The Next Language of Jazz: Sasha Berliner & Michael Mayo Fuse Improvisation and Electronics

SFJAZZ
Written By Steven Roby

Trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard's UpSwing series spotlights forward-thinking artists who are reshaping the language of jazz. For this edition, he pairs vibraphonist and composer Sasha Berliner with vocalist and producer Michael Mayo, two California-raised improvisers whose music embraces electronics, indie influences, and complex rhythms while remaining rooted in jazz tradition.

Berliner's pieces juxtapose intricate vibraphone lines with richly layered harmony, while Mayo uses his voice, loop pedals, and effects to build multi-part arrangements live on stage. Together, they offer a glimpse of where improvisation, songwriting, and technology might be headed in the next generation of creative music.

Listen to our exclusive interview with Sasha Berliner.

Ticket Info

Performance dates, showtimes, and tickets: December 27, 2025, 7:30 p.m., Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center – tickets at SFJAZZ.org: https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/25-26/upswing-sasha-berliner-michael-mayo/

Steven Roby

Steve Roby is a seasoned radio personality and best-selling author. Roby’s concert photos, articles, and reviews have appeared in various publications, including All About Jazz, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Guitar World. He also hosts the podcast Backstage Bay Area.

https://www.backstagebayarea.com
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