Local Jazz Videos

I m really excited to post this absolutely killin multimedia by The Supplicants getting crazy with the improvisation live at the Red Poppy Art House in San Francisco on November 6, 2009. They don t get together like this very often, especially with Sameer in NYC these days, so it was a real pleasure to hear them play in such a great intimate venue like the Poppy. Best of all, the guys were gracious enough to let me post all of the audio files from both sets (below), plus photos and a video I produced of the track Pavarti (above). For those viewers with iPhones, you can also directly stream or download this video file too. So, have at it people, this one is not to be missed! Musicians David Boyce, Tenor Soprano David Ewell, Bass Sameer Gupta, Drums Download audio file (2009.11.06.Supplicants.RedPoppy.1.mp3) Download audio file (2009.11.06.Supplicants.RedPoppy.2.mp3) Download audio file (2009.11.06.Supplicants.RedPoppy.3.mp3) Download audio file (2009.11.06.Supplicants.RedPoppy.4.mp3) Download audio file (2009.11.06.Supplicants.RedPoppy.5.mp3) Download audio file (2009.11.06.Supplicants.RedPoppy.6.mp3) Download audio file (2009.11.06.Supplicants.RedPoppy.7.mp3) Download audio file (2009.11.06.Supplicants.RedPoppy.8.mp3) Set List 1. The Twelve Labors of Hercules 2. Five Golden Rings 3. Illyrian 4. Parvati 5. Overthrow, Failure, and Decadence 6. Berimbau 7. Fire Brigade 8. Moment of Gravity

I was recently invited to document the CD Release Party of Mike Irwin s 8 Legged Monster live at Yoshi s in San Francisco on September 3, 2009. Here s a sweet three minute video clip from the night s festivities. The clip begins in the middle of the band s rendition of the classic tune Basin St. Blues, starting near the end of Rob Barics clarinet solo, then moves onto a sick trumpet solo by Mike Olmos, and finally ends with the band backing up the lovely Lavay Smith on vocals. I ve also included three complete tracks below from the night s performance in MP3 format that the band was so gracious to let me share: Les Trois Baise, Turnin On The Jewkes, and a brand new and unreleased song named after yours truly, Swerbolicious). Download audio file (audio02.mp3) Download audio file (audio07.mp3) Download audio file (audio10.mp3) Musicians Mike Irwin, Guitar Arranger Mike Olmos, Trumpet Danny Grewen, Trombone Rob Barics, Tenor Clarinet Joe Cohen, Alto Matt Nelson, Tenor Fil Lorenz, Baritone Eric Markowitz, Bass Jaz Sawyer, Drums Karina Denike, Vocals Lavay Smith, Vocals

Here s Scott Amendola and Wil Blades playing a pair of Scott s compositions, Lima Bean and Slow Zig, live at Old First Church in San Francisco on July 24, 2009. Their performance was inspired as always, so make sure to listen to these two tracks and check their websites for upcoming gigs and don t miss their duo shows in September at the new club Coda in the Mission. Download audio file (2009.07.24.Blades.vs.Amendola.OldFirstChurch.05.mp3) Download audio file (2009.07.24.Blades.vs.Amendola.OldFirstChurch.07.mp3)

I m finally getting around to publishing this great multimedia from the Eaton Barics Quintet live at the Red Poppy Art House in San Francisco on June 19, 2009. The band was gracious enough to let me include video and audio of two tracks from their performance that night. The first is a fantastic rendition of Mood Indigo featuring Rob Barics on tenor sax, and the second is an original composition by Rob that features the whole band the piece was inspired by Rob s little kid, and thus is appropriately titled Dump Truck. Download audio file (eatonbarics06.mp3) Download audio file (eatonbarics07.mp3) Musicians Rob Barics, Tenor Gabe Eaton, Alto Jeff Marrs, Drums Marcus Shelby, Bass Adam Shulman, Piano

