Battle of the Combos May 15, 2008

Jazz History in the Making at Yoshi’s San Francisco , Thursday, May 15!

International Center for the Arts— San Francisco State University presents:

The first ever public performance of the Generations Band featuring Jimmy Cobb, Eric Alexander and Andrew Speight

A “ Battle of the Combos” between the two finalist bands in the first annual ICA-SF State Generations International Competition for Emerging Jazz Combos
Be a part of history! Join us for the coming out party of the Generations International Competition and Mentorship Program for Emerging Jazz Artists. In one great night of music:

Two sets by the Generations Band, an all-star ensemble of jazz stars, including Eric Alexander (tenor sax), Marcus Belgrave (trumpet), Jimmy Cobb (drums), Ray Drummond (bass) and Generations artistic director Andrew Speight (alto sax). This powerful combo offers four generations of jazz history, from Jimmy Cobb, who played in the great 1960s Miles Davis band with John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley, to Eric Alexander, one of the jazz scene’s most acclaimed young tenor saxophonists. This unique ensemble’s first public appearance is sure to be a stirring event.

An exciting “ Battle of the Combos” between two great young bands of recent college graduates, finalists in the first Generations International Competition for Emerging Jazz Combos. The two bands, each from the New York City area, are the sextet Meaningtone and the Nial Djuliarso Quartet, both compelling exponents of the post bop/hard bop jazz tradition. The two combos will play a set each and be judged by the members of the Generations band. The stakes in this battle are high: the winner receives the first annual Generations Fellowship, a one-year residency at San Francisco State including intensive group mentorship by the Generations musicians and distinguished guest artists. It will be a dream come true for one of these bands, but a dream that has to be earned on the bandstand.

The music begins at 8:00 pm, and the low $12.00 admission charge is good for the entire night of great jazz and competitive high drama. Yoshi’s San Francisco is located at 1330 Fillmore Street . Yoshi’s is an all-ages venue, so be sure to bring the kids! Tickets are available from Yoshi’s at http://sfyoshis.inticketing.com or (415) 655-5600, or by visiting the Yoshi’s box office.

The Generations Jazz Competition and Fellowship program was created by the ICA through a desire to bring jazz education back to its roots. Through the first 70 years of jazz, learning took place primarily within group settings, with the techniques, repertoire and history of the music passed down from generation to generation through direct, hands-on mentorship. The famed bands of artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver and Art Blakey served as the model for this dynamic. In recent decades, however, as jazz education has gravitated toward an academic setting, emphasis has shifted to individual achievement. Generations is dedicated to redirecting jazz education back to the group-focused, mentorship process that served it so well for so long.

The Generations Mentor Band

Drummer Jimmy Cobb’s career goes back to the very roots of modern jazz and includes membership in the legendary Miles Davis Band that included John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley. He’s backed everyone from Big Mama Thornton to Dizzy Gillespie to Wes Montgomery, and drives ensembles with a deep-rooted, propulsive swing.

Bassist Ray Drummond has been an influential presence in jazz for over 40 years, working and recording with Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson, Benny Golson and dozens more, and leading his own bands, as well. His gorgeous sound and audacious rhythmic sense goes straight back to Harlem and New Orleans .

Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, a Detroit native, attained his soaring, soulful sound as a long-time member of Ray Charles’ band and collaborating with musicians like Charles Mingus and Dizzy Gillespie. A life-long educator, Belgrave co-founded Detroit ’s Jazz Development Workshop, and mentored a generation of stars like James Carter, Regina Carter and Kenny Garrett.

Tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander is one of the most exciting young musicians working today. His playing crackles with interpretive acuity and the classic rewards of straight-ahead jazz power. Alexander mentored with jazz greats George Coleman and Von Freeman, and piano legend Harold Maeburn is still Alexander's most frequent collaborators.

Alto saxophonist Andrew Speight is a joyous, clear-toned exponent of lyrical, bop-infused jazz. An Australian native, Speight came of age performing with stars like Nat Adderley and Benny Carter. He headed the Michigan State Jazz Program, and now teaches at SF State. In 2006, Speight appeared with Cobb on the highly acclaimed CD, Marsalis Music Honors Jimmy Cobb.

For more information

For more information about the Generations International Competition for Emerging Jazz Combos, the finalist bands and the Generations ensemble, please contact Jerry Karp at (415) 731-6468 or [email protected].

About the International Center for the Arts at San Francisco State University

Founded in 2005 with a generous gift from San Francisco State University alumni George and Judy Marcus, the International Center for the Arts is an interdisciplinary creative, research and producing organization focused on the future of the arts in a global society. ICA activities include the DOC Film Institute, visual arts exhibitions and related activities, and career-entry fellowships for gifted emerging artists, currently in string quartet and jazz. The Center pursues collaborative partnerships that connect the University with leading local and international cultural and academic institutions and distinguished individuals in the arts, sciences and technology. For more information, please visit http://ica.sfsu.edu.



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Official Website: http://ica.sfsu.edu