APR 10-13 | Give The Drummer Some
Apr 13, 2025
Joe Henderson Lab
PLEASE NOTE:
This page is an archive of a past production
Please visit our calendar for all upcoming SFJAZZ shows.
Original show description below.
Titled “Give the Drummer Some,” this four-night series curated by the eminent Bay Area pianist Joe Warner brings an amazing group of the world’s great drummers to the Joe Henderson Lab for intimate performances with Warner and master bassist Tarus Mateen, celebrated for his work with Jason Moran’s omnivorous trio The Bandwagon.
Best known as pianist and Music Director for San Francisco jazz treasure The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, Warner has performed and recorded with Marcus Shelby, Mary Stallings, Steve Turre, Gary Bartz, John Santos, and many others.
ABOUT MARVIN 'SMITTY' SMITH
A powerhouse drummer whose ferocious chops and daunting speed is tempered by his unfailing taste, sensitivity, and touch, Marvin “Smitty” Smith first gained attention through his association with singing great Jon Hendricks. A studio heavyweight, Smith has appeared on more than 200 albums and had extended musical partnerships with bassist Dave Holland and saxophonist Steve Coleman as well as recording credits with Benny Golson, Archie Shepp, McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Art Farmer, Robin Eubanks, and Terence Blanchard. He performed nightly with guitarist Kevin Eubanks on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Jay Leno Show for fifteen years and toured with non-jazz acts including Sting and Willie Nelson. Smith recorded a pair of albums as a leader for Concord Jazz including 1987’s Keeper of the Drums and 1989’s The Road Less Traveled, both featuring M-Base originator Steve Coleman.
Founded by Tim Hauser in 1972, the four-part harmony group originally featured Janis Siegel, Alan Paul, and Laurel Massé. Cheryl Bentyne replaced Massé in 1979, and Trist Curless took over Hauser’s chair following his passing in 2014.
As members pursued solo projects the Transfer’s output slowed in the 21st century. But with arrangements and keyboards by the titular legend albums like 2009’s The Chick Corea Songbook left no doubt they had lost none of their creative mojo.
Last year, in anticipation of the group’s golden anniversary and international farewell tour, the foursome released Fifty, a consistently swinging album making it abundantly clear that no one is going to take the place of The Manhattan Transfer.
Best known for his work with Steve Coleman, Dave Holland, and house band on Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show, Marvin “Smitty” Smith is featured on this series’ final night.
As a versatile drummer, there seems to be nothing he cannot do.
All About Jazz on Marvin "Smitty" Smith
As a versatile drummer, there seems to be nothing he cannot do.
All About Jazz on Marvin "Smitty" Smith
Personnel
Marvin “Smitty” Smith drums
Joe Warner piano
Tarus Mateen bass
Joe Warner has a simple goal. He wants to play with the greatest musicians in the world.
mercury news
Personnel
Marvin “Smitty” Smith drums
Joe Warner piano
Tarus Mateen bass
Joe Warner has a simple goal. He wants to play with the greatest musicians in the world.
mercury news
Watch & Listen
Mulgrew Miller (featuring Marvin "Smitty" Smith)
Inner Urge
Mulgrew Miller (Featuring Marvin "Smitty" Smith)
Without a Song
Mulgrew Miller (featuring Marvin "Smitty" Smith)
Inner Urge
Mulgrew Miller (Featuring Marvin "Smitty" Smith)
Without a Song