Aptly described by the Miami Herald as an artist blessed with “the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat ‘King’ Cole,” Allan Harris is a Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and band leader. With an impressive discography boasting fourteen recordings as a leader, Harris has established himself as one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed vocalists, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance.
His popularity has led to numerous performances alongside esteemed artists such as Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Diana Krall, Abbey Lincoln, Natalie Cole, comedian Alan King, Al Jarreau, Reverend Al Green, Lee Ritenour, Michael Feinstein, Cassandra Wilson, and Wynton Marsalis. Allan Harris is a luminary of jazz, captivating audiences with his remarkable voice, exceptional guitar skills, and heartfelt performances. His dedication to preserving the rich legacy of jazz while exploring new musical frontiers continues to inspire and resonate with listeners worldwide.
Enjoying the sea breeze off the Pacific, this Jazz Voyager has stayed in the bay area for another week of music, art and street cars. Leaving Oakland to cross the Golden Gateocated heading for the Tenderloin wherein lies an intimate little venue known simply as the Back Cat. The space is an intimate underground jazz environment combining grit with glamour.
This week’s entertainment is Danny Janklow + Elevation Bandft. Katherine Ella Wood and Dennis Hamm. Danny at 20 was the youngest 1st place winner of the North American Saxophone Alliance Competition and subbed for Dick Oates regularly at the Village Vanguard. He has won or placed in several competitions and now this jazz voyager will be introduced to him live.
The venue is located at 400 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. For more information visit https://blackcatsf.com.
Eric Robert Lewis (born May 13, 1973), popularly known as ELEW, found cross-over success playing rock and pop music. He is known for his unconventional and physical playing style, which eschews a piano bench and includes reaching inside the piano lid to pull at the strings directly, as well as the creation that he calls “Rockjazz”, a genre that “takes the improvisational aspect of jazz and ‘threads it through the eye of the needle of rock.
Juno Award-winning clarinetist Virginia MacDonald has established herself as a rising star of her generation. Known for her lyrical and soulful clarinet playing. As a highly in-demand bandleader, sidewoman, and composer, Virginia keeps a regular performance schedule across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Todd Marcus is one of the few artists worldwide to focus on the bass clarinet as a main instrument in modern jazz with his small and large ensembles. His straight-ahead playing and compositions swing with fiery intensity balanced with delicate introspection. His music offers a strong melodic sensibility, draws from elements of his community work, and often incorporate the Middle Eastern influences of his Egyptian-American heritage.
There is no better time to sit by the bay and take in the Golden Gate Bridge before taking in an evening of jazz. Goodbye Grosse Pointe, hello San Fran, it’s good to be back. Located in the North Beach neighborhood of the city, Keys Jazz Bistro is situated in the same building that was once home to the 1950’s club The Matador. The performance space gives one the feeling of intimacy even with a capacity of one hundred and twenty seats.
In the audience the Jazz Voyager will be taking in a new venue and configuration of musicians in a quartet setting. Having heard Bob Mintzer, the founding member of the Yellowjackets, but have never had the pleasure of experiencing the trio in person, I am looking forward to hearing drummer Peter Erskine, pianist Alan Pasqua and bassist Darek Oles this evening.
The venue is located at 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133. For more information visit https://keysjazzbistro.com.
