May 01, 2025
2025 SFJAZZ Festival Playlist: 11 Artists We Can't Wait to See
Curated by the SFJAZZ Staff
Accompanied by short insights from SFJAZZ staff members, this curated playlist will give you a much more personal connection to 11 artists performing in the upcoming San Francisco Jazz Festival in June.
Album covers from just some of the artists appearing at this year's San Francisco Jazz Festival
Experience the vibrant and eclectic sounds of the 2025 SFJAZZ Festival with our specially curated playlist, handpicked by the SFJAZZ Staff. This collection features a dynamic mix of jazz legends and contemporary innovators, capturing the essence of this year's festival. You'll feel the rhythm of the city with the innovative beats of Kassa Overall, and get lost in the intricate improvisations of the Kiefer Trio. The playlist also highlights the cosmic jazz explorations of local Bay Area artist Idris Ackamoor & The Ankhestra and the dreamy, genre-blending sounds of another Bay Area talent, Salami Rose Joe Louis. Accompanied by short insights from the SFJAZZ staff members, this curated playlist will give you a much more personal connection to 11 artists performing in the upcoming San Francisco Jazz Festival in June!
Zig Zag Power Trio - "Lonely Woman"
One of the most exciting projects hitting the Festival this year is the Zig Zag Power Trio - probably the most accurately named group around. Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid and drummer Will Calhoun — absolute monsters on their respective instruments whose diverse musical backgrounds extend far beyond the hard rock juggernaut they've performed in for four decades. Rounding out the trio is Melvin Gibbs – versatility and virtuosity incarnate. From Caetano Veloso, Eddie Palmieri and Femi Kuti to Rollins Band to Sonny Sharrock. Check out Zig Zag's debut Woodstock Sessions Volume 9, and their version of Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman." Oh, and at this time and place in American history, listening back to Living Colour's "Cult of Personality" feels very appropriate.
– RUSTY ACEVES, SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR AND COPYWRITER
Zig Zag Power Trio - "Lonely Woman"
One of the most exciting projects hitting the Festival this year is the Zig Zag Power Trio - probably the most accurately named group around. Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid and drummer Will Calhoun — absolute monsters on their respective instruments whose diverse musical backgrounds extend far beyond the hard rock juggernaut they've performed in for four decades. Rounding out the trio is Melvin Gibbs – versatility and virtuosity incarnate. From Caetano Veloso, Eddie Palmieri and Femi Kuti to Rollins Band to Sonny Sharrock. Check out Zig Zag's debut Woodstock Sessions Volume 9, and their version of Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman." Oh, and at this time and place in American history, listening back to Living Colour's "Cult of Personality" feels very appropriate.
– RUSTY ACEVES, SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR AND COPYWRITER
Orrin Evans – "Big Jimmy"
Orrin Evans is one of the greatest pianists of his generation (he recently turned 50!) and a carries the rich history that Philadelphia has contributed to the evolution of jazz. I remember seeing him play at Chris’s Jazz Cafe in Philly during a Captain Black Big Band set and couldn’t believe how much sound he produces from an acoustic piano. Orrin swings so hard he could play for the Phillies. We are going with a throwback tune of his called "Big Jimmy".
– JUSTIN ESPOSITO, SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTENT STRATEGIST
Orrin Evans – "Big Jimmy"
Orrin Evans is one of the greatest pianists of his generation (he recently turned 50!) and a carries the rich history that Philadelphia has contributed to the evolution of jazz. I remember seeing him play at Chris’s Jazz Cafe in Philly during a Captain Black Big Band set and couldn’t believe how much sound he produces from an acoustic piano. Orrin swings so hard he could play for the Phillies. We are going with a throwback tune of his called "Big Jimmy".
– JUSTIN ESPOSITO, SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTENT STRATEGIST
Brandon Woody – "Real Love Pt. 1"
More east coast love to our guy Brandon Woody who just signed to Blue Note Records! We are super stoked to see this up-and-coming trumpeter put his stamp on the Blue Note imprint and host his sounds that have been cultivated in Baltimore, Maryland – an unsung jazz haven on the east coast.
