Each year, the SFJAZZ Collective performs new arrangements of compositions by a modern jazz master and new compositions by the members, commissioned by SFJAZZ. Through this pioneering approach, honoring jazz history while championing the music’s up-to-the-minute directions, the Collective embodies SFJAZZ’s commitment to jazz as a living ever-relevant art form. After exploring the work of Ornette Coleman (2004), John Coltrane (2005), Herbie Hancock (2006), Thelonious Monk (2007), Wayne Shorter (2008), McCoy Tyner (2009), Horace Silver (2010), and Stevie Wonder (2011-2012), the Collective now turns its sights on legendary pianist and composer Chick Corea ...
read full bioMiguel Zenon – Alto Saxophone
David Sánchez – Tenor Saxophone
Avishai Cohen – Trumpet
Robin Eubanks – Trombone
Warren Wolf – Vibraphone, Marimba
Edward Simon – Piano
Matt Penman – Bass
Obed Calvaire – Drums
REPERTOIRE
Each year, the ensemble performs new arrangements of compositions by a modern jazz master and new compositions by the members, commissioned by SFJAZZ. Through this pioneering approach, honoring jazz history while championing the music’s up-to-the-minute directions, the Collective embodies SFJAZZ’s commitment to jazz as a living ever-relevant art form. After exploring the work of Ornette Coleman (2004), John Coltrane (2005), Herbie Hancock (2006), Thelonious Monk (2007), Wayne Shorter (2008), McCoy Tyner (2009), Horace Silver (2010), and Stevie Wonder (2011-2012), the Collective now turns its sights on legendary pianist and composer Chick Corea.
THE CONCEPT
If you’re not already familiar with the eight artists who comprise the SFJAZZ Collective, you will be. As soloists, composers, and bandleaders, they represent what’s happening now in jazz. They also demonstrate that jazz has truly become an international language. Hailing from Puerto Rico, New York, Venezuela, Israel, Santa Cruz, and New Zealand, the Collective’s multi-cultural lineup mirrors the explosion of jazz talent around the globe. However, the jazz community only reached its current state by maintaining its traditions while simultaneously embracing innovation. This, too, is the essence of the SFJAZZ Collective. These exceptional artists come together in the name of jazz as a constantly evolving, quintessentially modern art form.
This includes rearrangements of work from a modern music master (this year, Chick Corea), plus all-new original compositions, commissioned exclusively for this ensemble by SFJAZZ. In addition, they mentor promising young musicians, including the acclaimed SFJAZZ High School All- Stars, through workshops and other outreach. The residency is a rare opportunity in the jazz world for such focused creativity, collaboration and preparation, and would not be possible without SFJAZZ institutional backing.
"I've been looking forward to working on Chick's music with the Collective for a very long time. He is one of my biggest inspirations as a player and composer and his music has in many ways shaped the direction of jazz for the past 40 years. I'm sure that delving into his vast songbook will be an amazing experience for the band, and for our audiences,” said Zenón.
Simon adds, “Chick encompasses my definition of a true and complete artist: a master of his instrument and a prolific composer who continues to explore new arenas and break down barriers between musical genres. Without doubt, he has been and continues to be one of the strongest living musical forces of our time... a great source of inspiration.
Among the many giants in jazz history, none stands taller than Armando signature sound, on both acoustic and electric keyboards. Quickly noticed by Miles Davis in the late ‘60s, Corea appeared on Filles de Kilimanjaro and Bitches Brew, two of the era’s landmark recordings. As a leader, Chick’s adventurous work with Return to Forever helped define the fusion movement of the ‘70s and introduced younger stars such as Al Di Meola and Stanley Clarke. Corea’s numerous collaborations include stunning duets with Herbie Hancock, Gary Burton and Bobby McFerrin, as well as historic groups with Michael Brecker, Joe Farrell, John McLaughlin, Hubert Laws, John Patitucci, Steve Gadd, Roy Haynes and dozens of others. Several of his compositions, including “Spain,” “La Fiesta” and “Windows” have become established standards in the jazz canon. Chick has been nominated for 52 Grammy Awards, winning 18 of them to date. Now 70, he continues to tour worldwide with an array of contemporary jazz projects.
HISTORY
The idea for the Collective arose from discussions between SFJAZZ’s founder and executive director, Randall Kline, and saxophonist and founding Collective member Joshua Redman. While deeply respectful of jazz’s origins and early traditions, SFJAZZ was concerned that the modern side of jazz, from roughly the mid-20th-century to the present day, was often overlooked in the public eye in comparison with the music of jazz’s so-called “Golden Age.” Both Kline and Redman were eager to showcase, in a manner that would resonate with jazz aficionados and newcomers alike, the artistic continuum from modern masters to today’s new generation of players. Much like chamber music, the music is designed for a small group of instruments to be performed in intimate settings and atmospheres including performing arts centers, concert halls and salons.
Past Collective members have included the likes of Eric Harland, Mark Turner, Joshua Redman, Bobby Hutcherson, Dave Douglas, Nicholas Payton, Joe Lovano, Josh Roseman, Renee Rosnes, Robert Hurst, Brian Blade and other jazz stars.
For more information, please visit www.sfjazz.org.
Last updated April 2013. Contact Opus 3 Artists for the most up-to-date version.
