SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE: Live 2008: 5th Annual Concert Tour
SFJAZZ, 2008

MODERN JAZZ – The SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star touring octet, convened annually to interpret the work of a major jazz composer (Wayne Shorter in this case) as well as premiere new compositions.

The 2008 tour came after major changes in the group: saxophonist Joe Lovano, vibraphonist Stefon Harris and trumpeter Dave Douglas had all joined during the previous year, and trombonist Robin Eubanks was also a new addition. Indeed, only saxophonist Miguel Zenón and pianist Renee Rosnes remain from the original lineup. But the band sounds as strong as ever, further solidifying its reputation as one of the best groups of this kind. This is fine modern jazz – complex and thoughtful, but also heartfelt and solidly swinging.

* * * * | Fo’s Picks: I. – 1,3,6 ... II. – 1,2 ... III. – 1,2,5,6

DISC 1

1. 9:14 – lays down a strong groove; trombone really gets busy, trumpet brays
2. 7:25 – swelling midtempo: darting alto sax, then up to a brisk pace for piano
3. 7:26 – oblique tenor sax/drum intro, then gentle waves & ensemble surges
4. 11:26 – snappy sunny-day strut: saxes pop nicely, vibes & drums bring soul
5. 9:34 – layered intro, steady pulse; mostly one long, chatty trombone solo
6. 12:50 – classic, rhythmically tense: ecstatic vibes, speedy sax, rising drums

DISC 2

1. 12:35 – gruff trumpet in a mysterious landscape; vibes & piano take a stroll
2. 12:48 – nifty bass intro, then extra-breezy; knotty trombone, fluid sax
3. 12:04 – Declaration of Independence(!), jabbing hip-bop, speedy propulsion
4. 4:10 – billowing ballad, turns somewhat somber
5. 14:20 – uptempo stomp, easy stroll, snappy breaks, won’t settle… or end

DISC 3

1. 9:12 – percolation & busy horn interplay: first saxes, then trumpet/trombone
2. 8:33 – spiraling theme, fast kinetic rhythm: gliding vibes solo
3. 11:42 – upbeat bop, friendly banter all around, bright piano, chugging beat
4. 11:21 – stately piano/vibe duet into soulful ballad, but sax solo flies
5. 9:13 – rollicking New Orleans flavored jam transforms a moody melody
6. 9:42 – iconic tune as a rolling, uplifting anthem, with an African tinge

[ Fo ] 02/07/09