– JUSTIN ESPOSITO, SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTENT STRATEGIST
Brandon Woody – "Real Love Pt. 1"
More east coast love to our guy Brandon Woody who just signed to Blue Note Records! We are super stoked to see this up-and-coming trumpeter put his stamp on the Blue Note imprint and host his sounds that have been cultivated in Baltimore, Maryland – an unsung jazz haven on the east coast.
– JUSTIN ESPOSITO, SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTENT STRATEGIST
Theo Croker – "This Could Be"
It's crazy that Theo has never played SFJAZZ as a leader (but you may have heard him with Dee Dee Bridgewater's in past years). Tone and composition – the two words I'd use to describe Theo that differentiate him from all the other trumpeters of his generation. Theo has such a rich and nuanced tone, which has only gotten better since getting that fancy Monette trumpet. But his writing is truly what sets him apart. There are so many great trumpet players out there, but so few who can write a melody like Theo can. Here's an early track called "This Could Be" from his 2016 album Escape Velocity.
– ROSS EUSTIS, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL
Theo Croker – "This Could Be"
It's crazy that Theo has never played SFJAZZ as a leader (but you may have heard him with Dee Dee Bridgewater's in past years). Tone and composition – the two words I'd use to describe Theo that differentiate him from all the other trumpeters of his generation. Theo has such a rich and nuanced tone, which has only gotten better since getting that fancy Monette trumpet. But his writing is truly what sets him apart. There are so many great trumpet players out there, but so few who can write a melody like Theo can. Here's an early track called "This Could Be" from his 2016 album Escape Velocity.
– ROSS EUSTIS, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL
KIEFER TRIO – "Super Hero"
Kiefer is a pianist and producer whose blend of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music has garnered widespread acclaim. Kiefer has released records on influential labels such as Stones Throw Records and Leaving Records. At Stones Throw, he released several albums that showcase his innovative approach to jazz and beat-making, while his work with Leaving Records has solidified his position as a pioneer of forward-thinking ambient jazz and lo-fi hip-hop.
– DIEGO MUNGUIA, DIGITAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
KIEFER TRIO – "Super Hero"
Kiefer is a pianist and producer whose blend of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music has garnered widespread acclaim. Kiefer has released records on influential labels such as Stones Throw Records and Leaving Records. At Stones Throw, he released several albums that showcase his innovative approach to jazz and beat-making, while his work with Leaving Records has solidified his position as a pioneer of forward-thinking ambient jazz and lo-fi hip-hop.
– DIEGO MUNGUIA, DIGITAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
SML – "Chasing Brain"
Here’s a spring-loaded track from this LA quintet’s debut album, which appeared last year on Chicago's International Anthem imprint. Bassist Anna Butterss and saxophonist Josh Johnson – who each dropped GREAT solo albums last year, also on IA – both play in Jeff Parker’s ETA IVtet (if you somehow haven’t yet heard 2022’s Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy or last year’s The Way Out Of Easy, well, fix that). Jeremiah Chiu (synths) has released some of the best music of the last several years, with Marta Sofia Honer and Ariel Kalma, also on International Anthem. They’re joined by Booker Stardrum (percussionist and collaborator with Horse Lords, Wendy Eisenberg, and Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, among others) and guitarist/composer Gregory Uhlmann. Add in a healthy dose of electronics and whaddya get? “Chasing Brain” picks the crew up mid-chase, a wobbly bass figure is circled by afrobeat sax, synth swerves and skids, guitar growls, all propelled forward by a welter of drums that bridge post-bop and post-punk. We couldn't be more excited to present SML at this year's Festival.
– NATE LANDRY, WEB PRODUCER
SML – "Chasing Brain"
Here’s a spring-loaded track from this LA quintet’s debut album, which appeared last year on Chicago's International Anthem imprint. Bassist Anna Butterss and saxophonist Josh Johnson – who each dropped GREAT solo albums last year, also on IA – both play in Jeff Parker’s ETA IVtet (if you somehow haven’t yet heard 2022’s Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy or last year’s The Way Out Of Easy, well, fix that). Jeremiah Chiu (synths) has released some of the best music of the last several years, with Marta Sofia Honer and Ariel Kalma, also on International Anthem. They’re joined by Booker Stardrum (percussionist and collaborator with Horse Lords, Wendy Eisenberg, and Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, among others) and guitarist/composer Gregory Uhlmann. Add in a healthy dose of electronics and whaddya get? “Chasing Brain” picks the crew up mid-chase, a wobbly bass figure is circled by afrobeat sax, synth swerves and skids, guitar growls, all propelled forward by a welter of drums that bridge post-bop and post-punk. We couldn't be more excited to present SML at this year's Festival.
