DEC 1-4 | SFJAZZ HOLIDAY CONCERTS
Dec 01, 2022
Miner Auditorium
PLEASE NOTE:
This page is an archive of a past production
Please visit our calendar for all upcoming SFJAZZ shows.
Original show description below.
Cherished Bay Area vocalist and SFJAZZ Collective alumnus Martin Luther McCoy brings a soulful celebration with this exclusive, multimedia night of new and classic soul including Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands” along with soulful holiday favorites like Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas”.
Rising to international attention for his work with The Roots, Cody ChesnuTT, Dave Matthews, Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Zion I, McCoy is perhaps best known for his on-screen role as the Jimi Hendrix inspired character “Jo-Jo” and his performance of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in director Julie Taymor’s Oscar-nominated 2007 Beatles tribute film Across the Universe.
Steeped in gospel music from his childhood in the church, McCoy began songwriting at six, influenced by a mighty collection of iconic artists including Sam Cooke, Bill Withers, and Parliament/Funkadelic.
As a member of the SFJAZZ Collective, McCoy was a vital part of the 2019 salutes to Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way and Sly Stone’s Stand!, and in 2021, his original composition “Already Died For Her” was a perfect set-closing statement for the band’s season devoted to music reflecting the moment.
He brings the same stirring uplift to this celebration of classic soul and R&B that is perfect for the holiday season.
Bay Area vocalist and SFJAZZ Collective alumnus celebrates soul and funk classics like like Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands", Al Green's "Let’s Stay Together", “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and more!
ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE
A Benefit of Leaders Circle Membership
Relax and refresh before select SFJAZZ shows at the Leaders Circle Lounge. Enjoy complimentary drinks and treats pre-performance with our most dedicated and passionate Members.
The Leaders Circle Lounge on Thursday, December 1 begins at 6:30 pm, preceding the 7:30 pm performance.
Not a Leaders Circle member?Join today or upgrade your support today. RSVP to LCManager@sfjazz.org or call 415.283.0307.
Thanks to visionaries like Luther, the future of soul music actually looks brighter than ever.
USA Today
Thanks to visionaries like Luther, the future of soul music actually looks brighter than ever.
USA Today
Personnel & Setlist
Martin Luther McCoy vocals, guitar
Howard Wiley saxophone
Wilton Rabb guitar
Sundra Manning organ, acoustic piano
Dave Council keyboards, synths
Marcus Philips bass
Brian Braziel drums
Jacqueline Rene Coleman vocals
SETLIST
Tentatively
The Best Things in Life are Free
Precious Lord
12 Gates To The City
Grandma's Hands
Let’s Stay Together
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
New York City Girl
Walking Together
Papa Was a Rolling Stone
Got to Give it Up
Rise
Fear or Faith
This Christmas
Black Sugar
Luther invites listeners to "enjoy this funky ride." It's a trip worth taking, fueled by old-school, power-to-the-peeps politics and more soul than a Sunday revival meeting.
San Francisco Chronicle
Personnel & Setlist
Martin Luther McCoy vocals, guitar
Howard Wiley saxophone
Wilton Rabb guitar
Sundra Manning organ, acoustic piano
Dave Council keyboards, synths
Marcus Philips bass
Brian Braziel drums
Jacqueline Rene Coleman vocals
SETLIST
Tentatively
The Best Things in Life are Free
Precious Lord
12 Gates To The City
Grandma's Hands
Let’s Stay Together
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
New York City Girl
Walking Together
Papa Was a Rolling Stone
Got to Give it Up
Rise
Fear or Faith
This Christmas
Black Sugar
Luther invites listeners to "enjoy this funky ride." It's a trip worth taking, fueled by old-school, power-to-the-peeps politics and more soul than a Sunday revival meeting.
San Francisco Chronicle
Watch & Listen
Martin Luther McCoy
Now
SFJAZZ Collective (comp. Martin Luther McCoy)
Already Died For Her
Martin Luther McCoy
Now
SFJAZZ Collective (comp. Martin Luther McCoy)
Already Died For Her
DEC 1-4 | SFJAZZ HOLIDAY CONCERTS
DEC 3
A Charlie Brown Christmas
ADAM SHULMANDEC 2
DEC 4
Holiday Celebration
Paula West