynamic performance featuring original compositions as well as a wide range of Brazilian classics.
Roger Glenn (saxophones, clarinet, vocals) and Rob Dehlinger (trumpet, vocals) celebrate the music and legacy of Louis Jordan, Louis Prima, & Louis Armstrong. “Louis, Louis, & Louis” isn’t just a concert, it’s a time machine powered by rhythm, soul, and sheer showmanship, with Roger and Rob channeling the spirit of the music not only through their horns, but also through their voices. They will be joined by Ron Sfarzo (piano), Marcus Shelby (bass), Vince Littleton (drums), Wayne Wallace (trombone), Eddie Pasternak (guitar), and Maryann Sfarzo (vocals).
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Kenny Werner has been a world class pianist and composer for over 40 years and is the author of the landmark book Effortless Mastery: Liberating The Master Musician Within. The New York Times has called him a “virtuoso,” the Boston Phoenix has called him “an extraordinary gifted artist,” and his prolific compositions and recordings have won National Endowment for the Arts grants, a Grammy Award nomination and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Alex Stabile is an engineer and award-winning pianist based in San Francisco, presenting a program of Bach, Ravel, and selections from Rachmaninoff’s mighty Études-Tableaux Op. 39. Alex is a Rachmaninoff specialist, back from performing Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto with the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine in Paris last year. As a non-professional operating outside the usual world of classical music, he works to achieve an eclectic, unvarnished style to connect with a wide range of audiences, without sacrificing exactitude.
Classical pianist Rachel Breen returns for her annual Bay Area appearance. She will be joined by Sergey Belyavsky for a program that will include Schumann's Carnaval op. 9, Stravinsky's Three Movements from Petrushka, Moritz Rosenthal's Carnaval de Vienne, and more.
Edward Simon, a native of Venezuela, has made a name for himself over decades in America as a jazz improviser, composer-arranger and band leader, with his profile heightening in recent years as he has explored the commonalities jazz can have with the folkloric sounds of Latin America.
Album Release Party!
Charles Chen celebrates his freshly released latest album, Building Characters (recorded with Bob Sheppard, Randy Brecker, Adam Nussbaum, Mike Richmond, released May 15, 2025). This show features a classic sextet playing originals and arrangements from classic repertoire, Building Characters, and a special sneak peek of his next album. The songs and arrangements will be a range of different styles from the golden age Blue Note era (think Art Blakey Messengers, Horace Silver, Benny Golson).
Spaghetti is an electrifying instrumental quartet of Bay Area musicians featuring Latin Grammy-nominated accordionist and pianist Sam Reider, guitarist Jim Campilongo, drummer Scott Amendola, and bassist Mat Muntz. Original compositions by Reider and Campilongo collide with tunes by Duke Ellington, Astor Piazzolla, Hank Williams and beyond.
Pianist Dred Scott and his band present music from his latest album, Cali Mambo. Inspired by George Shearing’s latin jazz records, this project marks Scott’s much-anticipated return to the vibrant world of jazz clubs and highlights his passion for the pulsating rhythms of latin jazz. He will be joined by NYC vibraphonist Tom Beckham, legendary latin jazz drummer Josh Jones, and bassist Sam Bevan.
Join in-demand Bay Area composer-pianist Paul G. McCurdy for an evening of new compositions rooted in the expressive possibilities of music and the piano. Flowing from pieces grounded in the classical tradition to those inspired by jazz and improvisation, the recital features music about human connection, deep introspection, and defiant joy in a time of chaos. Don't miss what may be one of Paul's last performances in the Bay Area before moving to NYC!
Keezer and Margot have been touring, writing and recording together for several years, including their 2018 album On My Way to You (MarKeez). They bring their unique vision of the vocal and piano duet to concert stages worldwide, performing familiar jazz standards, beloved pop songs and vibrant original compositions, in a varied and intimate set.
Join longtime friends and musical collaborators pianist Hannah Mayer, bassist Aidan McCarthy, and drummer Jayla Hernández for an intimate performance featuring Hannah’s original compositions and arrangements of favorites ranging from showtunes to Brazilian popular music.
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“A first-call accompanist and collaborator for the vocal elite, and a conceptualist who's crafted smartly arranged musical love letters to everything from steampunk sci-fi to the City of Los Angeles as part of his ongoing Discovery Project, Nelson is a creative force to be reckoned with.” –Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
Melissa Lam, a talented cellist with the San Francisco Choral Society Orchestra, and Eric Tran, pianist-composer and teacher with an MM from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, present a performance featuring Sergei Rachmaninoff's Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 19, and Felix Mendelssohn's Cello Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 58.
Night Music
Ten musicians from the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, along with longtime San Francisco Opera music staff member and pianist Robert Mollicone, take the stage at the piano store to perform intimate works by Claude Debussy, Astor Piazzolla, Eugene Bozza, George Frideric Handel, Ludwig van Beethoven and Maurice Ravel, among others.
Mads Tolling and John R. Burr met back in 2015, and in 2023 released their first album together, Ramblin’ on Blue Coast Records. The album features creative arrangements of songs from all corners of the music world, including Toto, Lennon/McCartney, Victor Young and John McLaughlin. Tunes from Ramblin’ will be part of the set list this evening, along with songs from the Great American Songbook and originals by John and Mads.
Howard Levy is a virtuoso pianist, harmonicist and composer, originally from New York, based in Chicago. Winner of two Grammy Awards, he has performed and recorded with a wide array of artists including Béla Fleck and The Flecktones, Paquito D’Rivera, Donald Fagen, and many more. He tours extensively as a solo artist, presenting an adventurous blend of original jazz piano compositions flavored with Latin and World Music. And of course, expect a few tunes where he plays piano and harmonica simultaneously.
Featuring protean pianist Myra Melford, galvanizing bassist Mark Dresser, and supremely musical drummer Matt Wilson, Trio M brings together three visionary jazz artists with extensive track records in adventurous ensembles. Unbound by piano trio conventions, the leaderless project erases distinctions between frontline and accompanist, requiring each player to shape the music’s flow as it unfolds. The resulting sounds can be fierce and beatific, playful and rigorous, earthy or abstract, extravagantly joyous or quietly introspective.
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California-born soprano Mary Ellen Callahan sings a collection of songs that includes her favorites, as well as a few she learned to love. She’ll talk about her international career as a recitalist and soloist, sorting the differences between performing a program curated by herself and being hired to sing pieces chosen by someone else. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Sudamericanto’s unique brand of latin-american music combines Brazilian jazz with South and Central American folk rhythms, taking audiences along a journey through traditions from South America and the Caribbean with a Brazilian jazz twist. Featuring multi-faceted Puerto Rican vocalist/interpreter Madeleine Zayas and high caliber Bay Area musicians/educators coming together to play fresh compositions of Brazilian Jazz tunes, in addition to original arrangements of carefully selected Latin American classics from Argentina, Chile, Perú, Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.
Pianist Vince Guaraldi’s main claim to fame are his Charlie Brown/Peanuts compositions, but he was much more than that, excelling in various musical styles. Being his only student and later joining his two-piano quartet, Powder Keg, pianist Larry Vuckovich knows Guaraldi’s music firsthand. Presenting the true side of Vince Guaraldi, Larry plays some of Guaraldi’s favorite repertoire that spans various genres, with Kai Lyons (guitar), Doug Miller (bass), and Hector Lugo (Latin percussion).
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Hard bop pianist Benny Green – who has played with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, the Freddie Hubbard Quintet, and the Ray Brown Trio – returns to the piano store for an evening of solo piano that will include standards and originals.
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Documentary Screening and Solo Performance
Join us for a special night of the Bay Area debut of Omar Sosa's 88 Well-Tuned Drums, a feature-length documentary on the life and music of Cuban-born pianist, composer, and multiple Grammy-nominee Omar Sosa. The film follows Omar's story from early childhood and conservatory education as a percussionist in Cuba, military service in Angola, a stint in Ecuador writing commercial jingles, and his fateful move to San Francisco. The screening will be followed by a solo performance not to be missed!
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Vocalist, multi-faceted musician, and new music champion Sidney Chen shares his journey through the pandemic with his DIY hand-crank music boxes, as well as his perspective on ensemble music-making as essential practice for empathetic and compassionate living with others. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
"Poetry of Jazz" is where the spoken word gets its groove. Allan Harris, Harlem’s own modern-day troubadour, takes classic poetry — from Shakespeare’s sonnets to Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance — and drops it into the deep pocket of jazz. With his velvet vocals and magnetic presence, he flows between swinging rhythms and soulful recitations, backed by a razor-sharp jazz trio: Freddie Bryant (guitar), John Wiitala (bass), and Sylvia Cuenca (drums). This concert is a vibe, a conversation between past and present, where jazz and poetry riff, improvise, and redefine cool.
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Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti returns to the piano store for a rare solo performance, just off the heels of winning a 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for his latest album Plot Armor.
While touring the US with a trio, Bokani Dyer embarks on a solo performance – on the West Coast presented exclusively at Piedmont Piano Company – playing reimagined works from previous albums, unheard material, and some covers of songs he enjoys performing. Dyer will explore a soundscape featuring the piano, vocals, and electronics, build the songs from nothing, then deconstruct to silence. Expect the unexpected, infectious rhythms, melodic explorations hailing back to the rich and various African traditions, groove, and virtuosic, innovative piano playing.
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
9-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton returns with pianist Tamir Hendelman for an intimate and swinging evening of songs about SPRING. Sutton is heralded for her abilities as a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Hendelman is known for his sense of swing, imaginative arranging, sensitive touch and his work with vocalists from Natalie Cole to Barbra Streisand.
This 13th annual free chamber music event will include movements from Schubert’s Iconic “Trout Quintet", Mozart’s elegant Flute Quartet, a rarely heard Piano Trio by Amy Beach as well an original oboe quartet by Vincent Russo. We are pleased to announce that Britt Day will be taking part in this performance.
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with Jeremy Cohen and Quartet San Francisco
This concert is a world premiere of a number of works written by Bill Cunliffe for violinist Jeremy Cohen and the Quartet San Francisco. Bill has had a long relationship with Jeremy, having performed with him a number of times at the Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angeles in the ’90’s and ’00’s. These new pieces are for string quartet and piano, and all feature jazz improvisation, both by Bill and members of the quartet. Works performed include pieces composed by Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, two of Bill’s main musical influences.
Featuring Alexandra Ridout
In his "Ode To The Piano," Gabriel Schillinger-Hyman presents his arrangements of some of the most moving yet chronically underplayed masterpieces of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Thelonious Monk, Dr. Don Shirley, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea and more. Joining him is an all-star band consisting of his identical twin brother Eytan Schillinger-Hyman (bass), Alexandra Ridout (trumpet), and Michael Mitchel (drums).
Thembi Dunjana, a jazz pianist from South Africa, draws inspiration from her musical heroes McCoy Tyner and Moses Molelekwa in a solo piano set that explores her own compositions and reimagined jazz standards. This solo performance explores the parallels between African and American jazz music through rhythm and harmony. Expect infectious rhythms and familiar yet reinterpreted melodies.
Pioneers in the use of four-hands piano in jazz, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi have earned widespread success with their original arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime, and boogie woogie traditions, as well as from the Swing Era. In recent projects, they have focused on the repertoire of the Golden Age of Broadway and Hollywood. They will present their arrangements on two pianos and on one piano four-hands.
The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music (OPC) is thrilled to announce an exclusive Valentine's Day Jazz Masterclass featuring the talented duo, vocalist/saxophonist Camille Thurman and drummer Darrell Green. The masterclass will provide an engaging educational opportunity for music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians alike. This event is an essential part of OPC's "Brick by Brick, Note by Note" campaign, which aims to build a state-of-the-art music facility in Old Oakland. All proceeds from the event will contribute to the campaign, supporting the creation of a vibrant hub for music education, performance, and community engagement.
This once in a blue moon experience will be unforgettable with Pamela Parker stripped down acoustic with just a piano! She will share songs from previous albums Beautiful Day, Evolutionary Process, The Fantastic Machine as well as her album MotherStar, plus songs never heard before. Few people know piano was Pamela’s first instrument at the age of 5 and she often writes many of her songs starting on piano. This concert will be the life & journey of music through the piano with Pamela Parker.
Don’t miss this rare evening with three legendary jazz masters: Steve Turre on trombone and shells, Jon Faddis on trumpet, and drummer Roy McCurdy. These celebrated jazz musicians come together for an exclusive appearance in the Bay Area, providing a unique chance for jazz enthusiasts and historians to witness the collaboration of these iconic artists. The event marks the inaugural performance of OPC’s "Catch the Vibe Concert Series," which aims to raise funds for the “Brick by Brick, Note by Note” campaign to construct a new state-of-the-art facility in Old Oakland.
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Vocalist and poet Amy Fogerson sings songs that represent the different hats she has worn as a singer: student, chorister, soloist, teacher, lyricist. There will be music by Alan Chapman, Reena Esmail, and Dante de Silva, as well as songs composed by 5th graders and women experiencing houselessness in Los Angeles, accompanied by pianist Paul McCurdy. She’ll share stories about making a living as a non-famous singer, her work with LA-based nonprofit organization Street Symphony, and collaborating with composers as a poet. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
The Brian Charette Organ Trio plays modern Jazz/Funk music with Charette's memorable compositions and Jazz Organ classics from Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, and Larry Young. Charette is currently #2 on the Downbeat Critic's Poll for Organ and #6 for Keyboards. The trio has been called "The future of organ trios" by the Huffington Post. Joining him are Jeff Burr on guitar and Smith Dobson on drums.
Hearing the Chester CT Thompson Organ Quartet is an experience like no other. With over twenty-six years playing with the Carlos Santana Band, preceded by ten years with the great Tower of Power, CT brings pure excitement and an unleashed groove to the bandstand. His sound is deep in the pocket and can range from smooth to thunderous in a matter of minutes, always with the incomparable bass work coming from his left hand and left foot. With Howard Wiley (sax), Drew Zingg (guitar), and Deszon Claiborne (drums).
Critically-acclaimed vocalist Ben Jones and Grammy® Award-winning pianist, composer, and arranger Laurence Hobgood come together for an unforgettable evening that celebrates their shared love of music ranging across the Great American Songbook: Broadway, Classic Jazz, Pop, and Classic and Prog Rock. Their shared backgrounds and passions ignite a thrilling musical chemistry, infusing every song with vibrant, innovative interpretations. Jones and Hobgood will deliver fresh takes on genre-spanning classics – songs by Billy Strayhorn, Joni Mitchell, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stevie Wonder, Adam Guettel, Carole King, and even the Bee Gees – with unexpected twists and turns. Together, they create an evening of unparalleled artistry.
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Celebrate the release of Dust (E2/ Edition Records), the new solo piano album by Grammy®-nominated pianist and composer Romain Collin. Collin, who has been praised by NPR as a "visionary composer" and hailed by the Boston Globe as one of the "leading lights of a new breed of jazz players", will perform originals, as well as covers, with his unique and emotive pianistic approach. This special live performance coincides with the opening of an art exhibition at Oakland's Fourth Wall Gallery. This art show, conceived in collaboration with filmmaker Matthew Palmer, was created as a complement to the music of Dust. While the gallery show features 11 music films shot in the California desert, this intimate solo piano concert focuses on the music. Limited-edition vinyl copies of Dust will be available for purchase at the event.
Otonowa, led by Akira Tana, was founded in 2013 to tour and raise funds for the communities devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011. The project pays homage to the victims of the natural disaster by presenting traditional and pop Japanese songs that Tana and Otonowa completely transform into modern American jazz instrumentals. Otonowa is Akira Tana (leader/drums), Masaru Koga (reeds and shakuhachi), Art Hirahara (piano), Ken Okada (bass), and special guest artist Jimi Nakagawa (taiko).
The Holiday Project Sextet is one of the few small ensembles in the country to present innovative reconstructions of Christmas Pop and Chanukah songs along with timeless Spirituals. The most daring work is a melding of Martin Luther King's favorite spiritual "Precious Lord" with Aaron Copland's ballet score to "Appalachian Spring". The group is lead by award-winning composer/arranger Michael Smolens and features some of the most creative touring jazz instrumentalists in the Bay Area, along with a stunning gospel vocalist. The project has been featured at the Herbst Theater, as well as numerous concert series and house concerts.
Experience the Magic of the Holidays with Nicolas Bearde LIVE
Now celebrating his 17th Annual Holiday performance, this special concert is a “must-see” for all fans of contemporary Jazz and Blues.
Larry Vuckovich celebrates his 88th birthday playing the 88 keys Fazioli concert grand on his actual birthday! He will be playing with his favorite guitarist, Kai Lyons. For the last number of years Kai has become the hottest guitarist in the Bay Area. Larry and Kai have been regularly expanding their diverse/wide-ranging repertoire – unmatched in the jazz arena. Besides the great jazz classics of top composers, their repertoire covers seldom heard standards, great Latin/Brazilian pieces, World Music gems, and as always funky, boogaloo blues selections. Additionally, they present special jazz vocals of rarely heard selections. Don’t miss this special event!
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Pianist Tamir Hendelman returns to the piano store for a solo program of standards, originals and compositions by jazz masters. Known for his lyrical tone, sense of swing, dynamic range and imaginative re-conceptions of jazz standards, Tamir brings spontaneity and nuanced musical storytelling to his solo concerts. Join him for this program filled with gems from the Great American Songbook, the jazz canon and his own fertile imagination.
Trumpet master, composer, and inventive arranger David Weiss brings his outstanding New York sextet to the West coast to promote his newly released recording, Auteur. The recording spotlights original music, never-before-recorded compositions from Freddie Hubbard and Slide Hampton. Praised by The New York Times and the Village Voice for his bold inventions over the years, Weiss’ music evokes emotional complexity — abundance and loss, the collateral beauty of pain — and transmits a deeply personal sound informed by his strong connection to hard bop, swing, and free improvisation traditions. David Weiss (trumpet), Myron Walden (alto sax), Michael Zilber (tenor sax), David Bryant- (piano), Essiet Essiet (bass), and E.J. Strickland (drums).
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From bop, to stride, to swing, to blues, the Larry Fuller Trio returns to the piano store! Larry Fuller is an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist known to ‘swing like a beast.’ He is a Yamaha artist. Direct from NYC, Fuller brings his Trio, with Lorin Cohen on bass and Carmen Intorre, Jr., on drums. Don’t miss this top-notch jazz trio while they’re in the Bay Area!