Here s a few photos, a short video clip, and two fantastic audio tracks Rocker and Moon Dreams from the recent sold out Birth of the Cool Miles Davis Tribute live at Yoshi s in San Francisco on May 25, 2009. Download audio file (2009.05.25.BirthOfTheCool.YoshisSF.Rocker.mp3) Download audio file (2009.05.25.BirthOfTheCool.YoshisSF.MoonDreams.mp3) Musicians Sheldon Brown, Bari Sax Joe Cohen, Alto Sax Erik Jekabson, Trumpet/Flugelhorn Jeff Marrs, Drums Mike Olmos, Trumpet/Flugelhorn Mike Rinta, Tuba Marcus Shelby, Bass Adam Shulman, Piano Adam Theis, Trombone

With an emphasis on arrangements and interactive playing, the Adam Shulman Trio plays jazz in the tradition of the great trios from the 1950s. Long-time collaborators Adam Shulman (piano) and Jack Riordan (guitar) were joined by bassist extraordinaire John Wiitala to present their own take on standards from the Great American Songbook. The best part is that the band was generous enough to let me share a pair of tracks, Will You Still Be Mine and Tea For Two, from a live recording I made at their recent performance on April 30, 2009 at the Red Poppy Art House. Download audio file (2009.04.30.AdamShulmanTrio.RedPoppy.3.mp3) Download audio file (2009.04.30.AdamShulmanTrio.RedPoppy.4.mp3)

I ve finally gotten around to posting this multimedia from a special evening with Devin Hoff live at the Red Poppy Art House on Saturday, January 3, 2009 one of the first shows of the new year at the Poppy! Devin kicked off the evening with an extraordinary solo bass performance, which even included a bass interpretation of an old Black Flag classic if you can believe that. He was later joined in the second set by the lovely pianist Kito Gamble and drummer Geechi Taylor (who s also one hell of a trumpeter). So make sure to give a listen to these two tracks that Devin was nice enough to share with us. The first track is A Las Barricadas (Trad) from his solo first set, and the second track is from the second set with Geechi and Kito playing their rendition of Resolution (Coltrane). Download audio file (2009.01.03.DevinHoff.RedPoppy.04.mp3) Download audio file (2009.01.03.DevinHoff.RedPoppy.12.mp3)

I ve been sitting on this gem for far too long, so here s a post with photos and a tasty audio sample of the Realistic Orchestra performing live, with other acts that included Mos Def, as part of the Band Shell Music Summit in Golden Gate Park on October 18, 2008. The band delivered some serious music to an enthusiastic crowd and were joined by special guest vocalists that included Chris McGee, Joe Bagale, Karen Page, and a first-ever performance by Lavay Smith with the Orchestra! The included audio track is Sun Up segued into Search with solo action from Doug Rowan, Mike Olmos and Evan Francis. Download audio file (realistic04.2008.10.18.mp3) Musicians Adam Theis, Bandleader Trombone Eric Garland, Bandleader Drums Joel Behrman, Trumpet Daniel Casares, Tenor Sax Evan Francis, Alto Sax Flute Jeanne Gieger, Trombone Danny Grewen, Trombone Colin Hogan, Keys Erik Jekabson, Trumpet Kasey Knudsen, Alto Sax Flute Jon Monahan, Guitar Matt Nelson, Tenor Sax Mike Olmos, Trumpet Doug Rowan, Bari Sax Joel Ryan, Trumpet Dave Scott, Trumpet Joe Bagale, Guest Vocalist Chris McGee, Guest Vocalist Karen Page, Guest Vocalist Lavay Smith, Guest Vocalist

Live on October 25, 2008, the Red Poppy Art House featured Jaz Sawyer and The Pursuers who demonstrated drumming’s influence on music by performing compositions from each decade since the beginning of the century. Led by Jaz on percussion, there was discussion about the drumming innovations that influenced music across America and eventually throughout the world. We also learned some interesting jazz trivia like how the High-Hat was invented and what it was originally called (a sock cymbal or low boy ). It was a killin night of music as evidenced by this sample track, which was the last of the night an original composition called Spontaneity. Thanks for sharing guys! Download audio file (2008.10.25.JazSawyer.RedPoppy.Spontaneity.14.mp3) Musicians Jaz Sawyer, Drums Congas Matt Clark, Piano Joel Ryan, Trumpet Flugelhorn Danny Grewn, Trombone Vocals Danny Brown, Tenor Sax Clarinet Eric Markowitz, Bass

