SJZ Collective

The “SJZ Collective” is comprised by some of the most accomplished and renowned improvisers from Northern California. Silicon Valley is the home to a plethora of talented jazz musicians, and Thelonious Monk has written numerous jazz standards. So it’s a perfect pairing for the locally based musicians of the fledgling SJZ (a.k.a. San Jose Jazz) Collective to explore the rich songbook of this jazz master.

Conceived by drummer Wally Schnalle, the SJZ Collective is a rotating group that brings its own arrangements as well as years of experience to the bandstand. The members are all bandleaders in their own right and carry with them the spirit of cooperation, unity and swing. In addition to leading his bleeding edge Idiot Fish trio, Schnalle has also played with the likes of alto saxophonist Phil Woods, vocalist Mary Wilson and clarinetist Eddie Daniels. Trumpeter/flugelhorn player John Worley, Jr. leads several of his own Mo-Chi groups and has gigged with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter and Pete Escovedo.

Referred by the media as one of the newest and most innovative voices in modern jazz guitar, and voted by Downbeat Magazine a Rising Star on Guitar – Hristo Vitchev’s music has been captivating audiences all across the globe. At only age 37 he has already released 9 critically acclaimed albums as a leader plus 4 more releases as a co-leader. As JazzTimes magazine describes his music: “Vitchev’s sophisticated and adventurous work is imbued with shimmering harmonies and lyrical improvisations.”

“Vitchev’s multihued compositions are like impressionistic sound paintings.” – JAZZIZ

CRITICAL JAZZ says: “Hristo Vitchev may be one of the best kept secrets in jazz today. He is the epitome of sonic gold.”

“Bulgaria-born, Bay Area-based guitarist Hristo Vitchev, having firmly established himself as a gentle giant in the contemporary jazz scene, seems always willing and able to reinvent himself while holding true to the integrity of his artistry.” – ECM REVIEWS

“Hristo is now looked upon as one today’s finest jazz guitarists around the world. He’s a creative artist with a strong passion and endless originality. His music has magic powers since he can bring listeners’ emotions to a far deeper place that few people ever reach.” – Andrea Nardini (The Noodle Chronicle – Shanghai, China)

Organist Brian Ho is a man about many towns either leading his own groups or playing with drummers such as Akira Tana, Leon Joyce, Jr. or Lorca Hart. Comfortable in settings ranging from duo to sextet.

An alumnus of SJZ’s educational outreach, saxophonist Oscar Pangilinanboth leads the Bad Five and has shared the stage with fellow saxophonists Kristen Strom and Aaron Lington and drummer Jason Lewis. In addition to co-founding the band Vission Latina, bassist Saúl Sierr has worked with flautist Nestor Torres, pianist Rebeca Mauleón and drummer Antonio Sánchez.

Ranging from burners like “Green Chimneys” and “Rhythm-a-Ning” to ballads such as “‘Round Midnight” and “Ask Me Now,” Monk’s repertoire is eternally ripe for interpretation at 2018 Summer Fest by as creative and tight a unit as the SJZ Collective sextet.

PERSONNEL

Brian Ho – organ
Oscar Pangilinan – saxophone
Saul Sierra – bass
Wally Schnalle – drums
Hristo Vitchev – guitar
John L. Worley, Jr. – trumpet

Entrance Fee 入場費: $350
Minimum One Drink Purchase 低消 飲料一杯
Bar Opens 營業時間 : 8pm~3am(Serving food & Drink/供餐飲)
Music Starts 表演 : 9.30pm

For Table Reservations Call : 2700-5411 (Call After 7:30pm Any Night Except Monday)

預約訂位專線：2700-5411 (除週一公休日外, 請於每日晚上7:30後來電)