LABOR DAY JAZZ IN SAN FRANCISCO WITH SPYRO GYRA
Contemporary jazz legend Spyro Gyra joins three of the world's most renowned smooth jazz artists, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and Jeff Lorber, touring as Groovin' For Grover, on Monday, Sept. 5, at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. The concert concludes the summer season of KKSF 103.7's Concerts on the Coast, presented by Cingular with Samsung. "The first Concert on the Coast, featuring trumpeter Chris Botti on Labor Day 2004, was a tremendous, sold-out success and launched an ongoing partnership with KKSF, " said general manager Paul Ratchford. "We're thrilled to continue the tradition of offering the highest caliber live music for our guests and members of the community, in an extraordinary outdoor, oceanfront venue, with the Bay Area's leading smooth jazz radio station." Almost 30 years ago, before the genres of "smooth jazz" and "new adult contemporary" had reached the airwaves, Spyro Gyra began enthralling audiences with their breakthrough sound, an instrumental hybrid incorporating elements of R&B, Latin and Caribbean music.
The longtime jazz powerhouse, led by saxophone legend Jay Beckenstein, recently released their twenty-seventh album, Deep End, which has been hailed by critics as "jaw dropping...brilliant and compelling, " (Shannon West, Jazz Nation) and as reaffirming of Spyro Gyra's status as "one of jazz fusion's most original groups" (John Stevenson, eJazz). The Groovin' for Grover Tour is a celebration of the life and spirit of one of the most influential and dedicated figures in soul-jazz and R&B - Grover Washington, Jr. - by some of the brightest stars in smooth jazz.
Saxophonists Gerald Albright and Kirk Whalum join keyboardist Jeff Lorber and his rhythm section, promising a synergistic groove true to Washington's pioneering sound. Gerald Albright's sound has graced recordings by legends such as Nina Simone, Barry White, and The Temptations, among countless others, in addition to his own solo career. Currently working on a new project for Peak Records, Albright has also released six records on Atlantic, a collaborative album with Will Downing on Verve Forecast, and Kickin' It Up, his second album for GRP records. Albright has been an integral part of Phil Collins' albums and concerts since the mid '90s. Albright plays soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones on this concert tour.
Kirk Whalum has earned seven Grammy Nominations and one Stellar Award (Best Gospel Instrumental Album) for his musical virtuosity on the saxophone. Whalum has recorded with legends Al Jarreau, Barbra Streisand, and Quincy Jones, and on Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard and the hit single "I Will Always Love You, " leading to seven years of touring with Houston. Whalum has recorded for both Columbia Records and Warner Bros. Records.
Jeff Lorber rounds out Groovin' for Grover, adding R&B rhythms and jazz improvisations on keyboard. He played a significant role in developing the late '70s, early '80s R&B-jazz hybrid sound. Lorber's Jeff Lorber Fusion band featured then unknown saxophone player Kenny G. Lorber produced Kenny G's first record. Lorber's new project, Flipside, on Narada Jazz melds old-style swing rhythms, contemporary hip-hip productions, and bebop-era improvisations. Lorber pioneered this Groovin' For Grover project and is the musical director for the group.
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