– NATE LANDRY, WEB PRODUCER
Idris Ackamoor & The Ankhestra - “Afro Futuristic Dreams”
It's been a half-century since saxophonist Idris Ackamoor first released his ecstatic Afrofuturist jazz with The Pyramids on an unsuspecting universe, and we should be extremely thankful that he continues to record and perform. As with the other Bay Area jazz elders, his presence here is a gift that should be celebrated. Lessons he learned from his formative work with Cecil Taylor informed his expansive and spiritual aesthetic, and thanks to Strut Records, his remarkable early releases are once again available to the masses, as is his newest album Afro Futuristic Dreams, released in 2023. As a jazz drummer, over the last years I've been honored to perform with and get to know a pair of Pyramids members, guitarist Bobby Cobb and percussionist Waahid Jones, and their continuing commitment to create new and innovative music while furthering the legacy of a spiritual jazz icon is an inspiration. This expanded version of the Pyramids, dubbed The Ankhestra, will undoubtedly be a highlight of the Festival.
– RUSTY ACEVES, SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR AND COPYWRITER
Idris Ackamoor & The Ankhestra - “Afro Futuristic Dreams”
It's been a half-century since saxophonist Idris Ackamoor first released his ecstatic Afrofuturist jazz with The Pyramids on an unsuspecting universe, and we should be extremely thankful that he continues to record and perform. As with the other Bay Area jazz elders, his presence here is a gift that should be celebrated. Lessons he learned from his formative work with Cecil Taylor informed his expansive and spiritual aesthetic, and thanks to Strut Records, his remarkable early releases are once again available to the masses, as is his newest album Afro Futuristic Dreams, released in 2023. As a jazz drummer, over the last years I've been honored to perform with and get to know a pair of Pyramids members, guitarist Bobby Cobb and percussionist Waahid Jones, and their continuing commitment to create new and innovative music while furthering the legacy of a spiritual jazz icon is an inspiration. This expanded version of the Pyramids, dubbed The Ankhestra, will undoubtedly be a highlight of the Festival.
– RUSTY ACEVES, SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR AND COPYWRITER
Tyreek McDole - “The Creator Has a Master Plan”
You can make a strong argument that Tyreek McDole is well on his way to becoming the next superstar jazz vocalist. He was the winner of the prestigious 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, who helped launch the careers of artists like Samara Joy, Jazzmeia Horn, Gabrielle Cavassa and others. He releases his highly anticipated debut album Open Up Your Senses in June, which features impressive renditions of Pharaoh Sanders' "The Creator Has A Master Plan", Horace Silver's "Won't You Open Up Your Senses", Thelonious Monk's "Ugly Beauty" (w/ Kenny Barron), Leon Thomas' "The Sun Song (Precious Energy)" and many others. The record is already receiving heavy rotation among some of the most notable jazz radio DJs and tastemakers.
– TJ GORTON, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Tyreek McDole - “The Creator Has a Master Plan”
You can make a strong argument that Tyreek McDole is well on his way to becoming the next superstar jazz vocalist. He was the winner of the prestigious 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, who helped launch the careers of artists like Samara Joy, Jazzmeia Horn, Gabrielle Cavassa and others. He releases his highly anticipated debut album Open Up Your Senses in June, which features impressive renditions of Pharaoh Sanders' "The Creator Has A Master Plan", Horace Silver's "Won't You Open Up Your Senses", Thelonious Monk's "Ugly Beauty" (w/ Kenny Barron), Leon Thomas' "The Sun Song (Precious Energy)" and many others. The record is already receiving heavy rotation among some of the most notable jazz radio DJs and tastemakers.