If you haven’t Luved you haven’t lived, says Bud E. Luv. He’s been a mainstay of the Bay Area music scene for over 3 decades! With cohorts Mikey and Marley Luv, the boys are ready to wow concert goers like never before. The NY Times and The Village Voice agree that The Budster is the best, and when have they ever agreed on anything?
Blues, Boogie Woogie, Jazz
Virtuosic and renowned Barcelona pianist Lluís Coloma returns to the piano store to play a solo show. Over the years, for Lluís, the piano has become an extension of his own body, the perfect instrument to express himself in a natural, spontaneous, and unique way. He creates his own compositions, interprets some personal favorites, and paints surprising textures, always imbued with Blues and Boogie Woogie, which are the roots of his very varied influences. He's created a cocktail of styles that over time has become his own signature sound, where each theme is a landscape within his own musical universe.
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Joe Alterman presents 'Happy Serious Music - According to Ramsey Lewis,' an unforgettable evening of music that will “surely make people smile and, if the room is right, dance.” (Nat Hentoff, The Wall Street Journal) Drawing inspiration from legendary jazz and “happy sounding” pianists Ramsey Lewis, Les McCann, and more, Alterman will take you on a journey, weaving joyful music inspired by these greats with fascinating, enlightening, and personal stories about these legends and his special relationships with many of them.
Canada's incomparable vocal jazz jewel Emilie-Claire Barlow leads her stellar band through innovative arrangements of American Songbook treasures, rhythmic bossa novas, elegant ballads, and French chansons. She continues to endear herself to critics, peers, and audiences everywhere with her relaxed, polished demeanor, her charming humor, and a voice of unforgettable beauty. Emilie-Claire will highlight favorites from her extensive repertoire, as well as new arrangements from her 13th album Spark Bird.
Bringing a New York vibe and a West Coast connection, drummer Darrell Green and vocalist/saxophonist Camille Thurman provide excitement, innovation, and top notch musicality to their performances with Bay Area and beyond first call musicians Matt Clark on piano and Ron Belcher on bass rounding out the band beautifully. One of the most sought after combos on the national and international jazz scene, Darrell and Camille are brilliantly paired to perfection!
Award-winning contemporary Jordanian self-taught pianist and composer Samer Fanek makes his debut appearance at the piano store with a set of his original compositions, focusing on his most recent fourth album, "Call of the Desert," inspired by Samer's nostalgia for his home country of Jordan as well as a longing to travel back there more often. He'll also play his own arrangements of music from Arabic and Mediterranean artists.
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Singer, teacher, and professional photographer Teresa Tam sings a varied set of songs, accompanied by Obadiah Wrynla. She'll talk about how Tango music liberates her and gets her out of her comfort zone, how life experiences can add to one's musical expressions, and how music carried her as a teenage immigrant. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Formed in 2019, MVI (Mark Vickness Interconnected) is an instrumental progressive acoustic group featuring two-time Grammy winner Mads Tolling (violin), Matt Renzi (winds), Joseph Hebert (cello), and Dan Feiszli (upright bass) performing original music by composer/modern finger style guitarist Mark Vickness. The group will be celebrating the release of their new album, I Will Find My Way, as well as performing music from Interconnected (2020) and In The Rain Shadow (2023).
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Internationally acclaimed French-Malagasy pianist Mathis Picard returns to the piano store for an exciting evening of solo piano music. Stride, Swing, Preludes & Fugues connects the dots of different piano compositions across musical eras, painting a full picture of the history of the piano. Showcasing sounds from Harlem Stride and American Swing to European classical music, Picard will also share selections from his latest original work, “Preludes & Fugues: Book I,” a set of 12 compositions that reinterprets one of solo piano’s most beloved compositional formats.
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Conductor, operatic tenor, and composer Darita Seth shares stories about advocating for BIPOC and other marginalized communities through choral music, singing all over the world, and weight-lifting. Accompanied by Carl Oser, followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Art Lande’s solo piano concerts are rare, special occasions and personal offerings of everything he has to give. This Artful evening will be a journey through loosely charted territory with plenty of side road jaunts and unscripted excursions where captivating characters, places, and events co-mingle. The audience will hear some jazz, his own compositions, improvisation, spoken word, and anything that touches his heart in the space in the moment.
Remember the 80's, when Annie Lennox’s powerhouse vocals ruled? Get ready to groove anew as Kristin puts her spin on 12 Eurythmics classics. Bassist, vocalist, arranger and fun facilitator Kristin Korb returns to the piano store to celebrate her new project, Sweet Dreams, paying tribute to The Eurythmics with her own signature style. Scheduled for release on October 25, 2024 (Giant Sheep Music), Kristin celebrates with the unique opportunity to enjoy the music before the rest of the world hears it. Joining Kristin are local legend Mary Fettig (woodwinds) and the one and only Deszon Claiborne (drums). With Andy Langham on the piano, this band just doesn't get any better.
Saxophonist/Arranger Michael O’Neill takes a trip on the Latin side with Synergy, the newest album of classic pop and soul songs reimagined with an array of Afro-Latin grooves, featuring 11-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Tony Lindsay, best known for his nearly two-decade tenure with Santana. The all-star band includes trumpeter Erik Jekabson, pianist John R. Burr, bassist Dan Feiszli, drummer Jason Lewis, and percussionist Omar Ledezma.
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm / 8pm
3-time Grammy nominee and international vocal powerhouse Roberta Gambarini teams up with celebrated pianist Tamir Hendelman in an intimate duo setting, celebrating the Great American Songbook, bebop evergreens, lesser-known music by Jobim, and more. Roberta first met Tamir at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and he recorded on her Easy To Love and So In Love albums and has toured the US, Europe, and Japan with her. Join them in person as they collaborate on their first musical duo tour.
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Carmen Staaf explores the connections between compositions by Mary Lou Williams and well-known pieces by Thelonious Monk, who was mentored by Williams along with many of his bebop-era contemporaries. Carmen will be joined by Bay Area drummer Hamir Atwal. They’ll find new pathways into Williams and Monk, as well as the common ground between them. This special show is a live sneak preview of the project before they head into the studio the following day. Don't miss it!
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Ethan Iverson made history with the Bad Plus, and is now currently signed to Blue Note where he is part the storied label’s roster of cutting-edge artist. However, Iverson also considers the long game. Time Out New York selected Iverson as one of 25 essential New York jazz icons: “Perhaps NYC’s most thoughtful and passionate student of jazz tradition—the most admirable sort of artist-scholar.” For this event, Iverson will demonstrate a wide range of jazz piano styles and show how he brings the past to the future.
Internationally renowned jazz flutist, Ali Ryerson, is excited to return to Piedmont Piano Company with her longtime colleagues, Steve Rudolph on piano, John Wiitala on bass, and Akira Tana on drums. Their repertoire features beautifully arranged jazz classics by Thad Jones, Wes Montgomery, Brazilian masters Ivan Lins, Léa Freire and more. The quartet comes to Oakland directly following their weeklong residency at Hidden Valley Music Seminars on the Monterey Peninsula, where Ryerson conducts her annual jazz flute masterclass.
Craig Reiss, Associate Principal 2nd Violinist with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and member of the SF Opera Orchestra brings his Eos Ensemble to the piano store. Along with Evan Kahn, Principal Cellist of the San Francisco Opera, and internationally renowned pianist Elizabeth Dorman, they will present a varied program of Piano Trios by Haydn and Dvorak. Dvorak’s expressive Trio in F minor showcases the exuberant rustic style for which he is most famous as well as the anguish of the recent death of his mother. Haydn titled his Trio in E flat minor “Jacob’s Dream” referring to the biblical story of the ladder ascending to heaven, and it imbues his inimitable classical style with elements of Austrian folk song.
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Pianist, vocalist, and composer Katy Stephan sings a set of her favorite songs, including some originals. She’ll share stories about being a singer who also plays piano, singing in bands and choirs, and not being limited by genres. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
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arranger, educator, and recording artist George Cables has been performing as a bandleader and sideman for many years, along with the best the jazz world has to offer. Known for his own compositions as well as his creative interpretations of the standards, his repertoire is as varied as it is fun and engaging. Debuting at the piano store as a bandleader, he’ll be joined by Essiet Essiet (bass) and Jerome Jennings (drums). The trio’s most recent recordings are on HighNote Records with a new release scheduled for this Fall.
Chilean singer, guitarist, and composer Camila Meza, along with bassist Or Bareket, will delight the audience with rhythms and influences from Latin America mixed with the improvisatory flame of Jazz in a conversational duo and a repertoire full of lyricism, storytelling, and virtuosic interpretations.
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Descended from a lineage of musical greats, Marc Cary takes the stage for an evening of solo piano exploration. A cornerstone of the post-bop movement, Cary's virtuosity transcends genres, weaving together elements of jazz, world, and soul music. Be prepared to be surprised, delighted, and immersed as you float, dance and groove to the boundless creativity of Marc Cary.
Grammy Award winner with The Count Basie Orchestra and internationally renowned vocalist Jamie Davis will seduce you with his deep, velvety voice as he sings the music of the great jazz baritones, like Johnny Hartman, and much more. With a repertoire from Cole Porter to Stevie Wonder to Mingus, Jamie has the flexibility, sophistication, and effortless delivery to stand with any of the greats. His All-Star Band includes Grammy Award Winning pianist Glen Pearson, bassist Chris Amberger, drummer Leon Joyce, Jr., and tenor saxophonist Richard Howell. Don't miss this fabulous show!
In Tribute to Don Cherry
Renowned trumpeter/multi-instrumentalist Don Cherry made his first guest appearance with Peter Apfelbaum's Bay Area-based big band the Hieroglyphics Ensemble in 1988. A fruitful musical relationship was born, and Cherry recruited Apfelbaum and fellow Hieroglyphs Bo Freeman and Josh Jones to form Multikulti, Cherry's main touring group until his death in 1995. Since then, Apfelbaum and Jones have continued to perform together and will reunite with Freeman to celebrate their beloved, departed mentor, revisiting and offering fresh takes on material from their time as 3/4ths of Multikulti.
Classical pianist Rachel Breen returns to the piano store to perform a program featuring later works of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (opp. 109 and 126), as well as some assorted short works.
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Laurence Hobgood and Matthew Szemela first connected around 10 years ago; kindred musical spirits, they quickly realized an intuitively rare and potent connection, a mellifluous symbiosis in terms of how they’re able to listen to and play off of one another. Both virtuosos, both deeply invested in music as a conveyor of jubilance, reflection, humor, reverence — their interactions are an exciting and sometimes surprising paean to true musical expressionism — not to be missed!
Hannah Mayer and Leonardo Zurita, two close friends and musical collaborators, present a jazz piano duet concert with renditions of their favorite songs across genres as well as original music.
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Choral artist, conductor, and educator Tim Silva will sing an eclectic set of songs, including a preview of originals from his upcoming EP. He’ll talk about growing up in the East Bay, teaching music around the bay, his wide array of collaborative work, and his love of plants. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Wil Blades on Hammond organ delivers cutting solos and deep bass lines that make for a thick stew of soulful harmony and daring improvisation, while Scott Amendola behind the drum kit creates beats that are simply unstoppable, simultaneously pushing the duo to heights unknown and sending the listener into a joyful sonic trance. The duo is joined by special guest Raffi Garabedian on tenor saxophone.
Grammy Nominated Pianist, Max Haymer, returns to the piano store, this time for a solo set. Max is known extensively for his work as the longtime pianist for 10x Grammy Winner Arturo Sandoval, as well as with Jazz Vocal Icon Jane Monheit. Max is also recently the recipient of the prestigious SouthArts Jazz Road Award, allowing him to bring his music to new audiences across the country. Specializing in re-imagined Broadway and Jazz Standards, as well as Afro-Cuban Jazz, Haymer promises to deliver a memorable show filled with power, emotion, drama, and fire!
With a deep appreciation for the legacy of great songs and grooves, well-known master songstress Lucy Woodward along with dynamic collaborator creative pianist Henry Hey invite you to pull up a cozy chair for an energetic yet intimate evening. Drawing from their own expansive professional experience as songwriters and performers, Lucy and Henry will share classic songs from the deep well of writers such as John Lennon, Nina Simone and others and will add their own contributions on top.
JAZZ CAMP JAZZ FEST
Jazz vocalist Nicolas Bearde will be hosting students from the 2024 Jazz Camp vocal classes, as they perform select pieces from this year's Jazz Camp experience. Nicolas will also perform songs from his critically acclaimed CDs. All will be accompanied by pianist Dr. Glen Pearson, and bassist.
JAZZ CAMP JAZZ FEST
Join world-class Los Angeles based vocalist Christine Guter and friends Adam Shulman, Joshua Thurston-Milgrom, and Dillon Vado for an evening of jazz and beyond! Christine enchants audiences with her impressive range and soaring melodies. Her vivid interpretation, deep groove, unique style, and improvisational ability blend together seamlessly with grace and joy. This group highlights songs from the jazz tradition, as well as jazz-infused arrangements of classical and contemporary music. Come join us this Father’s Day!
JAZZ CAMP JAZZ FEST - TWO SHOWS 5:30pm / 8pm
Formed in 1993, the Latin Grammy-nominated Quinteto has become one of the most important creative music ensembles of the West Coast. Performing Jovino’s original arrangements and compositions, its members excel in near-telepathic musical interactions, modern harmonic journeys, deep lyricism and high energy Brazilian grooves that never fail to excite audiences. Voted several times as Best Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the year by readers of Earshot Jazz Magazine in Seattle. Jovino Santos Neto (piano, melodica, percussion, flute), Dillon Vado (vibraphone), Peter Barshay (bass), Dave Flores (drums), and Ami Molinelli (percussion).
Roger Glenn’s dazzling multi-instrumental prowess (playing vibraphone, flute, and sax) via his abiding passion for Afro-Caribbean (and Afro-Brazilian) rhythms will be showcased with original tunes from his soon to be released recording "My Latin Heart" and some original Brazilian-fused tunes from pianist Marcos Silva, topped with a surprise Tango or two which could also include some audience participation. Joining him will be Marcos Silva on piano, Robb Fisher on bass, Leon Joyce Jr on drums, and
Michaelle Goerlitz on percussion.
The brilliant New York pianist Noah Haidu joins forces with jazz icons Buster Williams and Lenny White in support of his soulful and expessive new album Standards II. Haidu initially launched this project to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Keith Jarrett’s trio with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette. The Wall Street Journal described Haidu’s tribute as “buoyant and free like a pent-up spirit released” while Downbeat Magazine called it “A stunning and heartfelt tribute.” The new album arrives on the heels of Standards I (2023, Sunnyside Records) which reached #4 in the national radio charts and topped numerous 'best of the year' lists.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Shelly Berg, multi-Grammy nominated pianist and arranger, has performed, recorded, and arranged for renowned jazz vocalists and has collaborated with a "Who's Who" of jazz legends. He makes his debut at Piedmont Piano Company with his all-star trio featuring Chick Corea veterans Carlitos Del Puerto, bass and Gary Novak, drums.
Join legendary vocalist The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, her all-star trio, and special guest Houston Person for a delightful and electrifying afternoon celebrating Mother's Day! The Bay Area's queen songstress will join forces with pianist Joe Warner, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Greg Hutchinson, along with the elder statesman of the saxophone, the legendary Houston Person for an historic afternoon of jazz, blues, and beyond.
S.E.Willis and the Willing is a group of lifetime working musicians, primarily blues based, but including Boogie Woogie, Country, Zydeco and New Orleans style R&B in a thoroughly American sound. Featuring Steve Willis (piano, harmonica, accordion, vocals), Ruth Davies (bass), Nancy Wright (sax), and Larry Vann (drums).
Molly Miller’s latest endeavor is The Ballad of Hotspur, Molly Miller Trio’s third album and follow-up to 2021’s St. George. The album, a collection of instrumental Americana jazz songs tinged with folk and Surf Rock vibes, draws the listener on an epic journey as the musicians embrace bold, playful instrumentation alongside moments of quiet reflection. You will be hearing the new record and other tunes this evening. The trio, comprised of Molly Miller on guitar, Jennifer Condos (Don Henley, Steve Nick, Bruce Springsteen) on bass, and Jay Bellerose (Robert Plant, Allison Krauss, Elton John) on drums is celebrating the release of this brand new album.
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A select member of jazz’s piano pantheon, Fred Hersch celebrates the release of his solo piano album, Silent, Listening, an important contribution to ECM’s line of innovative solo piano recordings. It finds him putting a poetic emphasis on alert, open improvisation while also embracing original compositions and a scattering of standard tunes in his album’s graceful creative arc. Interspersing songs and spontaneously composed pieces, Hersch shapes and sustains a musical atmosphere that he describes as “nocturnal," an atmosphere of heightened sensitivity to sound.
Pianist and Bay Area young lion Joe Warner teams up with NEA Jazz Master and legendary drummer Billy Hart, along with renowned bassist Tarus Mateen, for an evening of world class jazz piano trio. This all-star group will thrill and delight audiences with standards, blues, ballads, and adventurous swingin' featuring one of the greatest drummers of our time.
Multifaceted, soulful, and elegant vocalist Jackie Ryan stands out on the international jazz scene as one of the best. She is equally at home with swinging jazz phrasing, be-bop vocalese, the blues, as well as funky boogaloo rhythms, singing in several languages. Jackie and pianist Larry Vuckovich have developed a close musical chemistry going back 30 years. They'll explore classic standards and rarely heard gems, among many others in Jackie's expansive repertoire.
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Singer-songwriter Joel Chapman plays a set of original songs. He’ll share stories about his choral background, his ever-evolving journey with YouTube, his obsession with comedy, and his album “I’m Sorry It Took So Long.” Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
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Internationally known pianist, composer, improviser, drummer and educator Art Lande returns to the piano store with Paul McCandless, Mark Miller, Peter Barshay, and Dillon Vado for a special artful evening of improvised music.
This unique brand of Latin-American music will take the audience on a journey through traditions from South America and the Caribbean with a Brazilian jazz twist. Multi-faceted Puerto Rican vocalist/interpreter Madeleine Zayas and her quartet will play original compositions and innovative arrangements of carefully selected classics from the Latin American/Caribbean songbook, influenced by various Afro-Peruvian rhythms –Chilean cueca, Brazilian samba and maracatú, Argentinian sambas and chamamés, and more – tied together with rhythmic precision and intertwined with jazzy flavors.
With over 25 years of creative collaboration, bassist Ben Allison, guitarist Steve Cardenas, and saxophonist Ted Nash weave musical conversations that are full of subtlety and surprise, modeled after reedist/composer Jimmy Giuffre’s drummerless units of the 1950s and 60s. The trio has released four albums. Their most recent, Tell the Birds I Said Hello: The Music of Herbie Nichols, features unheard gems by the under-recognized composer/pianist, while their previous album, Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley, has been streamed over 2 million times.
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TWO SHOWS 5:30pm / 8pm
Benny Green returns to the piano store with an evening of solo piano with standards and originals, including selections from his most recent album, Solo, recorded in Oakland in 2022.
Expect to be thrilled by this world-class organ trio. Akiko Tsuruga is one of the most entertaining jazz organists in the world today. A disciple of Dr. Lonnie Smith, she has an uncanny ability to captivate any crowd. Bruce Forman’s guitar prowess places him at the top of his art form, playing Country & Western to Jazz, and his faithful fan-base expects nothing but the best from him. Drummer, Akira Tana has played with the most prestigious jazz artists of our time. From Sonny Rollins to his current touring group, Otonowa, Akira has truly earned his position in the lineage of jazz drumming.
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GRAMMY Award-winning pianist Sullivan Fortner brings his trio – with bassist Tyrone Allen II and drummer Kayvon Gordon – to the piano store, as part of his West Coast Tour, playing music from his new double-album Release, Solo Game. “Solo” mixes humility, maturity and audacity in respecting the great tradition of the solo piano, while “Game” develops a magical, playful universe from a multitude of keyboards and electronic effects.
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Jazz and Blues singer Nicolas Bearde sings a set of his favorite songs and shares stories about his more than 35 year career, from leaving his Nashville home in his teens, to singing in Japan during his military service, to eventually making his home in the Bay Area.
“Canta, Violino!” is the brainchild of American violinist Andrew Finn Magill who has been featured on NPR, PBS, and MTV. Magill who moved back from Brazil in 2017, soon thereafter signed with Ropeadope Records for this project which features percussionist Ami Molinelli of Grupo Falso Baiano and award-winning Brazilian guitarist Cesar Garabini. Says legendary Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira (Miles Davis, Weather Report, Chick Corea): "He can fool you into thinking he is from Brazil!"
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
9-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton returns with pianist Tamir Hendelman for an intimate and swinging evening of songs about LOVE. Sutton is heralded for her abilities as a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Hendelman is known for his sense of swing, imaginative arranging, sensitive touch and his work with vocalists from Natalie Cole to Barbra Streisand.
Legendary pianist/composer/arranger Laurence Hobgood joins award-winning, esteemed jazz vocalist Janis Mann to share their dynamic, exciting repertoire. Over the past couple of years they have toured together on the East Coast, notably in New York and Pennsylvania, and in Los Angeles at the famed Village Studios. Their collaboration is a fresh interpretation of jazz gems, pop standards, blues, and Latin. Their approach is spontaneous and artistic. An afternoon of great music not to be missed!
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“A first-call accompanist and collaborator for the vocal elite, and a conceptualist who's crafted smartly arranged musical love letters to everything from steampunk sci-fi to the City of Los Angeles as part of his ongoing Discovery Project, Nelson is a creative force to be reckoned with.” –Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm / 8pm
Featuring protean pianist Myra Melford, galvanizing bassist Mark Dresser, and supremely musical drummer Matt Wilson, Trio M brings together three visionary jazz artists with extensive track records in adventurous ensembles. Unbound by piano trio conventions, the leaderless project erases distinctions between frontline and accompanist, requiring each player to shape the music’s flow as it unfolds. The resulting sounds can be fierce and beatific, playful and rigorous, earthy or abstract, extravagantly joyous or quietly introspective.
Pacific Standard Time, directed by Christine Guter, is the top vocal jazz ensemble at Cal State Long Beach, and the winners of DownBeat Student Music Awards for the past 14 years in a row. They feature outstanding musicianship, leading-edge musical arrangements, incredible vocal skill, and amazing improvisation ability. Their show will include works by Duke Ellington, Bob Dorough, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Al Jarreau, Madison Cunnigham, India Arie, and more. Seeing them live is a breathtaking experience and not to be missed!
We are pleased to present Paolo Fazioli, builder of the incomparable Fazioli piano. Come at 5:30 pm, have a glass of wine, meet Mr. Fazioli and inspect the Fazioli piano. At 6:30 we’ll have a discussion on the construction of the Fazioli in Sacile, Italy, followed by a piano performance by Monica Chew, with music by Heitor Villa Lobos, Ali Osman, Lucrecia Kasilag, and Joshua Uzoigwe.
Admission is free but reservations are required for admittance.
SONGS & STORIES SERIES
Bay Area jazz vocalist Tiffany Austin, recently named one of 30 recipients of the Center for Cultural Power's Culture Bearer Award, kicks off this brand new series with a short set of songs. She’ll share some stories of her musical journey from her beginnings in the LA area, to studying law, to performing with some of the biggest names in jazz. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
Old friends and legendary brothers LEVIN (Tony on bass and Pete on keyboards) and LA BARBERA (Pat on sax and Joe on drums) have decided to join brotherly forces together and to go back to their roots - jazz. Collectively, they have performed and recorded with the biggest names in pop, rock, and jazz. Don’t miss this rare night featuring world-class players
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
with Erin Bode
GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Taylor Eigsti returns to the piano store for the holiday season, this time with a brand new duo project featuring the brilliant Nashville-based vocalist Erin Bode. This special program will include brand new co-written selections from their current collaboration, along with everything from jazz standards to pieces to celebrate the Holiday Season.zz
Pianist Hannah Mayer returns with her unique quartet – with Laurel Fink on tenor saxophone, Gus Hurteau on vibraphone, and Isaac Coyle on bass – showcasing a variety of original music and beloved standards, as well as some selections from Hannah’s recently released debut album paying tribute to the Broadway composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim!
Celebrating the Season
Now celebrating his 16th Annual Holiday performance, this special concert is a “must-see” for all fans of contemporary Jazz and Blues. Be sure to make your reservations early. This “one night only concert” always sells out.
Pianist Larry Vuckovich celebrates his 87th birthday in one of his favorite musical settings – Dynamic Duo featuring the creative guitarist Kai Lyons. The steadily growing dynamic chemistry between them brings their jazz expression to a higher level, showcasing a diverse palate of musical styles. They'll play some fresh, hardly-ever-heard material, the Great American Songbook, and more, including some vocal scat on hits of Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie from the Bebop era, and music from The Godfather films. Don't miss this powerful performance and chance to celebrate with Larry!
One of SF's longest running jazz groups, Wolff's quartet has spent more than a decade honing a quirky repertoire focusing on overlooked gems of the bebop era and great American songbook in weekly residencies at Club Deluxe and the Redwood Room. For this special show, East meets West as they host one of the greatest jazz guitar players in the world and a fixture of the NYC scene, the legendary Peter Bernstein.
Adam Klipple brings his new Hammond B3 organ quintet to the piano store to play original, soulful arrangements of songs you know that are sure to surprise! The quintet includes Kai Lyons on guitar, Tony Peebles on sax, and Joel Behrman on trombone, with special guest drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. Adam and Ulysess reconnected after both teaching at Jazz Camp West this past summer. Super swinging and soulful, Ulysses is sure to drive the band to new heights!
Blues, Boogie Woogie, Jazz
Lluís Coloma playing solo reveals a deeper side of this virtuous and renowned Barcelona pianist. Over the years, for Lluís, the piano has become an extension of his own body, the perfect instrument to express himself in a natural, spontaneous, and unique way. Solo in front of the piano, Lluís creates his own compositions, interprets some personal favorites, and paints surprising textures, always imbued with Blues and Boogie Woogie, which are the roots of his very varied influences. He's created a cocktail of styles that over time has become his own signature sound, where each theme is a landscape within his own musical universe.
The last 2nd generation stride jazz pianist Mike Lipskin is joined by Jeff Sanford, virtuoso sax / clarinet / flute jazz master, and Ari Munkres, a premier Bay Area swinging bass player. They'll perform Mike's stimulating and unique arrangements of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, historic compositions of stride jazz pianists Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, James P. Johnson, and Willie the Lion Smith, plus some of Mike's originals. Don't miss this special one-of-a-kind concert!
2-time Grammy winning pianist Alan Broadbent and legendary bassist Harvie S return to the piano store for an evening of standards and some originals they have recorded together. After decades of playing many duo gigs together, they seem to read each others minds. “Their impromptu style, avoiding written arrangements and even rehearsals, succeeds because they are like-minded and share the same unwritten musical maxims.” –Betsy Reed, Guardian USA
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
“As a classical-turned-jazz artist, one of the things I have come to love the most about this American art form is its generous, communal heart: this is music made together, played together, and enjoyed together.”
Larry Vuckovich returns to the piano store with his all-star ensemble. The crisp, bright, clean unison sound of marimba and guitar beautifully projects the melodic repertoire of this ensemble’s world music jazz mix: swingin’ bebop/Afro-Cuban salsa + boleros/Balkan ethnic Middle Eastern/boogaloo bluesy funky sounds, Larry Vuckovich on piano, Tommy Kesecker on marimba, Kai Lyons on guitar, Hector Lugo on Latin percussion and vocals, John Wiitala on bass, and Akira Tana on drums.
Tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore (Horace Silver, Ray Brown) and pianist Tamir Hendelman (Jeff Hamilton Trio, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra) celebrate the centennial of the late great tenor saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and actor Dexter Gordon, who was among the most influential early bebop musicians. Gordon’s studio and performance career spanned more than 40 years, and included being nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in the film Round Midnight and winning a Grammy for the soundtrack album of the same film.
Janet Klein's Hollywood Party!
Oh, gee! Oh, joy! Join vivacious chanteuse Janet Klein and dazzling piano virtuoso Frederick Hodges for a marvelous musical soiree of toe tapping songs from Hollywood musicals of the late 1920s and early 1930s, with exciting hit songs by America’s top composers, such as the Gershwins, Rodgers and Hart, and other greats. Don’t miss this wonderful musical event!
Brazilian choro, samba, jazz and more!
Straight from touring in Brazil, and as faculty at California Brazil Camp, Julio Lemos returns to the Bay Area for the first time since 2020, for a special duo concert with percussionist Ami Molinelli. The show will feature new original music from Julio Lemos: instrumental choros and sambas with jazz influences. Featuring music from his new album Brasil Acustico, be prepared to be transported straight to the iconic sounds of Brazil and the innovative sounds of samba and choro, with original works like "Vai Meu Samba." This is a special concert for one evening only.
New Orleans-based, San Francisco-raised vocalist Anna Laura Quinn returns to the stage at Piedmont Piano with her sublime "Quinn-tet," featuring Rob Reich on accordion and piano, Terrence Brewer on guitar, Joe Kyle Jr. on bass, and Justin Ouellet on violin. The band will play arrangements from ALQ's 2022 release "Open the Door" and delve into Anna's growing repertoire of music written by celebrated female composers from across musical genres.
Two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Mads Tolling and pianist John R. Burr met 10 years ago, and the two have become fast friends – this year releasing their debut album Ramblin’. With a set list that includes fresh takes on music by Toto, John McLaughlin, and Victor Young, Mads and John take the listener on a captivating musical journey filled with rich improvisations and heartfelt interplay.
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
9-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton and piano powerhouse Tamir Hendelman join forces for a joyous celebration of Summer, with songs by the Bergmans, Mercer, Legrand and more. Intimate and swinging , this program will touch and inspire you.
Joining vocalist and pianist Dena DeRose is her long time rhythm duo that reside in the Bay Area, Peter Barshay on bass and Akira Tana on drums. Over the past 15+ years, this trio has brought fun, spontaneity, and joy to audiences with DeRose’s arrangements of the Great American Songbook, Jazz Standards, and her original works. Top quality Jazz… in the moment…will be what happens…don’t miss out!!
Jazz Piano Masters Series
Michael Wolff returns to Piedmont Piano Company for a gorgeous evening of jazz. Michael will also be reading excerpts from his best-selling memoir, On That Note!!
The Goldberg Variations
Bach's Goldberg Variations, plus a little bit of discussion and a surprising musical pairing! The Calgary Herald wrote in 2022 that "Breen's performance of the Goldberg Varaitions by Bach will be long remembered;" Rachel was also featured in the 2021 award-winning podcast 30 Bach, which explores these variations through an array of its most famed interpreters.
Pianist Hannah Mayer, trombonist Oliver Tuttle, and bassist Aidan McCarthy form a unique trio showcasing their interpretations on jazz standards, Brazilian music, show tunes, and original compositions. Currently pursuing musical and collegiate endeavors around the country, the trio began playing in this configuration during high school through a monthly residency at The Cheeseboard in Berkeley, and have been close friends and collaborators ever since.
Erik Jekabson joins forces with New Orleans native vocalist Kenny Washington to bring the sounds of New Orleans to Oakland. Featuring an all-star quintet of Erik Jekabson on trumpet, Rob Barics on clarinet and tenor sax, Rob Reich on piano, Ron Belcher on bass and Deszon Claiborne on drums.
SECOND SHOW ADDED
5:30pm / 8pm
New York’s rising star pianist and Los Angeles native Noah Haidu joins forces with jazz icons Buster Williams and Lenny White in support of his joyful and expressive new album Standards (2023, Sunnyside Records). This recording and tour celebrates the 40th anniversary of Keith Jarrett’s great Standards Trio. In 2021, The Wall Street Journal described Haidu’s tribute as “Sounding buoyant and free like a pent-up spirit released.” (Larry Blumenfeld); while Downbeat Magazine called it “A stunning and heartfelt tribute.” (Alexa Peters)
JAZZ CAMP JAZZ FEST
Kyle John Blaze will be debuting new songs and arrangements from his newest and past albums. He has played separately with Colin and Steve before, but he is honored to be playing with all the Hogan brothers together for the first time. Also added to the show is Erik Jekabson on trumpet. Be ready for a night of smoking hot playing, deep rich vocals, and a lot of good humor.
JAZZ CAMP JAZZ FEST
Drummer and Jazz Camp West Artistic Director Allison Miller kicks off this year’s Jazz Camp Jazz Fest!
Spanish virtuoso pianist Alex Conde presents ''Jazz and Flamenco,'' a solo piano concert full of energy and sensitivity. He will play original compositions and arrangements of music by Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell, from his albums Descarga for Monk and Descarga for Bud, both praised by Downbeat Magazine and All About Jazz.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Contemporary virtuoso pianist, collaborator, composer, arranger, producer, educator, Yamaha Artist, multiple Grammy® nominee and 2010 Grammy® winner Laurence Hobgood has enjoyed a multi-faceted and dynamic career. Recognized for his dazzling piano technique and his signature style of composing and arranging, he's been transporting audiences both at home and abroad for over thirty years.
Jazz drummer and co-leader of the Grammy© nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Hamilton brings his trio to the piano store for the first time. Don’t miss this intimate evening with Jeff Hamilton (drums), Tamir Hendelman (piano), and Jon Hamar (bass). They will be playing selections from the last 30 years of The Trio's existence.
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm / 8pm
Dubbed a prodigy in the jazz world, saxophonist Grace Kelly teams up with award-winning jazz pianist Tamir Hendelman to celebrate the music of one her favorite jazz records, People Time, Stan Getz’s recording with Kenny Barron. They also tip their hat to Stan’s recordings with Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Chick Corea. Don’t miss this very special debut duo performance!
Another Bach Fest!
Concert and Singalong
Soprano Mary Ellen Callahan presents a program of Bach Cantatas, accompanied by pianist Daniel Lockert. They will perform “Ich habe genug”, the famous gorgeous cantata, and "Weichet nur betrubte Schatten," the adorable wedding cantata interspersed with an opportunity to sing two Bach chorales with Mary and Dan.
Jazz Piano Masters Series
For this rare Bay Area solo piano concert, Myra Melford will be performing original compositions and improvisations.
Drummer Allison Miller and pianist Carmen Staaf continue the collaboration they began on the acclaimed Science Fair with Nearness, a new duo album release that freely explores originals and standards with playful intelligence and deeply synced connection. “Allison Miller and Carmen Staaf share an affinity for incorporating unexpected elements within familiar forms. That was obvious on their previous collaboration, the 2018 album Science Fair, recorded with a trio and quintet. Here, they use it to great effect on a set of piano and drum duets.” (John Frederick Moore, Jazziz, 2022)
Jazz icon Michael O'Neill teams up with the lead vocalist from Santana, Tony Lindsay, and Latin Grammy winner Omar Ledezma, along with John R. Burr (piano), Dan Feiszli (bass), Jason Lewis (drums), and Erik Jekabson (trumpet) to play Latin arrangements of tunes by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, Bill Withers, and some standards based on arrangements by the members of the band. Each member of this stellar band has contributed their vision to the music, making this very much a collaborative effort.
Longtime musical associates Peter Apfelbaum (piano, saxophone) and Josh Jones (drums, percussion) return to the piano store for their first public concert here since January 2019. In their largely improvised performances, Apfelbaum's expansive, polyrhythmic approach to the piano combines with Jones's mastery of Afro-Cuban rhythms. Celebrating 44 years of performing together, they will be playing material from their shared partnership in Apfelbaum's Hieroglyphics Ensemble and Don Cherry's Multikulti, possibly interspersed with a cover or two.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Edward Simon, a native of Venezuela, has made a name for himself over decades in America as a jazz improviser, composer-arranger and band leader, with his profile heightening in recent years as he has explored the commonalities jazz can have with the folkloric sounds of Latin America.
"Love Letters from Jamie" will showcase vocalist Jamie Davis’ way with love songs and ballads while including some swinging elements, a nod to the blues, and lots of love to welcome Spring. So, sit back and enjoy the velvety, rich baritone voice of Jamie Davis, backed by an impressive, all-star band: Matt Clark (piano), Ron Belcher (bass), Leon Joyce, Jr. (drums), and Michael O'Neill (saxophone).
*Advance reservation is required.*
This 12th annual free chamber music event will include movements from Mendelssohn’s magical String Quartet in F minor, Brahms rustic and soulful Horn Trio, the rarely heard Popper Requiem for 3 Cellos and Piano, as well an original piece by SFB bassist and composer Shinji Eshima. We are pleased to announce that pianist Britt Day will be taking part in this performance.
Wil Blades on Hammond organ and clavinet delivers cutting solos and deep bass lines that make for a thick stew of soulful harmony and daring improvisation, while Scott Amendola behind the kit creates beats that are simply unstoppable, simultaneously pushing the duo to heights unknown and sending the listener into a joyful sonic trance.
Los Angeles based pianist, Max Haymer, is thrilled to bring his trio to the piano store for the first time. Known extensively for his work as the pianist for 10x Grammy Winner Arturo Sandoval, as well as Jazz Vocal Icon Jane Monheit, Haymer also is making waves with his own "high energy" piano trio. Specializing in re-imagined Broadway and Jazz Standards, as well as Afro-Cuban Jazz, Haymer promises to deliver a memorable show for all that come to enjoy!
