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.

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