Event
The Mel Martin Quartet - Unadulterated Bebop Power
A performance by saxophonist Mel Martin has always meant a sharp, envigorating dose of unadulterated bebop power, virtuosity and spirit. And why not? Martin first dove into the thriving San Francisco jazz scene in the mid-60's, taking the stage at such legendary venues as Bop City, Soulville, The Jazz Workshop and The Both And.
Since those early days, Martin has proven to be one of the most versatile and creative musicians to emerge from the Bay Area. A truly inventive and innovative performer, Martin has been tapped frequently by greats like Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie and McCoy Tyner. It's easy to see why, for Martin displays a rare combination of fiery soloing abilities and telepathic (and empathetic) communication with his bandmates, and projects a joyously spirited dash and drive to his audiences.
His work as a leader has been documented on several brilliant recordings with the groups Listen, Featuring Mel Martin and his current band, Bebop & Beyond, as well as his solo recording, Other Side Up.
Martin recently completed a whirlwind summertime tour across the U.S., including a stop at Dizzy's Club, Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
In the Mel Martin Quartet, sax-master Martin is joined by guitarist Barry Finnerty, bassist Rob Fisher and drummer Jeff Mars. Don't miss their rip-roaring return to Jazz at Pearl's.
Born in Sacramento, California on June 7, 1942, Mel Martin moved to San Francisco in the mid-'60's and became immersed in the flourishing music scene of that time. Having developed strong "jazz chops" in Sacramento by sitting in with guitar great Wes Montgomery and others. He worked as a professional musician from the age of fourteen and joined the Musician's Union at the age of sixteen. He attended Sacramento High School where, under the tutelage of band master Aubrey Penman, he studied music alongside classmates Rufus Reid and Vince Lateano. He went on to develop further while attending San Francisco State and meeting and playing with many great jazz musicians at such legendary places as Bop City, Soulville, The Jazz Workshop and The Both And. It was these seminal experiences which prepared him for the future.
During the mid-'70's, Mel formed the award winning, innovative jazz group Listen, Featuring Mel Martin.In 1977 he received the Musician Of The Year award from the San Francisco chapter of NARAS (GRAMMY) as well as a BAMMY for Best Jazz Album of 1977 . The group recorded two well received albums on the Inner City label, Listen, Featuring Mel Martin and Growing.
Since 1983 Mel has been performing and recording with the well known group Bebop & Beyond of which he is founder and artistic director. They have recorded four albums; Bebop and Beyond, Bebop and Beyond Plays Thelonious Monk,, Bebop and Beyond Plays Dizzy Gillespie with Dizzy Gillespie as special guest which scored very high on the national jazz airplay charts a
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LocationJazz at Pearl's
256 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
United States
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| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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