Founded in 2004, the SFJAZZ Collective is a one-of-a-kind ensemble composed of some of the most creative and acclaimed improvisers, composers and bandleaders in jazz. It aims to celebrate and renew the jazz tradition, with each member composing a new work for the band annually as well as arranging standards by modern masters, embodying SFJAZZ’s commitment to jazz as a living, ever-relevant art form.
Since its inception, the ensemble has featured an all-star cast that has included such celebrated musicians as founding music director Joshua Redman, the late vibraphone legend Bobby Hutcherson, saxophonists Joe Lovano and Mark Turner, trumpeters Nicholas Payton, Dave Douglas and Avishai Cohen, pianist Renee Rosnes, drummers Brian Blade, Obed Calvaire, and Eric Harland. In addition to its own expansive compositions, the musicians have arranged, performed and recorded the music of Ornette Coleman (2004), John Coltrane (2005), Thelonious Monk (2007), Stevie Wonder (2011), Chick Corea (2013), Joe Henderson (2014), Miles Davis (2016), Antônio Carlos Jobim (2018), Sly & the Family Stone (2019) and other singular artists.
Now under the direction of Chris Potter, the current lineup of the Collective features trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, tenor saxophonist David Sánchez, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, pianist Edward Simon, bassist Matt Brewer, and drummer Kendrick Scott.
The Collective participates in a residency every fall at the SFJAZZ Center, which provides time for intensive rehearsals to workshops the season’s new compositions along with education and community engagement activities. The residency concludes with four nights of concerts in SFJAZZ’s Miner Auditorium which are recorded for the album release. The ensemble tours annually across the United States and Europe.
FOLLOW US ONLINE
The SFJAZZ Collective has gone though numerous line up changes over the years and has featured Bobby Hutcherson, Joshua Redman, Miguel Zenón, Eric Harland, Mark Turner, Matt Penman, Avishai Cohen, Sean Jones, Andre Hayward, Stefon Harris, Dave Douglas, Nicholas Payton, Joe Lovano, Josh Roseman, Renee Rosnes, Jeff Ballard, Robert Hurst, Brian Blade, Martin Luther McCoy, Obed Calvaire, Adam Rogers, and others.
Watch SFJAZZ Collective's recent NPR Tiny Desk (Home) concert HERE
SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE
Chris Potter tenor saxophone
David Sánchez tenor saxophone
Mike Rodriguez trumpet
Warren Wolf vibraphone
Edward Simon piano
Matt Brewer bass
Kendrick Scott drums
Recordings
Each year, the Collective records their arrangements of the music of that season's tribute artist and the accompanying original compositions live during their residency at the SFJAZZ Center. Each numbered, limited edition CD set includes extensive liner notes, photographs, and interviews with the band members about their innovative arrangements. Check them out in our shop.
Browse CDsRecordings
Each year, the Collective records their arrangements of the music of that season's tribute artist and the accompanying original compositions live during their residency at the SFJAZZ Center. Each numbered, limited edition CD set includes extensive liner notes, photographs, and interviews with the band members about their innovative arrangements. Check them out in our shop.
Browse CDsMEDIA & Booking
To cultivate its distinctive sound, SFJAZZ Collective convenes in San Francisco in the fall of each year for a multi-week residency. Throughout this extended rehearsal period—a rarity in today’s jazz—the octet workshops the season’s new repertoire and interacts with the Bay Area community through SFJAZZ’s education programs for youth and adults. SFJAZZ Collective then takes to performance stages around the world with stops in some of the most prominent clubs and concert halls.
MoreMEDIA & Booking
To cultivate its distinctive sound, SFJAZZ Collective convenes in San Francisco in the fall of each year for a multi-week residency. Throughout this extended rehearsal period—a rarity in today’s jazz—the octet workshops the season’s new repertoire and interacts with the Bay Area community through SFJAZZ’s education programs for youth and adults. SFJAZZ Collective then takes to performance stages around the world with stops in some of the most prominent clubs and concert halls.
MoreCurrent Collective Members
Chris Potter | Dávid Sanchez | Mike Rodriguez | Warren Wolf | Edward Simon | Matt Brewer | Kendrick Scott
MoreCurrent Collective Members
Chris Potter | Dávid Sanchez | Mike Rodriguez | Warren Wolf | Edward Simon | Matt Brewer | Kendrick Scott
MoreWatch & Listen
SFJAZZ Collective
Throw It Away (Abbey Lincoln, arr. Kendrick Scott)
SFJAZZ Collective
Mutuality (Chris Potter)
SFJAZZ Collective
Throw It Away (Abbey Lincoln, arr. Kendrick Scott)
SFJAZZ Collective
Mutuality (Chris Potter)