Martin West, Music Director
This 11th annual free chamber music event will include movements from Saint Saens evocative Piano Trio in E minor, Brahms Gypsy G minor Piano Quartet, a rarely heard Clarinet Quintet by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor as well an original piece by SFB bassist and composer Shinji Eshima. We are pleased to announce that Britt Day will be taking part in this performance.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Virtuoso pianist-composer Jeff Gardner will make his Bay Area concert debut in a two-part concert. The first half will feature his compositions mixing Brazilian rhythms, Contemporary Classical Music, Blues, and Jazz. In the second half Jeff will invite premier Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Peixoto for their first concert as a duo for a program of Brazilian Jazz including bossa, samba, baião, and chorinho.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
TWO SHOWS
5:30pm - Geoffrey Keezer, solo piano
8pm - Geoffrey Keezer & Gillian Margot
GRAMMY-winning composer/pianist/arranger/producer Geoffrey Keezer presents a full evening of jazz. The first show will be a set of solo jazz piano. He will then be joined by scintillating and soulful vocalist Gillian Margot for the second show. Tickets sold separately for each set.
Bach Fest! Concert AND Singalong
Soprano Mary Ellen Callahan presents a program of Bach Cantatas, and includes a Bach Chorale singalong after both the joyful "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen" and the poignant and uplifting "Non sa che sia dolore". On piano will be our ubiquitous and skilled Bay Area pianist, Shuyi Hsieh. Solo Bacho gloria!
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and singer/songwriter Kevin Hays’s many recordings have received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Downbeat Magazine and Jazz Times. The Kevin Hays Trio performs pianist Kevin's lyrical and compelling originals, jazz standards, and beautiful arrangements of the American Songbook, along with reimagined songs from the pop/folk world. Kevin will be joined by David Ewell (bass) and Colin Stranahan (drums).
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
8-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton returns with pianist Tamir Hendelman for a special duo evening. Sutton is heralded for her abilities as a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Hendelman is known for his sense of swing, imaginative arranging, sensitive touch and his work with vocalists from Natalie Cole to Barbra Streisand.
Maria Muldaur & her Jazzabelle Quintet return to the piano store for a special "Music for Lovers" Valentine show. Treat yourself to an evening of romantic love songs guaranteed to put you "in the mood" & inspire you to fall in love all over again. Featuring pianist John R Burr, guitarist Danny Caron, bassist Ruth Davies, sax/clarinetist Kristen Strom, & drummer Mark Lee. Join Maria after the show for a romantic glass of wine and chocolate goodies!
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
We are very pleased to present Benny Green in an evening of solo jazz piano, as he makes his debut Piedmont Piano Company debut. Benny is looking forward to the upcoming release of his solo album, recently recorded here at the piano store. He will present a thoughtful evening of solo piano that will include standards, originals and selections from the album, scheduled for release later this year.
Seven Shades of Violet (Rebiralost) - Trio Revolutions
Michael Echaniz presents selections from his upcoming debut concept album, Seven Shades of Violet (Rebiralost), to be released on Ridgeway Records with financial support from New Music USA’s Creator Development Fund in 2022-23 and InterMusic SF’s 2020 Musical Grant Program. In this one-time, special performance, highly arranged, innovative, award-winning compositions will be transformed and revolutionized through the egalitarian spontaneity of the piano trio. Observe the cutting-edge!
“Deep River”
The Oakland Symphony offers a free community event "Deep River: Harry Burleigh and the Founding of Black Classical Music." This event with film and live music will be presented by Joseph Horowitz, the acclaimed author of Dvořák’s Prophecy, and will feature soprano Shawnette Sulker. You’ll gain insight into Dawson’s masterpiece, the “Negro Folk Symphony,” its history, influences and, until very recently, it’s unjustified neglect. Prepare to be enthralled by one of America’s very greatest symphonies.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
We are always pleased to welcome Portland-based jazz pianist and teacher Randy Porter to the Piano Store. A true Jazz Piano Master, Randy will present an evening of thoughtful interpretations of classic modern jazz, standards from the Great American Songbook, and popular music from all eras.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Mitchel Forman (piano) and Kevin Axt (bass) have been performing together in a variety of settings for the past 15 years. Their deep friendship is evident both on and off the stage as they seamlessly weave a supportive web of creativity and innovation. They have played with a wide variety of artists and can be heard in a trio setting on the 2015 release, Puzzle.
TWO SHOWS 5pm (sold out) & 7:30pm
Pianist and composer Hannah Mayer returns with a stellar group of musicians: Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee (sax), Isaac Coyle (bass), and Jayla Hernández (drums). This performance will feature original compositions, reimagined music from the Broadway repertoire, and other favorites.
Celebrating the Season
TWO SHOWS 5:30pm & 8pm
This special, swinging and soulful concert is a "must see" show for all fans of contemporary Jazz and Blues. With holiday classics and carols getting the signature Nicolas Bearde high-energy makeover, it's a show you won't want to miss. Joining him on stage are some of the Bay Area's best: John R Burr (piano) Ruth Davies (bass), and Leon Joyce, Jr (drums).
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
Internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti is excited to return to the piano store for a rare solo performance. Eigsti recently won a 2022 GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for his most recent album Tree Falls, released in 2021 on GSI Records.
Blues, Boogie Woogie, Jazz
Lluís Coloma playing solo reveals a deeper side of this virtuous and renowned Barcelona pianist. Over the years, the piano has become an extension of his own body, the perfect instrument to express himself in a natural, spontaneous and unique way. Solo in front of the piano Lluís creates his own compositions, interprets some personal favorites, and paints surprising textures always imbued with Blues and Boogie Woogie, which are the roots of his very varied influences. He's created a cocktail of styles that over time has become his own signature sound, where each theme is a landscape within his own musical universe.
Harmonic Alchemy Album Release Show
This trans-oceanic chamber jazz ensemble, led by trombonist Ryan Keberle, presents original chamber jazz that bridges the divide between these two musical styles. Reverso’s repertoire features original compositions by all three members of the ensemble recently recorded on their latest album, Harmonic Alchemy, inspired by the music of Gabriel Faure. Reverso blends “pulsating motifs, long painterly lines, open fields and pointillist statements into a fascinating whole.” (Jazz Times)
Blossom-ing! CD Release
Vocalist Roberta Donnay celebrates the music of Blossom Dearie with Mike Greensill on piano, Ruth Davies on bass, Mark Lee on drums, and Danny Caron on guitar. "With her singularly enticing sound, few contemporary vocalists are as well suited to dustily vintage material as jazz-blues stylist Roberta Donnay." –Jazz Times
Duo Violao returns to the Bay Area with plus one, Ami Molinelli to perform new material that explore the intersections between choro and samba. Duo Violão plus 1 started with two guitarists, Rogério Souza and Edinho Gerber, and the desire to explore and expand the musical possibilities of playing two violões, or Brazilian guitars. During their first visit to the Bay Area in 2015, they met percussionist Ami Molinelli and the musical connection was immediate. Rogerio Souza 7-string guitar, Edinho Gerber 7-string guitar and Ami Molinelli-percussion.
The Music of Eddie South: The Dark Angel of the Violin
Violinist Jeremy Cohen performs Eddie South's compositions and arrangements, and brings forward the story of this important and under-acknowledged artist. Audiences will be enlightened and enriched to hear Cohen’s message of Eddie South's musical gift to the world. Hear this elegant music and learn the story of this great American artist known as the “Dark Angel of the violin.” Jeremy will be joined by Larry Dunlap on piano, Dix Bruce on guitar, Dan Feiszli on bass, and David Rokeach on drums.
Featuring Steve Schaeffer and David Hughes
Russell Ferrante, continuing his 42 years with Yellowjackets, released a beautiful jazz trio album titled Inflexion in early 2021. Inflexion or inflection comes from the Latin root inflexionem meaning to bend in, to change direction. This music is indeed very personal and intimate and one could say it bends in. The band features the beautiful interplay between Russell Ferrante (piano), David Hughes (bass), and Steve Schaeffer (drums).
Points of View Album Release
Bill Ortiz, one of Bay Area’s most in demand trumpet players brings his 6 piece band to celebrate the release of his album Points Of View. This record’s blend of jazz, afro-cuban, R&B, gospel and blues reflects the broad stylistic approach he brings with his playing. Rounding out the ensemble is a true all-star cast, with vocalist Terrie Odabi, saxophonist Howard Wiley, pianist Matt Clark, bassist Gary Brown, and drummer Lorca Hart.
The No Piano Orchestra is trumpeter Josh Reed, vibraphonist Dillon Vado, with drummer Tim Bulkley, and bassist Peter Barshay. In addition to original work, the NPO will feature unique and adventurous approaches to some of the endless variety of great jazz and other compositions.
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.
Night at the Movies
Svetlana and her award-winning New York Collective will take listeners on a dynamic musical journey with innovative jazz arrangements of soundtracks from the American Movie classics and French New Wave, to modern day Academy Award-winners and Animated films. This concert reflect moments of joy, passion, sharp humor, reflection, and most of all, fantasy, and will transport the audience to the carnival of sound, seamlessly moving from sophisticated retrospection to a rowdy “exuberant, foot-stomping music combining swing and pop-singer/songwriter sensibilities" (WPIX11TV, NYC). Be ready to sing along or do some swing dancing!
Randy Porter and his trio (piano, bass, drums) return to the piano store and will share their collective musical powers to some Jazz Standards, some originals, and some in-the-moment improvisation fueled by the inspiring audience Piedmont Piano Company always brings.
TWO SHOWS 6pm & 8pm
Dayna Stephens is globally recognized as a saxophonist, composer and arranger, and was the first-place recipient of the 2019 and 2020 DownBeat Critics Poll in the category of Rising Star—Tenor Saxophone. NPR’s Kevin Whitehead had this to say about the saxophonist’s unique style, “Dayna Stephens can cry and rip it up on tenor, but at heart, he’s a streamlined melodic player. His handsome down-the-middle tone is not too heavy or light, though he can lean either way. His sound is sleek, with very light vibrato. And the lines he improvises are uncluttered and well-organized. His horn sings.”
Legendary trumpet master Eddie Henderson has been a prolific performer and recording artist for more than five decades, since his years as a member of Herbie Hancock’s group, and continuing through multitudes of recordings and appearances as both sideman and headliner. Here he leads a New York-based quartet, featuring his current band members, pianist Peter Zak, bassist Marcos Varela, and frequent collaborator, drummer Sylvia Cuenca.
David Franklin performs music from his new album Passings. This instrumental collection is David’s 10th album and features the great bassist Michael Manring and David’s son, Alex (Owl Licks) Franklin. A free CD will be given to all attendees.
Pianist Marie-Luise Hinrichs of Cologne, Germany will play her very own solo piano arrangement of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's famous masterpiece, "Stabat Mater" composed in 1736 during the last weeks of his short life at the age of 26. In the second half of the program, Marie-Luise will play keyboard sonatas by Padre Antonio Soler (1729-1783) and Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757), and her own piano arrangements of Gregorian chant-style pieces by Medieval German abbess Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179).
Join NYC-based pianist-composer Mathis Picard in celebrating Live at the Museum, his celebrated sophomore release and debut solo album recorded in January 2019 at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Through Picard's own refined curatorial lens, the music of this album honors the works of the great classical and jazz composers that were influential to Picard's personal musical journey with daring and evocative interpretations of classic pieces, and an impressive array of original compositions.
TWO SHOWS 5:30 (SOLD OUT) & 7:30
Vocalist Christelle Durandy fuses Afro-Caribbean, jazz and other polyrhythmic sounds in a provocative exploration of the African diaspora’s diffuse and powerful musical energy - a multicultural complexity Christelle herself embodies. Backed by her band Sanktet (a play on the French “cinq têtes,” or “five heads''), Christelle draws upon her polyglot background to celebrate and expand the diaspora’s vibrant musical conversation. With Isaac Schwartz (drums), Steve Hogan (Electric bass), Nathan Bickart (piano), Mena Ramos (percussion).
Whatever musical action you take, do it with conviction. ACT, don't just act. Other players must also take action with the same level of conviction. Thus, they reACT, not simply perform a reaction. With Art Lande (piano), Carl Schultz (saxophones), and Tim Wendel (guitar), the interplay of this dynamic is on full display, and from this conviction comes cohesive, melodic, intricate, expressive and compelling music.
A benefit concert to help the other ordinary families in Ukraine
Non-profit Jazz at the Ballroom (JATB) presents a concert to benefit humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. "My Ordinary Family" sets to music the true story of August Paszkudzki, an ardent American jazz lover, and his bravery in World War II Lviv. The concert is performed by August’s grandson, well known jazz pianist Konrad Paszkudzki and vocalists Olivia Chindamo and jazz legend Carmen Bradford. The band shares a collection of songs of the 1930s - 1940s. 100% of the proceeds from this concert will go to the IRC in Ukraine.
Acclaimed vocalist Sharon Azrieli is joined by pianist-composer Tamir Hendelman and his band for an evening of songs from their newly released album, Secret Places - A Tribute to Michel Legrand, with Katisse Buckingham (saxophone, flute), Alex Frank (bass), and Dean Koba (drums).
Martin West, Music Director
This tenth annual free chamber music event will include movements from the Schumann Piano Quintet, Debussy’s ethereal Sonata for Flute,Viola and Harp, William Grant Still’s bluesy Suite for Violin and Piano and more surprises! We are pleased to announce that pianist Britt Day will be taking part in this performance.
Singer, guitarist, and composer Badi Assad has emerged as one of the most versatile artists of her generation. With 18 albums released worldwide and over 40 countries visited, her 2006 CD Wonderland was selected among the top 100 by the prestigious BBC London and was also included in the top 30 on Amazon.com.
Femeninas: the Songs of Latin American Women
Edward Simon brings his quartet with Adam Cruz, Reuben Rogers, and Luis Quintero, joined by multi-award winning Mexican singer Magos Herrera. Together they will be performing a selection of songs by Latin American female songwriters including Violeta Parra, Chabuca Granda, Marta Valdes, and Elizabeth Morris.
Craig Handy delivers his fired-up musical Jazz quartet based in the spirit of Post Bop, with acoustic instrumentation, infectious swing, rigorous improvisation and deep, collaborative exchange. He incorporates an approach that invokes reflection and challenges the imagination. The audience may be treated to an invitation to join in vocally or rhythmically, to bring on musical healing, soothing, wailing, protesting, deep breathing, or interstellar exploration. You’re sure to be recharged and invigorated by these musical wizards of Jazz artistry.
POSTPONED
Watch for new date
JaZzLine INSTITUTE with LifeForce Jazz Collective present BAJABA Showcase, featuring the Tony Lindsay Quartet, with Tony Lindsay (vocals), John R. Burr (piano), Gary Brown (bass), and Ron E. Beck (drums). Hosted by KCSM’s Leslie Stoval.
A Very Cosmo Christmas
Cosmo Alleycats will be presenting their Christmas Song Countdown from 2020 plus other Holiday favorites, in person and live-streaming.
Christmas at the Oasis
Over the years, as an antidote to all the sappy and sentimental Christmas tunes we are all inundated with every holiday season, Maria Muldaur has collected some wonderfully hip, swinging, humorous and irreverent Christmas songs by her favorite Jazz and Blues artists. She and her “A Team” of some of the Bay Area’s finest jazz players will be presenting her special “Christmas at The Oasis” show, for a fun evening of what Maria calls “Christmas tunes for Hipsters.” There will be no corny, overdone, pedestrian Christmas tunes here, only her special collection of rare gems! Don’t miss this Holiday event!
Solo Live CD Release
Edward Simon celebrates the release of his new album Solo Live. Recorded at the Piedmont Piano Company stage on his 50th birthday, its a ravishing portrait of one of jazz’s most eloquent improviser investigating a setting that’s become one of his primary outlets during the pandemic.
TWO SHOWS at 7pm & 9:30pm
In June, the Arterik Quartet released their 90 minute album The Silver Fox, recorded at the Hillside Club in Berkeley. The Band will bring a book full of new, original compositions, accompanied by new stories, new vibes, and their distinctive, high level of creative energy. Featuring Art Lande (piano), Erik Jekabson (trumpet and flugelhorn), Peter Barshay (bass), and Alan Hall (drums). CDs will be available for purchase at this show.
LifeForce Jazz – featuring Hafez Modirzadeh (saxophone), Grant Levin (piano), Gary Brown (bass), and Jaz Sawyer (drums) – plays an afternoon of music, with special guests Katerina Brown (voice), Calvin Keys (guitar), Christopher Lowell Clarke (trumpet), and Charles Hamilton (trombone). The JaZzLine Institute’s Life Time Achievement Awards will be presented by Afrikahn Jahmal Dayvs, and the evening will be hosted by KPFA’s Gabrielle Wilson.
We are sorry that we have postponed this show until such time as the covid situation will allow us to reschedule. Please watch our site for news and a new date.
LIVE AUDIENCE + streaming
Billy Harper - tenor sax
David Weiss - trumpet
George Cables - piano
Hans Glawischnig - bass
Jaimeo Brown - drums
LIVE AUDIENCE + streaming
Eddie Henderson - trumpet
George Cables - piano
Essiet Essiet - bass
Sylvia Cuenca - drums
We are sorry that we have postponed this show until such time as the covid situation will allow us to reschedule. Please watch our site for news and a new date.
LIVE AUDIENCE + streaming
Grammy award winning pianist Sullivan Fortner plays a second night at the piano store, joined by Bay Area native and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Athayde on vibraphone for another duo performance.
The Alpha Rhythm Kings, with Robert Dehlinger's blazing trumpet and "magnetic" singing (Jazz Corner) leading the way, bring you their exciting King Size California sound, with what Roots Music Magazine No Depression calls "the badge of authenticity." The four-piece version of the band will grace the stage with their Classic Jump Blues, swing, and jazzy originals!
Award-winning jazz pianist-composer Tamir Hendelman returns to the piano store. He is known his imaginative and sensitive playing and creative arranging in his own trio and with the Jeff Hamilton Trio and has recorded with Natalie Cole, Roberta Gambarini, Barbra Streisand, as well as Graham Dechter and Richard Galliano.
Veteran singer Tony Lindsay, best known for a quarter-century run with Santana that included 11 Grammy Awards, will join some of the best Bay Area jazz musicians: saxophonist Michael O’Neill, trumpeter Erik Jekabson, pianist John R. Burr, bassist Dan Feiszli, and drummer Jason Lewis. They will be performing material from their much acclaimed album, Pacific Standard Time.
