Yoshi's Oakland

A Note from Peter Williams - Artistic Director Yoshi's Oakland

I’ve always loved the jazz coming out of Europe.  European artists put a different slant on the music, while staying true to the history and concepts of jazz.  Jan Garbarek, Miroslav Vitous, Eberhard Weber, Terje Rypdal, and more recently E.S.T., Jazza Jagist, and Bobo Stenson have all made great contributions to jazz. 

Of course, a mainstay of bringing European Jazz artists to the attention of US listeners is the record label ECM.  Some of the first jazz records I ever purchased were from ECM, and they are still putting out great music. 

In the next few weeks we have three different bands from Europe coming in, each different, and each well worth hearing.

May 24, we have Swiss pianist Colin Vallon and his trio.  His new CD, is called Rruga and this is a special showcase we’re doing in conjunction with ECM.  This is a free show…. let me repeat A FREE SHOW!!  It’s Colin Vallon’s first trip to the US, and ECM really wants you all to hear this group, as do I.  Since writing about music is never as descriptive as listening to it.  Check them out at http://player.ecmrecords.com/vallon

Then in June, we have two other Euro-jazz groups, playing on 2 consecutive nights.  On June 21, we’ll be featuring a Norwegian band called In the Country. In The Country is a piano trio consisting of piano player Morten Qvenild, bass player Roger Arntzen and drummer Pål Hausken.  The group has won many music awards in Norway, Their web site is http://www.inthecountry.no

Finally, the next night, June 22, is Dan Berglund’s Tonbruket (which means Tone Workshop) from Sweden.  Formed in 2009 by bassist Dan Berglund (formerly e.s.t.), guitarist Johan Lindström (“Per Texas Johansson”), pianist Martin Hederos (“Soundtrack of our Lives”) and drummer Andreas Werliin (“Wildbirds & Peacedrums”), have created a masterpiece.  Sweeping soundscapes, all kinds of moods and feelings come through their new CD. http://www.tonbruket.com/album-info-dig-it-to-the-end.html

We have a special deal for In the Country and Tonbruket, you can see both groups for the price of one!  It’s the Euro-jazz package, and you’ll find it online.

All three of these groups play great music, they’re all different, they’re all interesting, and they’re all taking jazz to new places.  We’re committed to bringing new interesting music to you all,  I think you’ll love these bands if you check them out!