Keyboardist, composer and arranger Steve McQuarry returns to Yoshi’s in Oakland tonight with his fabulous octet known as Resonance, and featuring some of the Bay Area’s most talented musicians. Following on the heels of their critically acclaimed first album “Introductions” and a stellar performance at SFJazz, the octet will debut a bevy of new, original pieces composed the women of Resonance, including violinist Michele Walther, cellist Nancy Bien, saxophonist Georgianna Kreiger and flautist Laura Austin Wiley.
Resonance “collectively pushes the ‘jazz envelope’ with a fearlessness that forces uncharted space for exhilarating musical exploration, captivating audiences with its singular, lush sound punctuated by driving rhythms and daring improvisation. This concert fuels a bright new year with the band performing inspired originals from their upcoming CD release, as well as deliciously creative arrangements of jazz standards, pop tunes and classical favorites…”
McQuarry has noted that, “Resonance is the only jazz ensemble in Northern California with this unusual instrumentation melding cello, bass, viola, violin, saxophones, flute, vocals, piano and drums to create a novel Chamber Jazz sound.”
“With an impressive musical pedigree, Resonance Jazz Ensemble brings together artists of richly diverse musical backgrounds. Members of the octet have performed with many legendary artists, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Louie Bellson, Clare Fischer, Dave Anderson Quartet, Joe Lovano, Jethro Tull, Oakland Jazz Choir, Mingus Amungus, Gloria Estefan, as well as the Marin and Berkeley Symphonies, Woodminster Theatre Orchestra, and the California Pops Orchestra.
All About Jazz cited Resonance Jazz as: “A rich fusion of music not heard anywhere else.” Midwest Record comments: “Where chamber meets large band and cool runs into swing; sophisticated without being stiff.”
McQuarry is indeed one of the most prolific musicians in the Bay Area, with projects galore; his Tribu Latin Jazz ensemble, organ and piano trios; an electric, multi-media quartet, and an upcoming tribute to Gil Evans slated for March at SFJazz. McQuarry was also praised for his recent tribute to the great composer Carla Bley at SFJazz, not only for performing some of her rare gems, but by also providing a platform for some of the best Bay Area women in the world of jazz to showcase their prodigious talents; an ironic, yet poignant take; one not lost on the great Bley herself.
Resonance is a must see event, featuring some of the best in the land, and one you won’t want to miss.
Resonance Jazz Ensemble
Yoshi’s Oakland
Tuesday, January 3rd @ 8:00 pm
Here is a video of them performing the jazz classic “Song to John”…
