Collective Returns... All-Star octet performs on heels of smash Asian tour

The SFJAZZ Collective returns to San Francisco this Sunday, March 11. The glowing reviews from the Collective’s first Asian Tour (Tokyo, Japan, Hong Kong, and Jakarta, Indonesia) show that the all-star octet’s 2007 book of original compositions and arrangements of Thelonious Monk’s work is rock-solid and primed for a brilliant homecoming.

“One performance that stayed true to Java Jazz organizers' goal of bringing true jazz music to Jakarta was delivered by the SFJAZZ Collective…Dressed in black suits and ties, the Collective gave fans a lesson in jazz history over the course of their one-hour set.” – Jakarta Post

“The penultimate number of the night and an audience favorite came from drummer Eric Harland…It was an epic tale told first by Redman and Zenón's saxophones, played to sound like a single solo, and was joined by each band member in turn, with Harland's own solo bringing the story to a climax.” – South China Morning Post

SFJAZZ Collective Video Featurette

5 minute Quicktime video featuring interviews and music by this year's Collective band. (Note: Allow about 2 min to load movie) Go to Video | Download Quicktime

The Quicktime featurette was shot during the Collective’s February San Francisco residency. This short film features behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage and interviews with Joshua Redman, Miguel Zenon, Renee Rosnes, and Eric Harland.

The stateside buzz has been just as ecstatic with a profile of the Collective in the Sacramento Bee and this preview from the Contra Costa Times:

“Judging by a sneak preview at the SFJAZZ Spring Season gala last week, the Collective has hit pay dirt with Monk, and this may well be the group’s most satisfying effort yet…This will be one interesting concert.”

In other Collective news, All About Jazz called its latest album, Live 2006: 3rd Annual Concert Season, “a tight, powerful, two-disc portrait of what jazz can be when it’s given room to move…Like all living things, jazz needs to breathe, or it will die. SFJAZZ Collective is pumping serious amounts of fresh air into the mix. Live 2006 combines welcome blasts from jazz’s past with the creative spirit of a new generation.”

Be sure to catch the Collective’s only San Francisco appearances in 2007. Get your tickets today

And as a reminder for ticket holders, Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, so be sure you make it to the Herbst Theatre on time...

Etta James in concert in 2005.

The Spring Season kicks off this weekend with two SFJAZZ-only double bills. On Friday night Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band and Omar Sosa bring their virtuosic Latin jazz to the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. And on Saturday at the Masonic Center the immortal “Queen of R&B,” Etta James, makes her triumphant return to San Francisco, joined on the bill by S.F.-born bluesman Joe Louis Walker performing a rare solo set.

Cesaria Evora joins Spring Season lineup
“Barefoot Diva” performs June 9 at Masonic Center with fellow Cape Verdean guitarist and singer Tcheka.

Tickets go on sale exclusively to SFJAZZ Members for one week starting this Sunday, March 11. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 18.

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.