SF Jazz Collective in Chicago

[ejp626]

Wow. Another great show here in Chicago. Sal, sheldonm and jazzshrink were all here, and perhaps some other board members. I was sitting two rows behind Joe Segal, who apparently has been getting out more, since he was also at the Chicago Tenor show where Griffin played.

Anyway, the SF Jazz Collective is an eight piece group. The current touring configuration is Bobby Hutcherson, Joshua Redman, Nicholas Payton, Miguel Zenón, Renee Rosnes, Isaac Smith, Matt Penman, and Eric Harland. The front line of two saxes, Payton on trumpet and Smith on trombone is really something.

The concept is to mix compositions by a single jazz composer, along with one original piece by each member. Last year was Ornette Coleman. This year is John Coltrane.

I'll write more later. Here's a website with more info, including how to order their CDs. SF Jazz CollectiveSal swears this is worth getting, and after hearing them, I would agree. You can even pre-order the next set, which is going to be drawn from their live shows.

Many things came off well in this set, but I thought Redman's composition Half Full and Naima featuring Hutcherson were highlights. It would be very cool if the band agreed that the Chicago performances of these pieces were among the best and make it onto the record.

[relyles]

I own the first three CD set and would agree that it is definately worth hearing.