Greg Osby Returns to SFJAZZ
In a sold-out set at SFJAZZ’s Joe Henderson Lab, the alto saxophonist led a concise quartet performance shaped by repertoire, groove, and deliberate restraint.
On Sunday evening, Greg Osby returned to SFJAZZ’s Joe Henderson Lab for a one-hour set that emphasized economy and clarity. With brief stage remarks between tunes, Osby let the music carry the evening, guiding the room through a program that balanced original material with standards and lineage touchstones.
The quartet opened with Ornette Coleman’s “Mob Job,” immediately establishing a firm footing. Osby’s silver-plated alto projected a cool, focused sound, capable of cutting forcefully when the music pressed forward. His solo rose to a wailing intensity, drawing an audible response from the audience, yet it remained concise within the tune’s frame. The opener set an assertive tone without stretching the form.
Jemal Ramirez. © Steve Roby
From there, the set moved into material drawn from Osby’s earlier catalog. “Please Stand By,” from Channel Three, arrived at a milder tempo. Osby shaped the melody with fluttering figures and brief vocalized effects, imprinting the tune with his own phrasing rather than leaning on nostalgia. Introducing the piece, he recalled the album’s television-themed origins and described being the family’s designated antenna holder during the era of unstable reception, a story that drew knowing laughter from the room.
Tal Cohen. Photo: ©Steve Roby
Throughout the set, the ensemble worked closely together. Pianist Tal Cohen played with visible energy, leaning back from the keyboard and occasionally lifting from his seat as he comped densely behind Osby. His playing remained active, filling space without overwhelming the front line. Drummer Jemal Ramirez shifted fluidly between driving passages and softer textures, switching to brushes or mallets as the music required. His dynamic control helped shape contrasts between tunes. Bassist David Ewell anchored the group with steady time and melodic movement, adjusting his role depending on the soloist. Positioned close to Osby, the two remained tightly aligned throughout the performance.
David Ewell. Photo: ©Steve Roby
Osby ran his interpretive filter over several standards. Thelonious Monk’s “Ask Me Now” unfolded at an unhurried pace, while Duke Ellington’s “I Didn’t Know About You” stood out as a less frequently heard selection, drawing attentive listening from the audience. Lou Donaldson’s “Alligator Boogaloo” visibly shifted the energy in the room, its groove prompting louder cheers as the quartet leaned into the tune’s rhythmic pull.
Before closing, Osby introduced the title track from his most recent release, Minimalism. He explained that the composition had originally been more complex before he stripped it down, prompted in part by feedback from his sister, who jokingly called his earlier work “Mad Clown Music.” The comment landed easily with the audience. Because of the Joe Henderson Lab’s strict turnaround schedule, Osby instructed the band to perform a shortened version of the piece. Even in abbreviated form, the tune served as a summative gesture, bringing the set to a focused conclusion.
The audience responded with a standing ovation, and many lingered afterward, approaching Osby with questions until staff guided the crowd toward the lobby for the next set. CDs were available for purchase, and a steady line formed at the merchandise table as listeners treated the recordings as mementos of the evening.
In a room designed for close listening, Osby delivered a performance marked by concentration and choice. The set favored clear statements over excess, offering familiar material shaped through a personal lens and presented with assurance suited to the intimate scale of the Joe Henderson Lab.
Program Notes
Event: Greg Osby Quartet
Date: February 1, 2026
Venue: Joe Henderson Lab
Showtime: 6:00 p.m.
Personnel: Greg Osby (saxophone), Jemal Ramirez (drums), David Ewell (acoustic bass), Tal Cohen (piano).
Setlist: “Mob Job,” “Please Stand By,” “Ask Me Now,” “I Didn’t Know About You,” “Alligator Boogaloo,” “Minimalism.”
Photos: Steve Roby
Greg Osby’s website: http://www.gregosby.com
