SFJAZZ Collective: What's New in ’08

The SFJAZZ Collective returns this spring with an all-new repertoire, an exciting mix of the works of Wayne Shorter and the Collective’s own original compositions. In its only Bay Area appearance this year, the ensemble performs at U.C. Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall on March 15, as part of Cal Performances' 2007-2008 season. The group also appears on the heels of its first-ever concert DVD, Live at Jazz à Vienne—available now.

Given the extraordinary talent assembled in the SFJAZZ Collective—eight of the most accomplished and acclaimed performer/composers in jazz today—it is tempting, on first glance, to think of this ensemble as an “all-star band,” pure and simple. But as the “Collective” portion of the group’s name suggests, these exceptional artists have come together in pursuit of a larger purpose—namely, the celebration of jazz not only as a great art form, but as a constantly evolving, ever-relevant, quintessentially modern art form. In The New York Times’ emphatic words: “Modernity is the mantra of the SFJAZZ Collective.”

The Collective is distinguished not just by degree, but diversity of talent: each member is not only a celebrated instrumentalist, but also an outstanding composer and arranger, and most are among today’s most lauded band leaders. The Collective’s current line-up also strikes a perfect balance among founding members, other multi-year veterans, and exciting newcomers. The front line of horns includes two past DownBeat “Artist of the Year” honorees, saxophonist Joe Lovano and trumpeter Dave Douglas, both members since 2007; three-time DownBeat “#1 Rising Star Alto Saxophonist” and founding member Miguel Zenón; and 2008 newcomer trombonist Robin Eubanks, a two-time DownBeat “Trombonist of the Year.” On vibraphone since 2007, Stefon Harris has earned top DownBeat “Rising Star” honors on his instrument and is widely considered the finest vibist of his generation. The incendiary Collective rhythm section boasts founding member and acclaimed Blue Note recording artist Renee Rosnes on piano plus two four-year Collective veterans: bassist Matt Penman, one of the most in-demand sidemen on the international scene; and drummer Eric Harland, famed for his work with Charles Lloyd, McCoy Tyner, and other jazz legends.

As in past seasons, the Collective’s original compositions for 2008 highlight the state of the art in jazz composition, exploring new, often extended approaches to song form and reveling in the rhythmic, harmonic, and textural possibilities of the octet. Artistic breadth also infuses the balance of the 2008 repertoire—the music of saxophonist and composer extraordinaire Wayne Shorter. In the words of fellow jazz legend Herbie Hancock: “Wayne Shorter has evolved as a human being to a point where he can synthesize all the history of jazz into a very special, very alive musical expression.”* (Read more about Shorter in “The Shorter Project.")

“I consider [Shorter] one of my most important musical influences,” says pianist Rosnes.  “In 1988, I was a member of his band and that experience changed me forever. Through his music, he taught me about courage, passion, vulnerability, and freedom. Virtually all of Wayne’s compositions are inherently full of these qualities.”

“As has been the case with all the composers we’ve worked on with the band,” alto saxophonist Zenón notes, “the biggest challenge is to try keep the spirit of the original versions of the compositions, while at the same time reflecting the personality of the Collective. I really feel we get better and better at doing this every time we get together.”

* Quoted in Footprints: The Life and Work of Wayne Shorter by Michelle Mercer