As SoVoSo ("from the Soul to the Voice to the Song"), the ensemble has continued to pioneer new horizons in contemporary vocal performance, bringing traditional world rhythms into the 21st Century. Tonight's show will be a mix of original pieces, arrangements, and spontaneous improvisation - all in the a capella tradition. SoVoSo uses music to bring people and communities together. One Planet, One World, One People.
“The blues is the canvas that I paint my feelings on. It changes my emotions. It is a language that I speak,” says master blues guitarist Steve Freund who has backed Chicago blues legends such as Hubert Sumlin, Otis Rush & Koko Taylor. Steve is joined by a Bay Area Music Award (BAMMY) winner, Jan Fanucci whose vocal style has been compared to Etta James & Janis Joplin. Together they bring to classic blues a hypnotizing music of truth.
Father’s Day Show with LIVE AUDIENCE, also streaming live
Nicolas Bearde brings his Trio to the piano store on Father’s Day for our first in-person show since March of last year, also live-streaming for fans around the world. Joining Nicolas will be the wonderful talents of Glen Pearson (piano), Ruth Davies (bass), and Leon Joyce, Jr. (drums).
Pianist and composer Dahveed Behroozi will be performing selections from his recently released album Echos. In addition, he will play selections from the American Songbook and Thelonious Monk. Featuring special guest alto saxophonist Shay Salhov.
A long time vocalist with the Count Basie orchestra, Grammy nominated Jamie Davis sings with the Larry Vuckovich Powerhouse Trio. On today's jazz scene Jamie Davis stands out with his rich baritone vocal sound, singing authentic blues and beautiful standards, including selections from the Johnny Hartman/John Coltrane famous album. Along with pianist Larry Vuckovich will be Ron Belcher on bass and Jason Lewis on drums, opening with a few tunes before Jamie joins them. Don't miss this stimulating program of soulful, authentic jazz music, projecting true tradition, plus fresh elements of contemporary jazz of today.
Hailed by Living Blues Magazine as “one of the brightest stars in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene and nationwide” and recipient of five consecutive Blues Music Award nominations, saxophonist and vocalist Nancy Wright will appear with her Rhythm and Roots Band (internationally acclaimed seasoned veterans Jeff Tamelier, Tony Lufrano, Karl Sevareid, and Paul Revelli) to deliver solid soul blues, funk and soul jazz originals and fresh blues, roots, and Americana renditions.
Vocalist Kenny Washington, a native of New Orleans, teams up with composer, arranger, and pianist Larry Dunlap for an evening of rare musicianship and unique interpretations.
Pianist Omar Sosa brings his B-Bay Quartet, featuring Josh Jones on drums, Sheldon Brown on saxophones, bass clarinet, and flute, and Ernesto Mazar Kindelán on bass. The band will play renditions of a number of Omar’s signature compositions, including ‘L3zero,’ ‘My Three Notes,’ ‘Light in the Sky,’ and ‘Remember Monk,’ as well as several new pieces. Ernesto brings a powerful Cuban vibe to the mix, complimenting Sheldon’s amazing improvisations, and Josh’s tight, funky stick work. Omar will enjoy one of Piedmont Piano’s fine concert grands without electronics or samplers or other effects. Join us for jazz that cooks!
Longtime musical associates Peter Apfelbaum (piano, saxophone) and Josh Jones (drums, percussion) return to the piano store for their first concert since 2019! In their largely improvised performances, Apfelbaum's expansive, polyrhythmic approach to the piano combines with Jones's mastery of Afro-Cuban rhythms. Celebrating 43 years of performing together, they will also be playing material from their shared partnership in Apfelbaum's Hieroglyphics Ensemble and Don Cherry's Multikulti.
Blues and soul music delivered with power and passion. Tia Carroll and her group of talented musicians always deliver a great mix of originals and cover tunes that will keep you smiling and engaged. She has a genuine love for music and it shows on and off stage. If you like to dance or just sit and listen, Tia Carroll will give you all she has.
Grab your tambourine and your tissue cause we're going to church to give thanks for mothers everywhere with traditional hymns, new arrangements of old favorites and original songs written by Ashling Cole.
Two-time Independent Music Award winning pianist & composer Dan Zemelman is collaborating once again with renowned violinist, composer, and two-time Grammy Award winner, Mads Tolling. Mads and Dan will perform standards from the Great American songbook, arrangements of pop tunes, as well as some original compositions, and even a Danish folk song or two. Get ready for an exhilarating evening of music and improvisation from two of the Bay Area's great jazz performers.
Presenting Radio Café, a musical proposal that includes a repertoire of Afro-Peruvian music, Peruvian cumbia, and décimas (poetry) fused with rock and latin music. The project is composed of Pierr Padilla on the cajon, décimas, and Afro-Peruivan zapateo; Camilo Landau on the guitar and voice; and Luke Kirley on the helicon (tuba).
John Blues Boyd & The Greaseland All Stars perform original and classic blues material, with John’s larger-than-life throwback blues voice front and center. Band members Kid Andersen (guitar), Jim Pugh (piano), and Derrick “D’Mar” Martin (drums) are ALL nominated as instrumentalists at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis this year, and rounding out the group is the equally talented Endre Tarczy (bass) and young Nic Clark (harmonica). Classic blues in the style of BB King, Big Joe Turner, and Junior Parker will be served up with vigor and energy this evening.
This ninth annual concert will include music by composers from the 2021 Digital Ballet Season including the Faure Piano Quintet in C minor, Mendelssohn’s tender Piano Trio in D minor, Prokofiev’s Violin Sonata in D, excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and many other surprises! We are pleased to announce that pianist Britt Day will be taking part in this performance.
Featuring Willie Jones III
Pianist Joe Warner is one of the Bay Area's brightest young talents, quickly gaining recognition for his compelling style and exceptional performances. Join him and his trio featuring New York-based drummer Willie Jones III for an evening of classic jazz and blues piano.
Plays the Music of Charlie Parker
Bay Area trumpet player Erik Jekabson and his quartet play the music of one of the architects of Bebop, the hugely influential saxophonist and composer Charlie Parker. Joining Erik are pianist Keith Saunders, bassist John Wiitala and drummer Deszon Claiborne.
Brett Brandstatt, Kyle Rowland, Vance Ehlers, and Andrew Guterman are bringing the Blues to you! From the works of Memphis Slim, to harmonica legend Sonny Boy Williamson, we will cover a gamut of blues history and songs, for yours and our enjoyment!
The Alpha Rhythm Kings, with Robert Dehlinger's blazing trumpet and "magnetic" singing (Jazz Corner) leading the way, bring you their exciting King Size California sound, with what Roots Music Magazine No Depression calls "the badge of authenticity." For the first time in many months, after a COVID-19 Pandemic-induced hiatus, the six-piece version of the band will grace the stage with their Classic Jump Blues, swing, and jazzy originals!
Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling is an internationally acclaimed superstar. Whether she's singing favorite jazz standards, or playing one of many instruments, Gunhild's sublime showmanship shines through. She combines extraordinary skills on trumpet and trombone with vaudeville stunts, like playing three trumpets at once. She’ll be joined by Idun Carling (vocals, trombone), Jason Bellenkes (sax), Rebecca Roudman (cello), Benito Cortez (violin), Neil Fontano (piano), Adam Kubota (bass), and Pete Devine (drums).
Tribute to Wylie Trass
The Bobby Young Project is a group of musicians whose objective is to create music that touches the heart and soul. Made up of musicians who have worked together in various bands for nearly 50 years, this Oakland based band officially formed in 1997. This evening’s show will pay tribute to their original vocalist, who passed about a month ago, Wylie Trass.
Trombonist and singer/songwriter Natalie Cressman and Brazilian composer, guitarist, and singer Ian Faquini present a uniquely intimate collaboration, drawing from impressionism, jazz, and the great Brazilian songwriting tradition. With the warm instrumentation of acoustic guitar and trombone and two-part vocal harmonies hugging the Brazilian-accented Portuguese, Cressman & Faquini weave their musical voices together to create a fully orchestrated sound befitting a much larger ensemble.
Grammy award winning pianist Sullivan Fortner and Bay Area native and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Athayde return to the piano store for another duo performance, a year after their first appearance. They will celebrate the release of their album Tea for Two. This is an event you definitely don’t want to miss!
Songs for the Socially Distant
A Jazz Hangover concert to soothe your nerves and hopefully, lift your spirits. Join us for a mix of fun, flirty, and even some reflective tunes. It's been a long year... so sit back, relax, and let us take you on a musical vacation with Lambert Moss on vocals and the Tammy L. Hall Trio, featuring the fantastic Daniel Fabricant on bass, Bay Area fave Daria Johnson on drums, and the inimitable Tammy L. Hall on piano.
El Vucko – Larry Vuckovich’s Latin Quartet – presents an in-depth program of Latin music, covering important historic locations such as Cuba, Central America, and Mexico. Pianist Larry Vuckovich has had the fortune of being connected and having performed with some of the great Latin percussionists and musicians, like Jose Mangual, Pete Escovedo, John Santos, and Louis Romero, to name a few. Larry, “El Vucko,” will present music from his wide-ranging repertoire of classic Latin compositions, joined by guitarist Kai Lyons, bassist Buca Necak, and Latin percussionist Javier Navarette.
Join Macy Blackman and the Mighty Fines as they offer up their “best of the last 14 years.” They will play music from their 4 albums, plus more that has sneaked through so far but will be recorded. The band has always specialized in New Orleans-style rhythm and blues from the 1950’s and 60’s, and have recently added some traditional New Orleans jazz to the mix, like King Oliver and Fats Domino
Steve Lucky & Miss Carmen Getit, the bandleaders of the Rhumba Bums, bring their six-piece band together for the first time since the pandemic started. Playing vintage rhythm & blues, jazz, swing, and boogie woogie, the Rhumba Bums are renowned for their high-energy, highly entertaining show. "The Rhumba Bums abide by Cab Calloway's advice: 'Live what's in your soul and sing your friggin' heart out’" (Downbeat Magazine)
Bay area guitar virtuoso Jinx Jones brings his all-star jazz trio for a one-time-only live streaming event. This special event celebrates the instrumental stylings of artists like Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, and Charlie Christian. Jinx will also give a sneak preview of songs from his upcoming jazz guitar album Blue Gardenia. Accompanying Jinx will be super-star bassist Angeline Saris and Legendary drummer Ken Owen.
Tony Lindsay, former lead singer with Santana, John R Burr, keyboardist with Maria Muldar, and Tom Politzer, saxophonist with Tower of Power, present an evening of jazz, blues, R&B, and original music.
Jules Leyhe and the Family Jules band is a high energy blues quartet of some of Oakland’s greatest blues and jazz musicians. The ensemble’s blend of funky, blues and soul inspired improvisation makes for a highly entertaining performance you won’t want to miss!
Omar Sosa returns to the Bay Area this month for a second live stream from the piano store. For the occasion, Omar has assembled a unique group of players, including Moroccan vocalist / violinist Bouchaib Abdelhadi, Peruvian percussionist Juan Medrano Cotito, and American acoustic bass player Geoff Brennan. In addition, the ensemble will be joined for a special guest appearance by traditional Peruvian dancer Pierr Padilla Vasquez. Omar has written several new pieces to be premiered during the livestream. The performance will be a mix of Solo Piano, Duo, Trio and Quartet arrangements.
Hear the beautiful sounds of the duet between voice and guitar, with Tory Teasley accompanied by Peter Palath. Featuring songs Tory and Peter have written together as well as cover songs they enjoy playing together.
Music for Lovers
Maria Muldaur & her Jazzabelle Quintet will live stream their special "Music for Lovers" Valentine show. As many of her fans tell it, her sultry sexy music has been the soundtrack to many a Love & Lust Affair over the last 46 years! Snuggle up or slow dance with your sweetie, enjoy some champagne & chocolates, & treat yourself to an evening of romantic love songs guaranteed to put you "in the mood" & inspire you to fall in love all over again!
Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88’s have been the torchbearers of a great American blues musical heritage for three decades. Taking their inspiration from the great jump n’ boogie outfits of the late 40s and early 50s – like the bands of Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, and others – they breathe fresh life into the music that gave birth to rock n’ roll, while forging their own brand of music they call “rock-a-boogie.” Featuring Larry Vann on drums, Dave Somers on sax, Michael Warren on bass, Anthony Paule on guitar, and of course Mitch Woods on piano and vocals. Pour yourself a tall one, sit back in your favorite chair and boogie along with Mitch as he tickles the ivories on one of Piedmont Piano’s incredible selection of 88’s!
Join Bay Area's hardest rocking, blues wailin', breakneck bluegrass, and all around fun cello led band Dirty Cello for an exciting live-stream from the Piedmont Piano Company. Virtuosic music, crazy travel stories, and a whole lot of fun have made Dirty Cello one of the busiest bay area bands. From rock music that bends the mind and the cello to bluegrass on the bleedin' edge, don't miss this exciting live-stream!
It’s another Saturday night at CHELLE'S Juke Joint. The bar is packed with vixens and gamblers. The drinks are good, the lighting is just about right, and the scenery ain’t bad, but there’s only one reason you’re here: CHELLE'S has the best music in town. Nobody else has the same mix of Creole, jazz, funk, gospel, R&B, and zydeco, with a dash of Mardi Gras Indian chants and rhythms.
This trio of Rio de Janeiro expatriates and current Bay Area residents reunites guitarist Ricardo Peixoto with long time collaborators vocalist Claudia Villela and pianist Marcos Silva. The concert will feature original music from their many recordings, as well as recent compositions and Brazilian classics. Their music draws from the best of Brazilian music combined with the spontaneity and creativity of jazz.
The Cosmo Alleycats, a San Francisco-based swing band, brings to the stage a potent mix of vintage dance music with a dynamic, soulful delivery. They draw from several decades of exhilarating American music to deliver a fun and engaging performance - Swing, Jump Blues, Traditional New Orleans Jazz, and Rhythm & Blues.
Pianist, M.C., producer, composer, and Oakland native Kev Choice brings his unique combination of Jazz, Hip-Hop, Classical, R&B, & Soul, with Giulio Cetto (bass), John "Omayga" Adams (drums), and special guests Viveca Hawkins and Black London.
Mumbai-born, San Jose-based blues artist Aki Kumar blends elements of Indian music into his presentation, making for an undeniable and unique sound that never loses touch with its blues foundation. Kumar will deliver blues classics and Bollywood Blues originals, including cuts from his latest Sony Music album Dilruba. His top-shelf band features June Core (drums), Vance Ehlers (bass) and Rome Yamilov (guitar).
Lydia Pense & Cold Blood debuted when the historic Fillmore was at its peak, and owner Bill Graham immediately signed them to his new record label. During the span of six albums, they forged their own specific brand of funk/soul and R&B, along with Tower Of Power, and it became known as East Bay Grease. Lydia will be accompanied by members of Cold Blood – Steve Dunne on guitar, Evan Palmerston on bass, T Moran on drums, Rich Armstrong on trumpet, and Steve Salinas on keys. They’ll play Lydia’s signature songs as well as new music from their recent release, Soul Of The Gypsy.
Fascinating Gershwin: Rare Gems and Beloved Favorites
Pianist Frederick Hodges presents a toe-tapping concert of exciting music by George Gershwin, featuring classics such as "I Got Rhythm," plus rare masterpieces from the beginning of Gershwin's stellar career.
Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling is an internationally acclaimed superstar. Whether she's singing favorite jazz standards, or playing one of many instruments, Gunhild's sublime showmanship shines through. This award-winning multi-instrumentalist has been featured on Scott Bradlee's Post Modern Jukebox, putting a twenties twist on the 80’s tunes "Material Girl,” "Never Gonna Give You Up,” and “Happy.” She is a jazz artist of the old breed, showing heavy influence from Bix Beiderbecke, Louie Armstrong, and Billie Holiday. She combines extraordinary skills on trumpet and trombone with vaudeville stunts, like playing three trumpets at once.
Jazz is…
Brown Sturgis & Brown have become a favorite in the Bay Area and beyond, known for their unique voices that blend so smoothly and for their amazing arrangements of jazz and gospel music. Nona Brown, Patrick Sturgis, and Mark Brown, (affectionately known as "BSB"), invite you to join them from the comfort of your home for an evening of jazz and... If you have ever been to a BSB concert, this is an evening not to be missed!
Christmas at the Oasis
As an antidote to the sappy sentimental Christmas tunes we are all inundated with every holiday season, Maria Muldaur has collected some wonderfully hip, swinging, humorous, and irreverent Christmas songs by her favorite Jazz and Blues artists. Join Maria & her stellar Jazzabelle Quintet as they romp through a swingin' set of upbeat Christmas music they like to call "Xmas Tunes for Hipsters" – guaranteed to get you in a Holiday Groove that lifts your spirits and chases those Xmas Blues away!
The Alpha Rhythm Kings, with Robert Dehlinger's blazing trumpet and "magnetic" singing (Jazz Corner) leading the way, bring you their exciting, King Size California sound, with what Roots Music Magazine No Depression calls "the badge of authenticity". Classic Jump Blues, swing, and jazzy originals fill out a special set of ARK music, broadcast live from beautiful Oakland, CA.
For this year’s 14th Annual Yule Celebration, Nicolas Bearde is delighted to join forces once again with the amazing and witty John R Burr on piano, contrabass doyenne Ruth Davies, percussion master Leon Joyce, Jr., and special guest, the Bay area's own globetrotting Bluesman extraordinaire, Alvon Johnson for a "must see" socially-spaced virtual show for all fans of contemporary Jazz and Blues. Performing originals and standards, and the holiday classics getting the Nicolas Bearde big-energy makeover, it's a show you won't want to miss!
Edward Simon and Jeff Denson are two of the most distinguished Bay Area artists, each a band-leader and composer with a long list of credits and accolades. Collaborating for the first time, the extraordinary piano and bass duo present a program of music by the legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter. This will be a special show and you don't want to miss it!
84th Birthday Celebration
Larry Vuckovich returns for his yearly birthday celebration. The trio will include contemporary jazz, Brazilian/Latin, World Music with a Balkan touch, plus funky bluesy/Boogaloo selections. Larry is recognized for having one of the most widely diverse repertoires in jazz. His trio features the outstanding veteran Doug Miller on bass and the young, highly talented guitarist, Kai Lyons on guitar. Don't miss this special concert!