– TJ GORTON, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
New Jazz Underground- “Meet the Grahams/Passionfruit"
As a hip-hop head, samples were my first gateway into jazz music. New Jazz Underground has built a significant online following with their hip-hop/jazz videos such as "MF DOOM Suite", piquing my interest as they have proven to be more than a novelty act. Their latest release, "Dying of Thirst", is a dynamic set of Kendrick Lamar covers that expand upon the jazz influences already present in albums such a "To Pimp A Butterfly". The "Meet The Grahams/Passionfruit" mashup is audacious and mischievous, as well as being down right jamming.
– KEVIN TOMLINSON, ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING MANAGER
New Jazz Underground- “Meet the Grahams/Passionfruit"
As a hip-hop head, samples were my first gateway into jazz music. New Jazz Underground has built a significant online following with their hip-hop/jazz videos such as "MF DOOM Suite", piquing my interest as they have proven to be more than a novelty act. Their latest release, "Dying of Thirst", is a dynamic set of Kendrick Lamar covers that expand upon the jazz influences already present in albums such a "To Pimp A Butterfly". The "Meet The Grahams/Passionfruit" mashup is audacious and mischievous, as well as being down right jamming.
– KEVIN TOMLINSON, ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING MANAGER
Kassa Overall - “Spottieottie-dopaliscious”
A dual threat on drums and the mic (spoken word and rapping), Kassa Overall has really cultivated his own sound mixing bebop, spiritual jazz and the avant-garde with hip hop and break beats. He hails from my hometown, Seattle, but I'll forgive him for going to my rival high school (our jazz programs consistently duked it out for #1). Kassa's working band is seasoned from being on the road and brings so much energy to every performance. For their SFJAZZ performance, the band should include keyboardist Matt Wong (part of my Jazz Mafia family, and an alum of SFJAZZ's High School All-Star band) and saxophonist Tomoki Sanders (son of the legendary Pharoah Sanders and a standout from this year's Winter Jazz Fest in NYC). Check out their recent cover of OutKast's "SpottieOttieDopaliscious".
Kassa Overall - “Spottieottie-dopaliscious”
A dual threat on drums and the mic (spoken word and rapping), Kassa Overall has really cultivated his own sound mixing bebop, spiritual jazz and the avant-garde with hip hop and break beats. He hails from my hometown, Seattle, but I'll forgive him for going to my rival high school (our jazz programs consistently duked it out for #1). Kassa's working band is seasoned from being on the road and brings so much energy to every performance. For their SFJAZZ performance, the band should include keyboardist Matt Wong (part of my Jazz Mafia family, and an alum of SFJAZZ's High School All-Star band) and saxophonist Tomoki Sanders (son of the legendary Pharoah Sanders and a standout from this year's Winter Jazz Fest in NYC). Check out their recent cover of OutKast's "SpottieOttieDopaliscious".
Salami Rose Joe Louis – "Dorkiest Jam Since Dawn of Time"
So thrilled to see her included in this lineup! As a longtime fan, I've been fortunate enough to experience her live performances at various stages of her career: from intimate basement shows in Oakland where she shared the stage with all kinds of experimental acts, to her signing with Flying Lotus' BRAINFEEDER label, and now, to her worldwide tours. For the uninitiated, prepare to be immersed in a groovy balm. Like Billie Holiday's voice melding seamlessly with a Tribe Called Quest beat, emanating from a moss-covered boombox in a dream.
– DIEGO MUNGUIA, DIGITAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Salami Rose Joe Louis – "Dorkiest Jam Since Dawn of Time"
So thrilled to see her included in this lineup! As a longtime fan, I've been fortunate enough to experience her live performances at various stages of her career: from intimate basement shows in Oakland where she shared the stage with all kinds of experimental acts, to her signing with Flying Lotus' BRAINFEEDER label, and now, to her worldwide tours. For the uninitiated, prepare to be immersed in a groovy balm. Like Billie Holiday's voice melding seamlessly with a Tribe Called Quest beat, emanating from a moss-covered boombox in a dream.
– DIEGO MUNGUIA, DIGITAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR