Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with NEA Jazz Master Dave Brubeck

Jazz Appreciation Month kicks off April 1, and SFJAZZ celebrates by presenting a unique evening with jazz legend Dave Brubeck. The April 15 Masonic Center performance highlights two distinct musical sides of the jazz master: the classic quartet format that launched him to fame with the jazz standard "Take Five"; and the San Francisco debut of his big band, playing celebrated Brubeck compositions including the "Elemental" Suite composed for the San Francisco Ballet's 2006 production of "Elemental Brubeck."

Dave Brubeck's 'Take Five' Video (YouTube)

Dave Brubeck Bio & Audio Feature at Ken Burns Jazz Site (PBS)

Jazz Appreciation Month

In addition to continuing work as a performer, Brubeck carries on his legacy at the Brubeck Institute, based at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. Oscar-winning director, actor, and jazz buff Clint Eastwood serves as chair of the institute's board, and is an enthusiastic admirer of the NEA Jazz Master.

"Dave Brubeck is an American legend," Eastwood said. "He is an American original who continues to make significant contributions to music and introduced a whole new generation to the world of jazz."

Brubeck continues to forge ahead as an innovative composer, arranger, and performer. Be there for this exceptional night of music from one of America's most revered musical icons.

Cole & Eastman Make "Vocal Magic"

The return of spring always puts a song in the heart, and the SFJAZZ Spring Season has just the pair to give that song voice: vocalists Freddy Cole and Madeline Eastman, appearing at the Herbst Theatre on April 7.

The Cole Nobody Knows documentary Interview

Houston Person Interview

MadelineEastman.com

Madeline Eastman on myspace

Freddy Cole has emerged from his brother Nat "King" Cole's shadow as "the most maturely expressive jazz singer of his generation, if not the best alive" (The New York Times). Winner of the 2007 New York Nightlife Award for "Outstanding Jazz Male Vocalist," Cole welcomes special guest Houston Person, the soulful saxophonist behind many of Etta Jones' greatest sides, for this set of sophisticated, smoke-tinged cabaret songs.

Kicking off the evening—and performing a special Family Matinee at 3PM—is internationally renowned Bay Area vocalist Madeline Eastman. The Los Angeles Times calls Eastman "a prime example of what jazz singing in the 21st century can be."

Come witness this intelligent, alluring take on the jazz songbook, with the Randy Porter trio supporting.

Jazz is all about give and take and we take that open exchange of ideas very seriously here at SFJAZZ. To that end, we've opened up the SFJAZZ Inbox for any questions, concerns, suggestions, or compliments readers care to pass our way. Send us an e-mail with your thoughts.