Christmas EnSPirits
EnSPirits is a collaborative Alternative Jazz/R&B project between multi-hyphenate artists Victoria Theodore & Dave Tweedie. All year long, EnSPirits brings you the joyful spirit of music. As we move into the holidays, it's time for Christmas EnSPirits! They’ll be bringing good cheer and good tidings, dancing and prancing, songs of faith, love, hope, and of course, STARS! They'll have special guests, their holiday best, nog in their cups, toasting virtual Christmas love.
Lady Bianca invites audiences to join her on a storytelling journey featuring original R&B music in The Lady Bianca Show. Presiding from her piano and assisted by her three piece band, Lady Bianca will regale viewers with stories accompanied by song and punctuated with witty banter that will inspire audiences to laugh, cry and dance in their homes or wherever they are. Tune in! It's gonna be a TRIP!
Floyd Pellom’s 57th Street Gallery presents
Calvin Keys and Friends
Jazz Jam Session
A legend among soul-jazz fans and known for his lean, muscular single-string solo style, guitarist Calvin Keys leads a jazz jam session, joined by Glen Pearson on piano, Melvin Butts and Art Maxwell on saxophone, Hashima on bass, and Leon Joyce, Jr., on drums.
With Special Guests Avotcja and Vocal Rush
Celebrating Black LGBTQ+ Pioneers
The Bay Area's Queen Songstress presents the premiere of her new musical suite celebrating Black LGBTQ+ pioneers in music. Miss Faye and her slammin' trio will showcase her own inimitable renditions drawing from the work of these pioneers in music from the last 100 years from Billy Strayhorn to Little Richard to Sylvester, and more. This evening will feature a special guest appearance from celebrated poet and multidisciplinary artist Avotcja and the debut of a new collaborative video with Miss Faye and Oakland School for the Arts' award-winning youth a cappella ensemble Vocal Rush.
This project is supported by the East Bay Fund for Artists at the East Bay Community Foundation.
Royal Jelly Jive is known to shake up the liveliest dance floors and festivals across the West Coast, but in this intimate trio performance you'll get to see this band at its core... three soulful and dynamic performers who love to share their joy of playing music together.
(Rescheduled from 9/13)
Join vocalist Tiffany Austin for an ascendant evening of freedom songs invoking the blues, soul, spirituals, and swing. Featuring Adam Shulman on piano and Aaron Germain on bass.
Jeremy Cohen and Larry Dunlap have been performing together in Cohen's Violinjazz Band since 1986, playing music of the famous jazz violinists such as Joe Venuti and Eddie South, combined with their own renditions of classic jazz standards. See and hear how 30 years of making music together brings joy and happiness to this duo's style of music making.
Join pianist Andrew Chen in a journey across various gems and treasures within the classical repertoire. This versatile program features works by Mozart, Chopin, Ravel, and the pianist himself, all united to bring hope amidst hardship. All donations (net of operating expenses) will be donated to the San Francisco Community Music Center.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow: variations on The Wizard of Oz and the Wiz
Kim Nalley exudes the aura of a diva from a by-gone era, with pipes to burn, packing a 3 1/2 octave range that can go from operatic to gritty blues on a dime, projection that can whisper a ballad yet is capable of filling a room with no microphone, and the ability to scat blistering solos without ever losing the crowd's interest or the intense swing. She will be joined by Tammy L. Hall on piano, Michael Zisman on bass, and
Deszon Claiborne drums.
Mark Hummel and Bob Welsh have been performing off and on together close to twenty years now. Their new duo format allows them to showcase their gifts, Hummel as a world renowned Harmonica man/blues singer and Bob Welsh as a guitarist & piano virtuoso. This will be their second duo gig online, the first one in June on Facebook’s “Can’t Stop The Blues” before an audience of ten thousand!
Hits from Classic Jazz Piano-Guitar-Bass Trios
Before the modern jazz piano-bass-drums trio, the original piano trio consisted of piano, guitar, and bass, popularized by Nat King Cole and his trio. Vince Guaraldi’s first recordings were also in this format. Pianist Larry Vuckovich brings his swinging jazz trio to the piano store, featuring veteran bassist Jeff Chambers and gifted young discovery Kai Lyons on guitar. Together, they will present the hits of Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Vince Guaraldi, Ahmad Jamal, and Jim Hall trios.
New Orleans based vocalist Anna Laura Quinn is excited to return to the piano store for an evening of song that will take you through an array of languages and emotions. She will be joined by some of her favorite Bay Area collaborators - Rob Reich on accordion, piano, and glockenspiel; Justin Ouellet on violin; and Joe Kyle Jr. on bass. Together, the ensemble will offer a playful blend of tunes that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face!
Saxophonist Howard Wiley returns to the piano store for an evening of his original compositions, as well as humorous stories about the music and the musicians. He will be joined by LJ Holoman on organ and piano, Michael “Tiny” Lindsey on bass, and Thomas Pridgen on drums.
100 Years of Black Music
The Bay Area's Queen songstress featuring young lion Joe Warner and his trio will take you on a journey through 100 years of Black music from the early 20th century to the present day featuring a special guest appearance from dancers Traci Bartlow and Kevin Munroe.
This project is supported in part by a Civic Arts Grant from the City of Berkeley and by the Musical Grant Program
Drummer-composer Martin Diller brings his quartet bursting with talent to the piano store, featuring Mike Olmos (trumpet), Javier Santiago (piano), and Giulio Cetto (bass). The band will perform originals and arrangements of standard Jazz repertoire, steeped in the tradition of Bebop, Post-Bop and modern contemporary instrumental Jazz that's always swinging, but forward leaning.
Downbeat magazine and SF Jazz rising star saxophonist and vocalist Camille Thurman collaborates with the incomparable drummer Darrell Green for a performance debuting original music written during quarantine. They were featured on NPR this past June for a series called “Alone Together Duets,” and recently completed a tour of Africa sponsored by the U.S. State Department and American Music Abroad. Renew your senses of what jazz sounds, looks, and feels like listening to two of the most dynamic young, creative, and talented forces on the music scene.
Blues & All That Jazz
Maria Muldaur & her Jazzabelle Trio perform an evening of Vintage Jazz & Naughty Bawdy Blues, sharing fun tunes from her 2019 Grammy nominated album Don't You Feel My Leg, delightful undiscovered gems, as well as old favorites - featuring guitarist extraordinaire Danny Caron, Chris Burns on piano, groovemeister Ruth Davies on bass, and Ronnie Smith on drums.
Virgo Birthday Celebration
Vocalist Nicolas Bearde, pianist Glen Pearson, and bassist Ruth Davies come together to celebrate another "29th Birthday" with musical selections in preparation for a new album.
This concert is presented in conjunction with Afro Solo.
Distinguished by close harmonies, catchy melodies and potent lyricism, the T Sisters present a refreshing brew of indie-folk/Americana music. Blood sisters Erika, Rachel, and Chloe Tietjen flow seamlessly between styles and moods, from roots to pop and sassy to sincere, captivating listeners with their eclectic sound and soaring harmonies.
Offering Her Love
Come join us for an evening of Love offered by Mara Hruby. If you have never seen Mara Hruby live, or if you are a frequent supporter of her abilities and presence of heart, this is not a live stream that you will want to miss! This Oakland native has a lot to say and you will soon understand her love in song form, backed by none other than Kev Choice on piano, Dame The Drummer on drums, Jon Monahan on guitar, and bob Menacho on Bass.
The 12th Annual Jazz Organ Fellowship Tribute
Chester CT Thompson Trio with special guest Ernie Watts
Each year, the Jazz Organ Fellowship (JOF) honors a living legend in the field of Jazz Organ. This year we honor organist and keyboard wizard, Clifford Coulter. The Chester CT Thompson Trio will headline our show, with special guest Ernie Watts. Barry Finnerty will play guitar and Darrell Green will play drums.
Tony Lindsay, lead vocalist for Santana for 25 years, and John R. Burr, that rare pianist who combines jazz technique with a genuine love for folk music, come together for an evening of Jazz, Blues, Soul and R&B.
Martin Luther McCoy will perform a personal and intimate set of rare classics from his catalog. He will debut a new suite of tunes from his upcoming release The Warmth of Other Suns. Accompanying himself on guitar, Martin also plans to delve into the music of influential singer songwriters like Bob Dylan, Otis Redding and Prince.
Omar returns to his home-away-from-home for a very special reunion with two of his earliest Bay Area bandmates, drummer Josh Jones, and multi-reed player Sheldon Brown! Omar will start with solo piano, featuring new material developed at home in Barcelona during the pandemic, and the Trio will explore a few of Omar’s signature compositions, including ‘My Three Notes’ and ‘Cha Cha du Nord’, written during the late 1990s when Omar and Josh and Sheldon were playing San Francisco clubs like the Elbo Room, Up & Down, and Café du Nord. Joining the festivities will be guest vocalist Daria Nile, a local jazz and blues singer inspired by African, Latin, folk, soul, and classical musics. A unique evening – not to be missed!
The Music of Bill Evans & Jim Hall and More!
Pianist Larry Vuckovich and the talented young 25-year-old guitarist Kai Lyons will pay homage to the jazz great Bill Evans and Jim Hall. Their memorable duets made a mark on jazz history, using spontaneous and creative interplay. In addition, they will perform contemporary swinging high energy jazz, Brazilian/Latin - Cuban, Bud Powell - Charlie Parker, Flamenco jazz, Louis Armstrong - New Orleans jazz, Bluesy funky Boogaloo sounds, a bit of Guaraldi, plus Balkan Gypsy Roma sounds! An exciting musical journey!
Black London
Featuring Kev Choice (piano), Mike Blankenship (keytar), Howard Wiley (sax), Marcus Phillips (bass), and Dame Drummer (drums).
Complete info will be posted soon. Please stay tuned!
Oakland Blues Singer Terrie Odabi is an International touring artist, however when performing she calls Oakland her “Happy Place.” Terrie Odabi will be bringing to you her own brand of Jazz and Blues from the SOUL. She will be joined by Greg Rahn on piano.
Adam Kubota is a regular performer with Postmodern Jukebox and the Hot Sardines. A versatile bassist, he has been fortunate to perform and record with a diverse selection of great artists. This evening, Adam will bring together a small ensemble of instrumentalists for an informal presentation of music works drawn from the Great American Songbook and jazz repertoire. Adam will be joined by Adam Shulman (piano) and Martin Diller (drums).
”It’s Shorter Than It Looks”
Join prize-winning classical pianists Rachel Breen and Simon Karakulidi as they perform a diverse program featuring compositional voices tied together by humanity, craft, and storytelling. They will perform music by Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt, Scriabin, Prokofiev, Berio, and many more, including John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine arranged for four hands.
Two-time Independent Music Award winning pianist & composer Dan Zemelman is collaborating once again with renowned violinist, composer, and two-time Grammy Award winner, Mads Tolling. Mads and Dan will perform standards from the Great American songbook, arrangements of pop tunes, as well as some original compositions, and even a Danish folk song or two. Get ready for an exhilarating evening of music and improvisation from two of the Bay Area's great jazz performers.
Stella Heath, Rob Reich, Daniel Fabricant will take the listener on a transatlantic journey of song. From the Great American Songbook to French Chanson, the group will cover music from the 1920's through 1960's including works by Gershwin, Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, Edith Piaf and Serge Gainsbourg. Sit back, pour yourself a cocktail and enjoy the ride. C'est parti!
The Human Animal Orchestra showcases the folky-jazzy-poetic music of Sarah Gettys, arranged by Peter Barshay. They are delighted to be joined by Javier Santiago on piano.
This performance is also a special virtual gathering to announce One For All Arts, a new organization helping to reimagine how the arts will exist going forward as a result of the current social, economic, and environmental crises that are occurring globally.
Sonny Rollins Freedom Suite
Featuring Howard Wiley (sax), Aneesa Strings (bass), and Thomas Pridgen (drums).
Mostly Monk / Played Distantly
This version of The Pit Orchestra is a trio with Edward Simon (piano), Erik Jekabson (trumpet), and Peter Barshay (bass). As the theme for this performance says, they will be playing the music of Thelonious Monk, while exploring the music of other composers.
Join soulful jazz and blues vocalist Nicolas Bearde, accompanied by pianist extraordinaire Glen Pearson for a Father’s Day Tribute, where they will live stream many of your favorite songs and requests. Get ready to pour yourself a drink, sit back and relax, and have some musical fun with these two talented musicians.
Dan Zemelman & Erik Jekabson team together to play a livestream duo concert of music spanning different styles and composers. Working together since the early 2000's, they have played/taught in many different contexts together with The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra, with Erik's New Orleans group featuring Kenny Washington, at Jazzcamp West, and Stanford Jazz, to name a few. Tune in as these two wonderful musicians create diverse musical landscapes together and improvise colorfully and vibrantly.
Pianist Edward Simon will be streaming live from Piedmont Piano Company every other Saturday at 12:00 pm Pacific Time (3:00 pm Eastern). Each concert will have a different theme. He will be playing music by some of his favorite composers.
Pianist Edward Simon will be streaming live from Piedmont Piano Company every other Saturday at 12:00 pm Pacific Time (3:00 pm Eastern). Each concert will have a different theme. He will be playing music by some of his favorite composers. This Saturday, he will be play the music of Thelonious Monk.
The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol is one of the premiere vocalists of her time. Her unique style and gift for connecting with her audience is astonishing. Miss Faye presents her Dynamic Duo featuring talented and versatile pianist Joe Warner, performing a variety of material from their vast repertoire drawing from The Great American Songbook, blues, R&B, and jazz standards.
Enjoy an elegant live-streamed evening of music with vocalist Tammi Brown and jazz pianist Dan Zemelman as they perform original music from their most recent album Taxonomy of Pleasure from the award winning Lost American Jazzbook project.
Join soulful jazz and blues vocalist Nicolas Bearde, accompanied by pianist extraordinaire Glen Pearson for a "Happy Hour Hang," where they will live stream many of your favorite songs and requests. Get ready to pour yourself a drink, sit back and relax, and have some musical fun with these two talented musicians.
Join internationally prize winning pianists Rachel Breen and Simon Karakulidi as they perform works by Beethoven and John Adams. This program will explore the development of form and structure in music, and will be accompanied by a brief discussion on the process of approaching new repertoire; both pianists began learning these works during quarantine.
The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol is one of the premiere vocalists of our time. Accompanied by her daughter Kito Kamili, Faye will present some great tunes from her vast jazz and blues repertoire - streamed live from Piedmont Piano Company.
Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Oscar Peterson’s Canadiana Suite
with pianists Tamir Hendelman & Morgan Jones
Pianist Tamir Hendelman and pianist / saxophonist Morgan Jones will perform a musical tribute to George Gershwin and Oscar Peterson with special re-imaginings of Oscar Peterson’s 1964 Canadiana Suite and Gershwin’s classic 1924 Rhapsody in Blue. The program will also include other musical surprises, from Garner to Jobim to originals.
Fundraiser Works-In-Progress Preview
Join us for a very special evening as Bay Area legend The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol teams up with Oakland School of the Arts' award-winning youth a cappella ensemble Vocal Rush for an exclusive works-in-progress preview of a new musical suite celebrating Black LGBTQ+ musical pioneers, commissioned by East Bay Community Foundation's East Bay Fund for Artists. This unique intergenerational collaboration will premiere its new suite at a major venue or festival in 2020, drawing inspiration from pioneers such as Billy Strayhorn, Little Richard, Johnny Mathis, Sylvester, and many more. Proceeds from this special fundraising event will support the development of this timely project bringing together a Bay Area legend and the next generation of artists. Wine and refreshments will be provided.
Unfortunately, this concert has been cancelled due to the current coronavirus situation. They hope to reschedule in the near future.
Unfortunately, this concert has been cancelled due to the current coronavirus situation. He hopes to reschedule in the near future.
Unfortunately, this concert has been cancelled due to the current coronavirus situation. They hope to reschedule in the near future.
Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert
Unfortunately, this concert has been cancelled by the artists due to the current coronavirus situation. They hope to reschedule in the near future.
Bounce CD Release
The Michael Wolff Trio – Michael Wolff on piano, Peter Barshay on bass, and Jason Lewis on drums – returns to the piano store. They will be playing music from Michael’s album Bounce, newly released on Sunnyside Records.
Ensemble 1828 Celebrates Beethoven's 250th
Ensemble 1828 – violinist Nicole Oswald, cellist Isaac Pastor-Chermak, and pianist Alison Lee – debuted in June 2019 with a seven-concert tour of Northern California cities, performing an all-Schubert program to packed houses and critical acclaim. Honoring Schubert’s last and most productive year with their name, Ensemble 1828’s debut was praised for its “thoroughly engaging energy” and “rhetorical uniqueness.” In March 2020, the trio is back on tour in the Bay Area celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday with performances of his Archduke trio. Rounding out the program are piano trios by Leonard Bernstein and Astor Piazzolla. Join us!
The Music of Pixinguinha
Duo Violao plus 1 – Rogerio Souza, Edinho Gerber, Ami Molinelli – will play music by Pixinguinha from their album Historia do Choro released last year. They will also explore more music of this brilliant composer, arranger, flautist, and saxophonist born in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, considered one of the greatest Brazilian composers of popular music, particularly within choro. By integrating the music of the older choro composers of the 19th century with contemporary jazz-like harmonies, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, and sophisticated arrangements, he introduced choro to a new audience and helped to popularize it as a uniquely Brazilian genre. He also wrote sambas, maxixes and several other styles of music and is considered the godfather of this genre.
For one night only, Sullivan Fortner and Kyle Athayde will give a piano/vibraphone duo performance at Piedmont Piano Company. This is their first time playing at the piano store as a duo, and will include selections from their upcoming album, as well as their organic and intimately communicative arrangements of originals and standards. This is an event you definitely don’t want to miss!
The Sierra Chamber Society and Left Coast Chamber Ensemble are pleased to announce an extraordinary program of chamber music. Tanya Tomkins, cellist with the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble and principal cellist of Philharmonia Baroque, will join Stevan Cavalier, pianist and director of the Sierra Chamber Society, in Claude Debussy’s magical Sonata for Cello and Piano. Then, an epic musical event, Olivier Messaien's mysterious, spiritual and virtuosic Quartet for the End of Time will be heard with SF Symphony clarinetist, Jerome Simas, Left Coast violinist Anna Presler, Tanya Tomkins on cello, and Eric Zivian on piano.