Photos and three audio tracks from the Steven Lugerner Sextet Live at the Red Poppy Art House on August 15, 2008. Download audio file (2008.08.15.StevenLugernerSextet.RedPoppy.1.mp3) Download audio file (2008.08.15.StevenLugernerSextet.RedPoppy.3.mp3) Download audio file (2008.08.15.StevenLugernerSextet.RedPoppy.6.mp3) Featured Musicians Steven Lugerner, Alto/Soprano Saxophone Jesse Scheinin, Tenor Saxophone Darren Johnston, Trumpet Adam Shulman, Piano Matt Wohl, Bass Michael Davis, Drums

I recently had the pleasure of photographing and recording the Dan Zemelman Quartet live at the Red Poppy Art House on August 15, 2008. The group featured Dan on piano, Fred Randolph on bass, Erik Jekabson on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Sean Hutchinson on drums. The band has been rehearsing for some upcoming recording sessions lately, so they were playing pretty tight, but it s worth mentioning that Sean was actually subbing for their usual drummer Alan Hall although it s not really a bad thing when your sub is the drummer for New Monsoon, even if he did have to sight read all night, heh. I d also like to thank Dan and the guys for letting me share a couple of live tracks from their performance that night. So enjoy the music! Download audio file (2008.08.15.DanZemelmanQuartet.RedPoppy.2.mp3) Download audio file (2008.08.15.DanZemelmanQuartet.RedPoppy.3.mp3) Download audio file (2008.08.15.DanZemelmanQuartet.RedPoppy.4.mp3) Tracks 1. Jeff en Paradiso 2. One Way or Another 3. Hersch s Bars

It s been a long wait since my last post, but it s been well worth it on multiple fronts. First, I m pleased to be able to share a few brand new tracks and photos from an amazing performance by 8 Legged Monster live at what turned out to be one of the final shows at Pearl s on July 13, 2008. We re sorry to see this venue disappear from the scene, but at least these guys (and many others) helped it go out with a bang during its final weeks. Besides featuring some great music, this post also celebrates the completion of a major new website redesign for BayTaper.com. We ve upgraded our look and feel, made the interface more user-friendly, and added an audio archives page and a slick new random slideshow generator that pulls from a pool of nearly 300 photos and audio tracks. So, if you haven t explored the depths of our website in a while, make sure to take another look! Download audio file (2008.07.13.8LM.Pearls.19.web.mp3) Download audio file (2008.07.13.8LM.Pearls.16.web.mp3) Musicians Erik Jekabson, Trumpet Mike Olmos, Trumpet Danny Grewen, Trombone Rob Barics, Clarinet Tenor Joe Cohen, Alto Noel Jewkes, Tenor Fil Lorenz, Baritone Vince Lateano, Drums Eric Markowitz, Bass Graham Connah, Piano Mike Irwin Johnson, Guitar/Arr.

What we have here is an outstanding audience recording (and photos) of the first public performance of The Invaders live at the Red Poppy Art House on June 28, 2008. The group featured the compositions and piano playing of Mitch Marcus with the rhythm section of Dr. Ban-Weiss on bass and Jeff Marrs on drums.

