Jazz Fusion

Fall Jazz Forum Features Indian Fusion of Selvaganesh and More
August 26, 2016

Indian fusion percussionist Selvaganesh and others perform in the fall 2016 Sonoma State University Music Department Jazz Forum. The series includes a wide variety of performers from all different parts of the jazz spectrum at the Green Music Center. This unique performance and master class environment is designed to expose students and guests to multiple jazz styles. Guest musicians perform their music with commentary in a relaxed atmosphere every Wednesday at 1 p.m. in Room 1029 in the Green Music Center, unless otherwise noted. Admission is free, parking is $5-$8 on campus. Limited seating is available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Wednesday, Sep. 14

The Trevor Anderies Quintet featuring Trevor Anderies, drums; Alina Roitstein, voice; Andrew Conrad, tenor sax, clarinet; Greg Uhlmann, guitar; and Emilio Terranova, bass

The Trevor Anderies Quintet explores the lines between composition and improvisation, folk, jazz, and West African music to showcase personal stories of its members through music, sound, and words.

Wednesday, Sep. 21

Selvaganesh, George Brooks, Kai Eckhardt and Osam Ezzeldin

This group presents an exhilarating blend of contemporary jazz and Indian classical music. V. Selvaganesh is an Indian percussionist working in the Carnatic tradition and one of the leading kanjira (South Indian frame drum) players of his generation. A prolific film composer, Selvaganesh gained world fame through tours with John McLaughlin's group, Remember Shakti.

Hailed as a leading American voice in Indian jazz fusion, saxophonist and composer George Brooks has performed with such notable musicians as Terry Riley, John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, Larry Coryell, Etta James, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the Kronos Quartet, and Anthony Braxton. His original compositions combine elegant melodies with the rich harmonies of modern jazz and the driving rhythms of North India, forming a unique and wholly satisfying musical experience.

Kai Eckhardt is a Liberian-German bassist and composer best known for his contribution to the John Mclaughlin Trio in the 1980s, Billy Cobham's International Quartet in the 1990s and, more recently, the band Garaj Mahal. He has also recorded and performed with Trilok Gurtu, Stanley Clarke, Wayne Shorter, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Michael Franti, Al Di Meola, Zakir Hussain, Steve Smith and many others.

Pianist, composer, producer and educator Osam Ezzeldin is an Egyptian-born American now residing in California. He embarked on a journey of self-directed jazz study and began a rapid rise to excellence. His versatility makes him an especially valuable addition to a new generation of jazz virtuosos. Since his arrival in New York in 2000, Ezzledin's prodigious abilities at the piano and composing for jazz ensembles, chamber orchestra, film, jazz fusion, r&b, Afro-Cuban and more have brought him international attention.

Wednesday, Sep. 28

Wahid featuring Dimitris Mahlis, oud, string instruments; and Chris Wabich, percussion

The duo known as Wahid is bound to a rich cultural history of ancient civilizations and melodies, incorporating instruments that were first documented on clay tablets and papyrus scrolls. By adding personal modern elements, a new style of music is created that looks to Byzantium and the Levant for melodic inspiration. Wahid is a dialogue between two unique voices that brings together boundary-crossing approaches to composition and improvisation that defy genre.

Wednesday, Nov. 9

Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio featuring Matthew Elton Smith, drums; Edward Kornhauser, piano and Mackenzie Leighton, bass

The "Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio" is an up and coming group fronted by San Diego drummer, trombonist and composer Matthew Smith. This dynamic trio will show you, the listener what it's like inside a drummer's head. Filled with Smith's rhythmic compositions, the trio will push your polyrhythmic mind to the limit from beat one.

Media Contact

Nicolas Grizzle