“Descarga for Bud Powell"
Following the success of "Descarga for Monk," the Alex Conde Group reunites for a latin jazz and flamenco tribute to the genius of Bud Powell, featuring Alex Conde on piano, John Santos on percussion, Jeff Chambers on bass, and Colin Douglas on drums.
with Larry Vuckovich and Doug Miller
Vocalist Charity Goodin Sanen is creating exciting jazz waves on the Bay Area music scene with her magnificent voice, with a request for her return after performing at Yoshi’s. Larry Vuckovich and Charity have a close musical rapport and will present a wide ranging repertoire which includes swinging bebop, jazz classics, funky Boogaloo sounds and more. Bassist Doug Miller, has the distinction of performing with the Count Basie orchestra at an early age of 20. You’re in for an exciting experience!
Bruce Forman and Cow Bop ride back to town... this band has been described as “Too Hick for the Room” and “the most fun you have with your spurs on!” Everyone should tighten their cinches and mount up for an exciting and fun-filled evening of western bebop...remember: fun, it's the new unhappy!
PARTY AT SHINMAI BEFORE THE SHOW - prior to the show join us across the street at Shinmai Restaurant, our favorite restaurant in Oakland. Enjoy great cocktails and fabulous food - come for drinks or for dinner - discount for Cow Bop ticket holders! Great jazz entertainment by the Branice McKenzie trio from 6 to 8. Be there! shinmaioakland.com
This eighth annual free chamber music event will include movements from the Beethoven Piano Trio Op. 11, Milhaud's "Creation du Monde," a Violin/Viola Duet by Martinu, our own Shinji Eshima's "Barriolage" for Cello and Double Bass and more surprises! We are pleased to announce that pianist Roy Bogas will be taking part in this performance.
We are pleased to welcome Luca Fazioli, Fazioli piano Brand and Factory Project Manager, and son of founder Paolo Fazioli. Join us for a glass of wine and see a presentation on the latest from the Fazioli company in Sacile, Italy, followed by a solo piano performance.
6:30 pm: reception - meet Luca, see and play the Fazioli pianos
7:30 pm: a presentation about the Fazioli
8:00 pm: solo piano performance
Not to be missed! Coming from Paris for the first west-coast tour, a profound renaissance of original swinging jazz through the magic blend of New York-based singer and lyricist Tatiana Eva-Marie, Israeli guitar prodigy, Duved Dunyavesky, and California-born songwriter and violinist, Adrian Delmer. They will present their own compositions filled with delightful melodies charming lyrics, as well as a selection of golden age jazz tunes.
Yoron Israel and his cutting-edge jazz ensemble High Standards have graced stages all over the world. Celebrated for forging elite standards in jazz performance since their formation in 2004, their original works and creative arrangements speak to the 21st century influences and beyond. The four virtuosic musicians will forge a road untraveled in imagination, mesmerizing audiences from their very first note. Featuring Yoron Israel (drums, leader, composer), Mike Zilber (tenor & soprano saxophone), Matt Clark (piano), and Jeff Chambers (bass).
“Virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone” (New York Times), identical twins and Juilliard graduates Peter and Will Anderson can be heard on the Grammy-winning soundtrack of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.” The Andersons' quintet will explore the music of Duke Ellington, with songs including "Take the A Train," "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good," and "Cottontail."
featuring Keith Ganz
”Swinging in the New Year!”
Whew! Did you sometimes wonder if we'd make it out of this decade ALIVE?? We're almost over the finish line friends! Join us for this afternoon concert where we wave goodbye to worn out and weary 2019 and welcome a bright new decade with vibrant, swinging and surprising arrangements of songs you know and love! Featuring Keith Ganz guitar, Jeff Denson bass, Hamir Atwal drums.
Featuring some of the Bay Area’s finest jazz and improvising musicians, Vitamin Em brings its own special brand of jazz, funk, R&B, and fiddle music to the piano store. Its unique instrumentation makes for rich and distinctive renditions of Tower of Power, Duke Ellington, Joe Zawinul along with imaginative originals. Performances are gutsy, spirited, joyful, and along the way fearless improv abounds. Vitamin Em is Matthew Szemela, Evan Price, Philip Brezina – violins; Emily Onderdonk – viola; Michael Graham, Joseph Hébert – celli; Paul Hanson – bassoon; and Dan Cantrell – accordion.
Celebrating the Season
Now celebrating his 13th anniversary, this special concert is a “must see” show for all fans of contemporary Jazz and Blues. With holiday classics and carols getting the signature Nicolas Bearde high-energy makeover, it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Joining him on stage are some of the Bay Area’s best: John R Burr (piano), Gary Brown (bass), and Leon Joyce, Jr. (drums).
Give the gift of music this Holiday season to family and friends. Make your reservations early. This “one night only concert” always sells out.
Don’t miss this special evening of solo jazz piano with the legendary Denny Zeitlin, as he reimagines compositions from the Richard Rodgers songbook. "By any measure, Zeitlin's creative output over the past 50 years places him at jazz's creative zenith." –Andrew Gilbert, JazzTimes
Don’t miss this special evening of solo jazz piano with the legendary Denny Zeitlin, as he reimagines compositions from the Richard Rodgers songbook. "By any measure, Zeitlin's creative output over the past 50 years places him at jazz's creative zenith." –Andrew Gilbert, JazzTimes
Creole Christmas
Etienne Charles adds a new twist to the holidays with music from his dynamic Creole Christmas set. Featuring classic selections from the Caribbean, South American, North American, and European holiday songbooks, Charles and his ensemble celebrate the Christmas season with unique interpretations of pieces from Charles’ diverse musical roots.
Larry Vuckovich celebrates his 83rd birthday with his annual concert. This past year has been a rewarding one for him, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nišville Jazz Festival, in his former country of Yugoslavia. After some solo piano selections, Jeff Chambers, one of the most versatile and acclaimed bassists on the international scene, will join Larry in a duo format. As always, there will be delicious treats and refreshments to express thanks to our jazz listeners.
Pacific Standard Time, slated for release on June 14, 2019, brings us a new experience of the American Songbook directly from this group’s creative playground, featuring some of the best Bay Area jazz musicians: saxophonist Michael O’Neill, trumpeter Erik Jekabson, pianist John R. Burr, bassist Dan Feiszli, and drummer Alan Hall. They will be joined by Veteran singer Tony Lindsay, best known for a quarter-century run with Santana that included 11 Grammy Awards.
The Art of the Duo - 2ND SHOW ADDED
8-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton returns with pianist Tamir Hendelman for a special duo evening. Sutton is heralded for her abilities as a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Hendelman is known for his sense of swing, imaginative arranging, sensitive touch and his work with vocalists from Natalie Cole to Barbra Streisand.
The Jemal Ramirez Group is a San Francisco Bay Area based jazz group that delivers high powered music. They have performed at the 2018 San Jose Jazz Festival, The Sonoma Valley Jazz Society’s, “Barn Series” and the “Tuesday Nights in Downtown Sonoma”, Piedmont Pianos Co., Cafe Stritch and Cafe Pink House. The Jemal Ramirez Group’s most recent release, African Skies, made the Jazz Week chart—peaking at #9 and continuing to receive National Radio Airplay. Downbeat Magazine gave the Jemal Ramirez Group a 4 star review in their June 2018 issue.
Featuring protean pianist Myra Melford, galvanizing bassist Mark Dresser and supremely musical drummer Matt Wilson, Trio M brings together three visionary jazz artists with extensive track records in adventurous ensembles. This volatile ensemble explores compositions contributed by every member while maintaining a commitment to spontaneous improvisation. Unbound by piano trio conventions, the leaderless project erases distinctions between frontline and accompanist, requiring each player to shape the music’s flow as it unfolds.
Trumpet player Erik Jekabson's All-Star New Orleans Sextet returns to the piano store, joined by vocalist extraordinaire Kenny Washington. They will play traditional New Orleans jazz with Kenny, a New Orleans native.
A Musical Journey from Handel to Bartok
Regarded as one of the most significant Liszt interpreters of his generation, Péter Tóth returns to the piano store, directly from his European tour in the Netherlands, Austria, and Hungary. This afternoon, he takes on a musical journey from Handel to Bartok in addition to presenting gems from Beethoven, Liszt, and Chopin.
Oregonia is a project involved with playing the compositions of Paul McCandless, Ralph Towner and friends who forged a unique, modern Jazz language. Art Lande (piano) got to know Oregon, the group formed in 1970 as an offshoot of the Paul Winter Consort, and has performed and loved this music since 1974. Although John Gunther (woodwinds) and Tim Wendel (electric guitar) are fairly new to much of this music, the whole band brings it forward with a different sound and sensibility, focusing on improvisation, encouraged by beautiful compositions and intriguing forms.
Both Jim Hall and Jimmy Giuffre wrote tunes perfect for free-flowing and spontaneous musical conversations. The Easy Way is modeled after Giuffre’s drummerless trios of the 1950s and 60s. As jazz was becoming more abstract, expressionistic and at times bombastic, Giuffre and Hall were going in the opposite direction. They were envisioning quieter music that embraced the emerging qualities of free playing, while maintaining elements of blues and folk. This music has a unique kind of sophisticated simplicity that has stood the test of time.
Join Conspiracy of Venus for their 2019-2020 season premiere. Under the direction of Joyce Todd McBride, this powerful, 25-woman vocal ensemble interprets the songs of greats like David Bowie, Björk, and the Pixies. They will also sing original compositions by director Joyce Todd McBride. Venus always puts on a lively show and never fails to surprise audiences with their provocative repertoire and unique punch.
Tango Composers of Buenos Aires
Internationally acclaimed ensemble Mariano Barreiro Tango Trío presents the music of Astor Piazzolla and tango composers of Buenos Aires.
Recording artist, pianist, and composer Peter Horvath performs with his dynamic trio, featuring Bay Area greats Jeff Chambers on bass and Jason Lewis on drums. The trio will highlight some originals, along with some unique arrangements of standards.
Ken Stringfellow, founding member of The Posies, brings the full scope of his 30+ year career as a musician, songwriter, producer, raconteur and boils it down to the simplest of presentations: his voice, his guitar, and the piano. And, of course his stream-of-(sub)consciousness humor and anecdotes. Songs & stories from his work as solo artist, as well as with the Posies, Big Star, REM, Neil Young, Mercury Rev, Ringo Starr, Robyn Hitchcock... For this tour Ken is also revisiting his landmark album "Touched" as a focal/departure point for the evening.
Charles Chen, winner of the 2019 Jazz Search West competition, and Andrew Stephens, second place winner of the 2019 Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition, celebrate the work of legendary trumpeter Clifford Brown, famous for his inventive melodic soloing, perfect technique, and exciting arrangements. The band will feature Charles Chen (piano), Andrew Stephens (trumpet), Lyle Link (saxophones/flute), James Gallagher (drums), and Miles Wick (bass), with special guest Tiffany Austin (vocals).
dark blue CD Release Tour
Detroit-born baritone saxophonist extraordinaire Alex Harding and Transylvanian expat pianist Lucian Ban celebrating the Sunnyside records release of their long awaited duet dark blue. The album showcases Harding, one of the most important baritone saxophonists of the past decades, in a program of duets with longtime collaborator pianist Ban – a unique amalgamation of original pieces and improvisations informed by traditions of jazz, blues, and European chamber music.
”Front Row Seat”
Pianist Bill Mays returns to Piedmont Piano Company for an afternoon of jazz. He will be joined by Bay Area bassist John Wiitala, featuring a mix of Bill’s own material – a couple of which have been featured in recent films – some standards, and a couple of classical themes.
The Anna Laura Quinn-tet with special guest Tessa Lark
Vocalist and New Orleans resident Anna Laura Quinn brings together the stellar Bay Area ensemble that was featured on her debut EP, I Feel the Sudden Urge to Sing!, to perform her heartfelt arrangements of classic jazz, cabaret, French, and Brazilian tunes. For this highly anticipated engagement at Piedmont Piano, the band— Rob Reich on accordion and piano, Scott Foster on guitar, Joe Kyle Jr. on bass, and Justin Ouellet on violin—will be joined by Anna’s special guest, the award-winning New York violinist, Tessa Lark.
7 Decades CD Release
Kaila Flexer’s parents, Abe & Bobbie Flexer, now both 84, met when they were 11 years old, and have been devoted to one another for over 7 decades. This project features compositions Kaila has written honoring them. Teslim will be playing works from the recording as well as other repertoire.
Multiple GRAMMY-nominated pianist Geoffrey Keezer and stellar vocalist Kenny Washington brought down the house with a sold-out crowd at Filoli in 2016, and have toured and recorded together with vibraphonist Joe Locke. This evening, Geoffrey and Kenny team up for a rare duo performance which highlights their world-class talent in an intimate setting. Come prepared to be swung, serenaded, thrilled and moved - this is a concert not to be missed!
Time Remembered - screening, Q&A, and the Dave Thompson Trio
We will be screening Time Remembered, Bruce Spiegel’s acclaimed documentary about the life and music of Bill Evans, followed by Q&A, and live music with the Dave Thompson Trio, with Dave on piano, John Wiitala on bass, and David Rokeach on drums. The film covers Bill’s entire life, from early childhood with his brother Harry, to his days with Miles Davis, and his seminal trios with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian; Chuck Israels, Eddie Gomez, Marty Morell, and Eliot Zigmund; and finally with Marc Johnson and Joe LaBarbera. The film is filled with footage of Bill’s performances and interviews, and conversations with Bill’s friends and fellow musicians about their time with him.
Janet Klein's Hollywood Party
with Special Guest Frederick Hodges
Effervescent Hollywood songbird Janet Klein hosts a marvelous musical soiree of toe-taping songs from Hollywood musicals of the late 1920s and early 1930s, accompanied on the piano by the dazzling Frederick Hodges.
”Music for, by, and about Women”
Vocalist Sharmila G. Lash revisits her “Music for, by, and about Women” project with more friends and more music, including chamber pieces with vocal ensemble EQV, followed by a jazz set with pianist Anne Sajdera. They will present music by Melissa Dunphy, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Moira Smiley, and others, including originals by Anne and Sharmila. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte.
Marian McPartland & More: Women Compose Jazz!
Laura Klein (piano), Mary Fettig (sax, flute), Ruth Davies (bass), and Kelly Fasman (drums) came together last year at the piano store to celebrate Marian McPartland's 100th birthday. This all-star quartet of Bay Area jazz women will revisit some of Marian's tunes, and perform a wide range of captivating music by of a host of brilliant jazz composers, including Joanne Brackeen, Mary Lou Williams, Renee Rosnes, Alice Coltrane, Eliane Elias, and others. Not to be missed!
Following in the footsteps of his famed father Chucho Valdés and grandfather Bebo Valdés, piano master Chuchito Valdés continues the legacy of great piano players from Cuba. With influences of Caribbean rhythms and jazz, he creates an exciting and energetic blend of spicy music that drives audiences wild and captivates them with his sensitivity
Bossa meets the Blues
In the latest installment of the "Bossa meets the Blues" concert series, flutist Rebecca Kleinmann and vocalist Tiffany Austin debut their collaboration, melding jazz, bossa, and original compositions. Featuring an all-star rhythm section: Tammy Lynne Hall (piano), Jeff Chambers (bass), and Leon Joyce (drums), and special guest guitarist Ian Faquini. Don't miss these brilliant artists sharing music from Mozart to Charlie Parker and Herbie Hancock and new co-creations!
The Music of Bill Evans & Jim Hall
Pianist Larry Vuckovich and the talented young 24-year-old guitarist, Kai Lyons will pay homage to the jazz great Bill Evans and Jim Hall. Their memorable duets made a mark on jazz history, using spontaneous and creative interplay. Their musical conversations offered a strong sense of creative swing, lyrical and melodic jazz improvisation, and impressionistic harmony. Larry and Kai will recreate some of this exciting history, as well as some of their other diverse selections.
Novos Caminhos CD Release
The San-São Trio (SAN Francisco - SÃO Paulo) – Léa Freire (flute), Amilton Godoy (piano), and Harvey Wainapel (sax/clarinet) – release their CD Novos Caminhos. Combining the worlds of Brazilian music and jazz, in a chamber music type setting, these three instrumentalists have produced a body of work that blends the swinging exuberance and charm of the many different rhythms of Brazil along with that country's characteristic tender lyricism. Mix all this with the spontaneous discoveries of Jazz improvisation and you have a unique trio!
Called for his “pianistic allure” (Gramophone), International FAZIOLI pianist Lucas Wong takes the audience on a musical journey across three centuries of French music, with works by Couperin, Rameau, Chabrier, and Debussy.
with Andrew Speight
An evening of "Straight Ahead" Be-Bop, featuring the compositions of John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Miles Davis, John Lewis, as well as Standards by Richard Rodgers, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin.
Dick Whittington - piano
Andrew Speight - saxophone
Robb Fisher - bass
Akira Tana - drums
CD Release Party
Come and join S.E. Willis, Bobby Cochran, Ruth Davies, and Nancy Wright, as they celebrate the release of S.E. Willis and the Willing’s newest album, Too Much Love. They only have a few local performance dates this summer, so don’t miss this opportunity to hear this great band!
American vocalist and pianist Dena DeRose returns from Austria to perform with bassist Peter Barshay and drummer Akira Tana to present new material for Dena's new recording on HighNote due out later this year! Come hear songs by Bob Dorough, Alan Broadbent, Al Cohn, and others, including a few penned by DeRose herself! Guaranteed to be swingin', fun, and intense as this trio has been together for over 15 years!
Pianist and provocateur Connie Han has created an edgy blend of modern and traditional jazz with her incendiary Mack Avenue Records debut CRIME ZONE. At 23, this young lioness is on a fast-climbing trajectory to jazz stardom with rave reviews from The New York Times, Jazziz Magazine, Downbeat Magazine, and more. All About Jazz proclaims, “With this album she’s booking a place as a star in the jazz firmament of tomorrow. Watch out for Connie Han, the face (and shape) of jazz to come.”
New York-based pianist Peter Zak performs original compositions, jazz classics and standards, many from his acclaimed recent album releases, including his latest, One Mind. "Brilliant...quite startlingly so... underlines just how shrewd a musical mind Peter Zak has." -Brian Morton, Jazz Journal (UK). He’ll be joined by fellow New Yorker, drummer Sylvia Cuenca, and Michael Zisman on bass.
Larry Vuckovich celebrates his landmark recording Blue Balkan, featuring Bobby Hutcherson, which was the first to fuse Balkan ethnic music with American Jazz, and will celebrate the 40th anniversary next year. He will be joined by Eric Golub (violin), Vince Delgado (Middle-Eastern percussion), Coralie Russo (oud), & Jeff Chambers (bass). The day after this show, he will leave for Serbia to perform at the Nišville Festival, where he will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from his former country, Yugoslavia, for being the only jazz musician from those parts who has performed in the US with numerous greats & received top reviews from the NY Times & other major publications.
