Arturo Sandoval at SFJAZZ: Bebop Lessons, Cuban Fire, and the Joy of Staying Alive
At 76, Arturo Sandoval transformed SFJAZZ’s Miner Auditorium into a masterclass of Afro-Cuban rhythm and bebop history. Far from a standard holiday recital, his "Swinging Holiday" show blended virtuosity with intimate storytelling—from his black sequined sneakers to a moving tribute to Charlie Chaplin. Read the full review of a night defined by "Cuban fire" and the joy of staying alive.
Anat Cohen Builds a Living Jazz Ensemble for Her 50th Birthday at SFJAZZ
Anat Cohen celebrated her 50th birthday at SFJAZZ not with nostalgia, but with a masterclass in ensemble architecture, moving from intimate duos to the roar of her full Tentet.
Stanley Jordan: The Two-Handed Tapper Returns
Last June, guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan brought his Jimi Hendrix tribute show to the Hilo Palace Theater, complete with full-throttle fretwork, ear-piercing notes, and wild attire to match the ‘60s icon's striking look. However, at Friday’s Honokaa People’s Theatre (HPT) concert, we experienced a completely different side of Jordan – the graceful solo artist.
Swingin’ to the Jumpin’ Jive of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Around 1996, a full-bore swing revival on modern rock radio quickly spread to American concert halls. Leading the pack were horn-tooting bands like Squirrel Nut Zippers, Royal Crown Revue, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, which emerged from Ventura, California, in ‘93.
Aaron Goldberg Trio Brings Jazz Back Post-COVID
The jazz drought is officially over at the Kahilu Theatre, thanks to the Aaron Goldberg Trio. Amid the pandemic, shutdowns, and canceled tours, it’s been years since local jazz fans have had a chance to experience a talented pianist like Christian Sands or Laurence Hobgood in person. Finally, Goldberg quenched our thirst at his Sunday matinee concert.