Instant Alter

Led by saxophonist Emilio Modeste and vocalist Natasha Agrama, INSTANT ALTER is a project that, more than any other electro-acoustic jazz ensemble, delivers on the promise of its name — a philosophy of transformation and immediacy to change a listener’s emotions and state of mind in the blink of an eye. For this collaborative presentation with Oakland’s Lo-Fi Oyster Co., the band will be joined by powerhouse drummer Will Calhoun of Living Colour and Wayne Shorter fame. 

The band seamlessly layers electronic elements with a distinctly post-modern edge and the influence of Brazilian tropicália, expanding the limits of the acoustic lineup and charting new territory at the intersection of technology and improvisation.  

Known to SFJAZZ audiences through his stellar work with Stanley Clarke N 4EVER, Kassa Overall, and Cindy Blackman Santana, Modeste is a rising giant whose resume includes stints with Wallace Roney and Buster Williams, while Agrama is a remarkably accomplished young vocalist and stepdaughter of bass virtuoso Clarke.  

On the heels of their eponymous debut self-titled album produced by Stanley Clarke, the band celebrates the release of their first live album, which includes the single “Oração Ao Tempo” — an inventive cover of the Caetano Veloso classic featuring Clarke and produced by Kassa Overall.