Jamie Davis Sings the Music of Johnny Hartman & John Coltrane
In a rare Oakland appearance, Grammy Nominated vocalist Jamie Davis will feature music from John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman, while blending in great jazz standards with his compelling full, deep baritone voice. He will be backed by an All Star band: Larry Dunlap on piano, Roger Glenn on vibes/sax/flute, Chris Amberger on bass, and Leon Joyce, Jr. on drums. Don't miss this fabulous show!
"There Is A Message In The Music"
Soul Music of the 70's expressed messages of hope, freedom, love, joy and racial unity. Vocalist Rhonda Benin will be performing the work of the most prolific black singer/songwriters, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway and the songwriting teams of Ashford and Simpson, Gamble and Huff, Bell and Creed.
Soprano Mary Ellen Callahan & pianist Jerry Kuderna join in bringing you an hour of beautiful music from Vienna and Paris. Sensual, pure, charming, joyful, and heartbreaking songs expressed in Schubert’s style of pristine early romanticism and Debussy’s explorations in Impressionistic music paralleling the visual art of that period.
Complete information will be posted soon. Stay tuned!
Multi-award-winning Venezuelan pianist and composer Edward Simon plays an evening of music by Federico Mompou, Simón Díaz, and selections from his NAACP Image Award-winning album Latin American Songbook. Considered one of the strongest pianists on the jazz scene, he is part of a new generation of "multilingual" musicians who have studied classical, jazz, and Latin-American music and garnered a unique voice both as composer and instrumentalist.
Guitarist, producer, arranger, orchestrator, and multi-instrumentalist Diego Figueiredo performs his new concert “From Classical to Jazz.” It is a fusion between Jazz, Bossa Nova and Classical music. Diego offers a unique interpretation, with tremendous techniques and enormous emotion. With a variety of work already released, Diego is doing shows on the most important stages around the world enchanting and charming the public wherever he goes with his unique touch.
Drummer Akira Tana invites musicians from Osaka, Hammond B3 organist Atsuko Hashimoto, guitarist Yutaka Hashimoto, and tenor saxophonist Hideki Kawamura, to share the stage for an evening of swinging, unadulterated jazz organ music, in the spirit of jazz organ master Jimmy Smith. The group will celebrate the CD release of their October 2016 live performance in Kobe under the leadership of Mr. Kawamura. They will be joined by jazz vocalist virtuoso Nicolas Bearde.
Enjoy an elegant evening of music with vocalist Tammi Brown along with award winning pianist Dan Zemelman, as they join forces as the ‘Art of the Duo’ to celebrate and perform music by Nina Simone, original music by the award winning “Lost American Jazzbook” project, as well as their arrangements of notable jazz standards. Special Guests include the internationally renowned vocalist Nicolas Bearde and Mr. Terence Kelly, director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.
Pianist Manuel Valera & saxophonist/clarinetist John Ellis, two versatile composers, come together to traverse and interact through music. They present their own compositions with this chamber music format in mind, as well as new refreshing arrangements on material from the great American songbook.
The Latin Roots of Jazz are deep. The parallel evolution of traditional and popular Latin American music with that of Jazz has greatly informed both streams and has produced some of the most exciting and moving music of the last 120 years. The JS Quartet always takes us on an imaginative musical journey that encompasses an astounding variety of rhythms and styles.
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 guitarist Will Bernard, trombonist Jeff Cressman, drummer Reese Bullen and bassist Gillian Harwin. 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.
You may know Dillon Vado as the vibraphonist who earned 1st place in Jazz Search West 2014, or the vibraphonist/percussionist in Alan Hall’s band Ratatet, or as the drummer and sideman for many people like Jeff Denson, Sandy Cressman, Jovino Santos Neto and Art Lande. But this concert you can hear Dillon play drums with his newest project, Never Weather, as they celebrate a year of playing together and the finishing of their debut record, Blissonance.
3-time Latin Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto returns to the Bay Area for a single performance with his Quinteto. The Brazilian-born pianist and composer will be joined by Dillon Vado on vibraphone, Peter Barshay on bass, David Flores on drums and Ami Molinelli on percussion. Their repertoire covers a wide spectrum of Brazilian styles, from Jovino’s self-propelling compositions to works by Hermeto Pascoal, Jobim and other composers.
Ensemble 1828 — violinist Nicole Oswald, cellist Isaac Pastor-Chermak, and pianist Alison Lee — makes their debut with an eight-concert tour throughout Northern California in Summer 2019. Honoring Schubert’s last and most productive year with their name, Ensemble 1828 will present an all-Schubert program, highlighting two pieces composed in their namesake year and featuring varied groupings of violin, cello and piano. Come for the timeless solo piano impromptus, stay for the intimate duos for cello and piano and violin and piano, and come back after intermission for the epic, symphonic Piano Trio No.2.
Grammy winning New Zealand born pianist and arranger Alan Broadbent returns to the piano store in a duo with celebrated bassist Harvie S for what will surely be a sold out show. Alan is acclaimed for his work with Irene Kral, Diana Krall, and Natalie Cole and has worked with artists as diverse as Glenn Frey and Sir Paul McCartney. Harvie S has performed and recorded with the likes of Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon and Tony Bennett, just to name a few. They join together here in a collaboration that is sure to be filled with beauty and intrigue.
Back by popular demand, internationally renowned jazz flutist, Ali Ryerson, is excited to return to Piedmont Piano Company with her longtime colleagues, Steve Rudolph on piano, John Wiitala on bass, and Akira Tana on drums. The quartet comes to Oakland directly following their weeklong residency at Hidden Valley Music Seminars on the Monterey Peninsula, where Ryerson conducts her annual jazz flute masterclass.
An accomplished pianist and organist playing with an amazing technical facility and a swing feel like no other, Jake Shapiro is quickly gaining acclaim as one of the top pianists of his generation. He was a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition. Danielle Wertz earned a Bachelor's Degree in Studio Music and Jazz Vocal Performance. In 2017 she relocated to Northern California and currently studies privately there with Dann Zinn. She was a semi-finalist in the 2015 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition.
The Dann Zinn Band features Dann Zinn on tenor and soprano saxophone, Taylor Eigsti on piano, Dan Robbins on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. This performance is a CD release concert for Dann’s newest recording, Day Of Reckoning, on Origin Records. The music is a dynamic blend of Contemporary Jazz, World Music, and Americana, with memorable melodies and intense improvisations. “…demanding new material and game virtuosity combine for a thrilling, seat-of-the-pants set…” SFCV
Joel Tepper performs an evening of solo classical piano music. The program consists of Haydn’s Sonata in C Major Hob.XVI:35, Chopin’s Nocturne in Eb Major Opus 55 No. 2, Debussy’s 1st Arabesque, the Brahms Sonata in F Minor Opus 5 No. 3, and three pieces by Justin Levitt, an award winning Contra Costa County composer.
8-time Grammy Nominee Tierney Sutton teams up with pianist Tamir Hendelman for a special duo evening, following their recent tours to Japan and Italy. Sutton is heralded for her abilities as a jazz storyteller and her ability to use her voice as an instrument. Hendelman is known for his sense of swing, imaginative arranging, sensitive touch and his work with vocalists from Natalie Cole to Barbra Streisand. Together the duo will draw on sources from Bill Evans to Nancy Wilson, Chick Corea to Cy Coleman and more.
Celebrates the release of Two Weeks Inside Studio D
Don’t miss this intimate evening, celebrating the release of Two Weeks Inside Studio D, produced at Fantasy Studios, which features 3 originals by Tammy L. Hall. She will also be sharing some of her favorite songs and moments in live and recording performances. She will be joined by Ron Belcher (bass), Ruthie Price (drums), and special guests Rhonda Benin (vocals) and Kristen Strom (sax)
For the past decade vibraphonist and composer Tyler Blanton has garnered notice as a rising star in the New York Jazz scene. Known for his distinctly lyrical and nuanced sound on the vibraphone, Blanton has been praised as "an heir to the swinging and melodically charged throne of post-bop masters such as Gary Burton and Bobby Hutcherson." He has toured the US, Europe, and Asia both as a leader and as a featured guest artist and received press from the NY Times, Jazztimes, Village Voice, Hot House, LA Times, and Downbeat Magazine. His third record as a leader is due for release in Spring of 2019 on Destiny Records which consists of an adventurous program of original compositions and tastefully delivered jazz standards. This tour finds him in the company of a stellar band consisting of pianist Glenn Zaleski, bassist Aidan Carroll, and drummer Christian Euman.
Benefit Concert
The Young People’s Symphony of Berkeley will hold a benefit concert to raise funds to support their music scholarship program. It will feature their 2019 concerto winner Isabelle Brown-Lyden, cello with Caroline Turner, oboe and Ananya Navale, flute. Guest artists will be composer/pianist Davide Verotta, pianist Laura Magnani, pianist Martin Morley and the piano trio "Caverca" featuring Carol Braves, violin, Verna Lim, piano and Catherine Jolly, cello.
Philip Aaberg brings his eclectic musical background to the piano store for one special evening of solo piano. Hear the Great Northern train thundering across the High Plains of Montana, roll down the Marias River and listen to Chicago Breakdown and Fooled Around and Fell in Love from Aaberg’s latest CD Versatile. He often says, "it's all one music,“ but rarely can an artist cover this kind of musical ground so well.
Edward Simon (piano), Art Lande (piano), Peter Barshay (bass), and Alan Hall (drums) join forces for a musical adventure heading in many interesting and unpredictable directions. Each musician contributes original compositions and arrangements to this new ensemble. Don’t miss this evening of music to hear where they go.
Vocalist Jackie Ryan, pianist Larry Vuckovich, and bassist Jeff Chambers come together for an intimate trio format of varied jazz styles and tempos. Their music has richness and depth, featuring jazz classics, rare standards, South American bolerso, Brazilian music, blues, and more. Don’t miss it! Refreshments will be served.
In 2016, pianist Laurence Hobgood launched The Laurence Hobgood Trio with the album Honor Thy Fathers, a musical tribute not only to Hobgood’s own father, but to all of the musicians who have inspired him. Howard Reich had this to say in the Chicago Tribune about a recent performance: Just as Honor Thy Fathers can be considered Hobgood's strongest recording to date, this band may provide his best musical forum yet. He will be joined by current members bassist Matt Clohesy and drummer Jared Schonig.
Grammy winner and American Pianists Association Cole Porter Fellow Sullivan Fortner brings his trio featuring Ameen Saleem on bass and Jeremy 'Bean' Clemons on drums to Piedmont Piano Company. The trio has been touring all over the country celebrating their recent release Moments Preserved on Impulse records. “There’s evidence here of an artist with his own distinct style.” – New York Times
The Bridges concept is a musical journey through the Americas with original compositions by Shanna Carlson (vocals) and Hugo Wainzinger (guitarist/composer/arranger), featuring songs from their latest CD Lost In Your Eyes. They’ll be joined by stellar musicians: Larry Dunlap (piano), Jeff Chambers (bass), and Raul Ramirez (drums/percussion).
FOR THE LOVE OF KELLYE
A Gathering, Celebration, & Musical Tribute to vocalist Kellye Gray
Adam Shulman, Peter Barshay, Greg Wyser-Pratte, Faye Carol, Kenny Washington, Nicolas Bearde, Allison Miller, Andrew Chaikin, Madeline Eastman, Terrance Kelly , Denise Perrier, Sandy Cressman, Trelawny Rose, Kyle Blase
JAZZ SEARCH WEST is an Annual Jazz Talent Search for instrumentalists and vocalists (adults/teens). Five exciting preliminaries, open to the public, are held February through April and culminate in a Semi-Final at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse and Grand Finale at renowned jazz club, Yoshi’s Oakland.
TWO SHOWS - 8pm & 10pm
Grammy-nominated pianist Geoffrey Keezer and Grammy-nominated pianist Taylor Eigsti return to the piano store for their first-time collaboration.
Pianist & Composer Helen Sung released Sung With Words: A Collaboration with Dana Gioia in 2018, a project and album made possible by a Chamber Music America/Doris Duke Charitable Foundation “New Jazz Works” grant. Sung utilizes jazz and poetry as catalysts to create new music, creating a multi-movement work exploring themes of the human condition: love, betrayal, wonder, melancholy and mystery. For their performance at Piedmont Piano, they will present selections from Sung With Words as well as jazz & poetry improvisations, showcasing an artistic partnership that continues to grow and evolve.
JAZZ SEARCH WEST is an Annual Jazz Talent Search for instrumentalists and vocalists (adults/teens). Five exciting preliminaries, open to the public, are held February through April and culminate in a Semi-Final at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse and Grand Finale at renowned jazz club, Yoshi’s Oakland.
Maxine Gordon, Nicolas Bearde, and Larry Vuckovich Trio
"Sophisticated Giant: The Life & Legacy of Dexter Gordon"
Maxine Gordon, Dexter Gordon's widow, will be showcasing her new book: Sophisticated Giant – The Life and Legacy of Dexter Gordon. Nicolas Bearde will read passage from the book. Larry Vuckovich (piano), Rob Roth (tenor sax), and Jeff Chambers (bass) will perform some of Dexter's originals, some of his hits and Larry’s composition "Dexter's Mode," which he recorded and dedicated to Dexter.
Sings The Lady Legends of Jazz
Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday are all legendary women who blazed a trail within the Jazz genre. Denise King will pay tribute to these women, singing some of their most recognizable works.
This seventh annual free chamber music event will include the Poulenc Flute Sonata, Prokofiev's quixotic Quintet for Winds and Strings, a Horn Duet of Dvorak, Bach's majestic Brandenburg Concerto No.3 and more surprises! We are pleased to announce that pianist Roy Bogas will be taking part in this performance.
Mary Ellen Callahan is pleased to be back to sing at the piano store in a program of beautiful songs and arias with pianist Karen Rosenak. There will be wonderful music by Bach, Bernstein, and Barber.
The duo of pianist Frank Martin and guitarist Steve Erquiaga began in 1970’s, and first recorded together 1978 with alto saxophonist John Handy. The evenings musical menu will include the music of well known composers played in a fresh and interesting way, and will feature their original compositions, some funky, some etherial, some jazzy, some rhythmically complex, yet all palatable and full of unexpected surprises and fun.
Monica Chew plays Prokofiev, Kodaly, and Ginastera in her 5th appearance at Piedmont Piano. The program starts off with a bang, with Alberto Ginastera's Danzas Argentinas, followed by Zoltan Kodaly's folk-inspired pieces from op. 11. The second half is Prokofiev's 8th sonata (his last war sonata), an epic journey at times majestic, melancholy, sarcastic, and profoundly human.
Stride jazz pianist Mike Lipskin and ragtime impresario Terry Waldo perform original solos and duets with Dinah Lee, trad jazz vocalist. Lipskin has his own sound and compositions. Waldo has wonderful instrumentals and original vocals. Dinah Lee, is inspired by Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald. This is a stimulating evening of solos and Great American Song Book repertoire.
40th Anniversary Event:
Sharmila G. Lash presents a few a cappella ensemble pieces with fellow singers Yuhi Aizawa Combatti, Shauna Fallihee, and Colby Smith, followed by solo jazz tunes accompanied by pianist Art Lande. There will be music by Duruflé, Barber, Ellington, Jobim, and others, including a couple of Sharmila’s originals.
40th Anniversary Event:
Norman Landsberg Quintet
Norman Landsberg - piano
Erik Jekabson - trumpet
Charlie Keagle - sax / flute
Peter Barshay - bass
Dave Rokeach - drums
40th Anniversary Event:
Socorro DeCastro Quartet
Socorro DeCastro - piano
Charlie Keagle - sax / flute
Peter Barshay - bass
Dave Rokeach - drums
40th Anniversary Event
A regular Bay Area presence since 2001, Anne Sajdera’s quintet performs original compositions, driving arrangements of traditional Roma melodies, as well as music of modern jazz masters like Herbie Hancock & Kenny Kirkland. She will be joined by Mike Olmos (trumpet & flugelhorn), Lyle Link (saxes), Gary Brown (bass), and Deszon Claiborne (drums).
40th Anniversary Event:
Welcome Reception with S.E. Willis & the Willing
S.E. Willis and his band, Ruth Davies on bass and Bobby Cochran on drums and vocals, present music (mostly originals by Willis) that draws on a wide base of American musical forms, including Country, Zydeco, Soul, R&B, and of course Blues. This is a band that delivers a solidly entertaining show of music, executed with superb musicianship, while never losing sight of the goal of providing a danceable good time!
40th Anniversary Event:
Piano Master Class with Emanuel Ax and Michael Morgan
Celebrated classical pianist and seven-time GRAMMY winner Emanuel Ax and Oakland Symphony Music Director Michael Morgan lead a master class with students from the Oakland School for the Arts. In collaboration with Piedmont Piano, celebrating its 40th anniversary, this event is free and open to the public.
Celebrate with us! We will have live music everyday, a film screening, refreshments, and prizes, including a drawing for a free $1,000 Yamaha digital piano.
All events are free. See the schedule below.
Be sure to watch this page as we continue to make updates!
Celebrated classical pianist and seven-time GRAMMY winner Emanuel Ax joins Oakland Symphony Music Director Michael Morgan in a discussion about the role of the arts in education and civic life, their remarkable careers and collaboration, as a kick-off event to a week-long residency in Oakland. Moderated by Roberto Bedoya, Cultural Affairs Manager for the City of Oakland, this event is free and open to the public.
Join us for a special evening of music with Alvon Johnson, "The Ambassador of the Blues." He has become a highly respected international Singer, Musician, and Entertainer. Whether he sings with big bands performing the great material of the American Song Book or the Low Down Blues, Alvon Johnson is an artist whose act should not be missed.
Recording and performing jazz vocal artist Ed Reed invites you to join him in a musical celebration of his 90th birthday with his quartet, both swinging and sublime, featuring pianist Adam Shulman, bassist Carla Kaufman, and drummer Lorca Hart. Ed is also excited to welcome special guest and long-time musical collaborator and friend, tenor saxophonist Anton Schwartz.
UP NEXT:
A powerful voice in Latin jazz, Bill O'Connell always plays concerts of originals and re-imagined standards filled with energy and high spirits. O’Connell’s clever and sparkling rearrangements, exuberant chordal comping, and knotty solos, all imbued with lots of fun, transcend categorization and combine rhythmic complexities with glittering single note runs in a sort of Bud Powell-meets-Chick-Corea sound. He will be joined by Lincoln Goines (bass) and Jon Krosnick (drums).