JUL 13-16 | CELEBRATION OF SOUL
Jul 15, 2023
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.
Cherished Bay Area vocalist and SFJAZZ Collective alumnus Martin Luther McCoy brings a stirring celebration of the rich history of funk and soul music of the Bay Area.
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. He made a memorable appearance in comic megastar Dave Chappelle’s 2005 concert film Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, and was a highlighted artist during Chappelle’s 2014 SFJAZZ performances.
Steeped in gospel music from his childhood in the church, McCoy began songwriting at six, influenced by a mighty collection of iconic artists including 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.
McCoy brings a stirring celebration of the rich history of funk and soul music of the Bay Area.
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
Martin Luther McCoy vocals
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
Martin Luther McCoy vocals
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
Amazing
Martin Luther McCoy
Now
Martin Luther McCoy
Amazing
Martin Luther McCoy
Now
JUL 13-16 | CELEBRATION OF SOUL
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