Here s a fabulous audience recording of 8 Legged Monster playing live at Club Deluxe in the Haight on May 7, 2008. Although they don t play live together that often, when they do, it s a must-see event. So go out and support these guys the next chance you get! You can learn more about the band and their upcoming schedule on MySpace, and you can find their studio album for sale at CD Baby. I d also like to give a big shout out to the band for letting me post a few tracks for you to enjoy, thanks guys! Rob Barics, Clarinet Tenor Joel Behrman, Trombone Ian Carey, Trumpet Tom Griesser, Bari Sax Mike Irwin-Johnson, Guitar Arranger Noel Jewkes, Tenor Sax Vince Lateano, Drums Eric Markowitz, Bass Mike Olmos, Trumpet

Here s a video clip from the second set of the Jarrett Cherner Trio live at the Red Poppy Art House on April 12, 2008. This outstanding trio has local Jarrett Cherner on keys, and all the way from New York, Jorge Pérez-Albela on drums and Jorge Roeder on bass. In addition to the video above, there s also some bonus footage of Jorge rippin a sweet bass solo here.

Here s a video clip from the second set of the Jarrett Cherner Trio live at the Red Poppy Art House on April 12, 2008. This outstanding trio has local Jarrett Cherner on keys, and all the way from New York, Jorge Pérez-Albela on drums and Jorge Roeder on bass. In addition to the video above, there s also some bonus footage of Jorge rippin a sweet bass solo here.

A little more than a week ago, I was lucky enough to attend the first annual Switchboard Music Festival live at Dance Mission Theater on March 30, 2008. It was a full day of inspired music that s best described in their own words: The Switchboard Music Festival is an eight-hour music festival bringing together composers and musicians who are all pushing the boundaries of their respective genres. No other Bay Area music festival or concert series is dedicated to the idea of bringing together such an eclectic, genre-crossing/-breaking/-bastardizing group of experimentalists, innovators, and musical omnivores. Some of the finest musicians in the Bay Area played over the course of the eight-hour music marathon, including Aaron Novik, Amy X Neuburg, Christopher Adler, Dan Becker, Del Sol String Quartet, Jeff Anderle, Edmund Welles, Erik Jekabson, Gamelan X, Ian Dicke, Ian Dickenson, Inner Ear Brigade, Jonathan Russell, Robin Estrada, Ryan Brown, and Slydini. This really turned out to be a tremendous day of live original music, so please enjoy the photographs and this audio sample of Erik Jekabson s trumpet solo (using a delay) called Opening Fanfare, which was the appropriately-named first song played at the festival (thanks Erik!). And don t forget to help support this very-worthy festival when it comes around next year.

Coming off a huge week of rehearsals and a live album recording session at Bruno s, Realistic Orchestra was back at it again (and in rare form) for an impressive performance opening for Björkestra at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on March 6, 2008. Since the obvious theme of the night was Björk-inspired, the band pulled out one of their old favorites an orchestral arrangement of Björk s Venus As A Boy. They completely nailed the performance, it was quite simply awesome, and that solo by Dave Scott in the final minute was just off the hook! There were also some kickin guest vocal appearances by Chris McGee and Joe Bagale on a few tracks, and their set was topped off by members of Björkestra joining Realistic for a monster-sized wall o brass blasting away their theme song Mountain Man. Now that was some crazy sh*t! So, make sure to click on the audio slideshow above for a taste of the night s outstanding performance, and you can also view more photos in this Flickr Set. Enjoy!

Here s a short video clip and some photos I shot from a recent recording session on January 5, 2008 at the House of Cubes. Mike Abraham, Guitar Sameer Gupta, Drums Henry Hung, Trumpet Darren Johnston, Trumpet Mitch Marcus, Tenor Sax Dayna Stephens, Tenor Sax Eugene Warren, Bass * Audio courtesy of the musicians, Producer Stephen Barncard, and Recordist Adrian Wong. Photography and Video by BayTaper.com

A few months back, I suggested to Mario Guarneri that he should play a gig at one of my favorite venues in town, the Red Poppy Art House. Well, that suggestion culminated in a fantastic performance by the Guarneri Jazz Quartet on February 1, 2008. The lineup featured Mario on trumpet and flugelhorn, and included Jeffrey Burr on guitar, Omar Clay on drums, and John Wiitala on Bass. Check out this video I shot of their song Baile from the second set of the night, and don t forget that you can catch these guys playing live at Cafe Divine in North Beach on most Sunday nights.