CartSep 28
Miner Auditorium
GRAMMY-winning drummer and composer Brian Blade presents the West Coast premiere of his new sextet project Life Cycles, in tribute to the late vibraphonist and jazz legend Bobby Hutcherson. Originally formed in 2001 with pianist Jon Cowherd and saxophonist Myron Walden from Blade’s Fellowship Band under the name Subterranean Sextet, this expanded combo took inspiration from Hutcherson, with whom Blade performed as a founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective.
The group performs originals and material composed by Hutcherson, including his landmark 1970 Blue Note release Now!, which the band regularly plays in its entirety. Easily one of the most versatile and soulful musicians in jazz, the Shreveport, Louisiana-born Blade formed his Fellowship band in 1997, releasing five increasingly accomplished sessions for Blue Note. As he was developing his own musical identity as a bandleader, he became an increasingly in-demand sideman and band member, cultivating long-term associations with Joshua Redman, Joni Mitchell, Kenny Garrett, Daniel Lanois, Bill Frisell, and Chick Corea’s all-star trio with Christian McBride. In 2000, Blade began his most visible and fruitful partnership as a member of jazz legend Wayne Shorter’s all-star quartet, touring the world and recording five albums with the saxophonist including a trio of GRAMMY winners, 2005’s Beyond the Sound Barrier, 2013’s Without a Net, and 2018’s expansive triple-disc release Emanon.
The group performs originals and material composed by Hutcherson, including his landmark 1970 Blue Note release Now!.
Brian Blade is one of the finest drummers of his generation—he’s at the top of the list whether playing with extreme sensitivity or going full-throttle.
JazzTimes
Brian Blade is one of the finest drummers of his generation—he’s at the top of the list whether playing with extreme sensitivity or going full-throttle.
JazzTimes
Personnel
Brian Blade drums
Myron Walden woodwinds
John Hart guitar
Jon Cowherd piano
Doug Weiss bass
Monte Croft vibraphone & vocals
Rogerio Boccato percussion
One of those rare jazz drummers artistically powerful enough to direct the sound of a whole ensemble.
The New York Times
Personnel
Brian Blade drums
Myron Walden woodwinds
John Hart guitar
Jon Cowherd piano
Doug Weiss bass
Monte Croft vibraphone & vocals
Rogerio Boccato percussion
One of those rare jazz drummers artistically powerful enough to direct the sound of a whole ensemble.
The New York Times
Watch & Listen
Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band
Broken Leg Days
Bobby Hutcherson
Slow Change
Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band
Broken Leg Days
Bobby Hutcherson
Slow Change