a nonprofit presenter of jazz artistic and education programs
The Great Composers


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Discover Jazz Classes Thursdays, February 4-March 4, 7-9PM Jewish Community Center of SF
Non-Members: $25/class| $100 full course (5 classes) buy tickets
SFJAZZ & JCCSF Members: $18/class| $75 full course (5 classes) buy tickets

Jazz is often written about as an improviser’s medium, with the contributions of the composers overshadowed by the virtuosic and ear-grabbing feats of the great soloists. This spring, five of the greatest jazz composers, performers and icons will be considered in depth, including:

  • February 4: John Coltrane John Coltrane’s forceful sound and unrelenting personal drive elevated him to a plateau shared by few others in the history of jazz. Seen as a spiritual icon and genius improviser, Coltrane’s legend can’t be separated from his gifts as a composer. Featuring Paul Contos and Malachi Whitson. buy tickets
  • February 11: Ornette Coleman Ornette Coleman’s musical interests span well beyond a single idiom or system of thought. From an early interest in bebop to his unique development as a composer, Ornette has defied catch-all labels. Featuring Dann Zinn and Jeff Marrs. buy tickets
  • February 18: Herbie Hancock Herbie Hancock’s career spans hard bop, modalism, fusion and an eventual return to acoustic roots. Through it all, his pen influenced the sounds of modern jazz as much as his distinct piano voice. Featuring The Peter Horvath Trio. buy tickets
  • February 25: Horace Silver From his days leading the Jazz Messengers to his classic Blue Note recordings, Horace Silver churned out some of the most enduring pieces in the modern jazz songbook. Featuring Jaz Sawyer and Sam Grobe-Heitz. buy tickets
  • March 4: Duke Ellington Ellington tackled long-form jazz composition, appeared in numerous films, dominated the jazz airwaves and sold millions of records—all guided by a unique compositional gift that helped to define modern jazz. Featuring Marcus Shelby. buy tickets

Each Discover Jazz class includes live performances, classic audio tracks, rare video and entertaining lectures. Open to any and all jazz enthusiasts, regardless of prior knowledge.