“A tenorist who can remind you of Joe Henderson at his craftiest, he employs his considerable technique in the service of music rather than spectacle.” -- The New Yorker

Chrs Potter © Andrea Canter

A prodigy who started performing professionally in his early teens, Chris Potter stands as one of the most inventive saxophonists performing today. The Chris Potter Underground features Chris Potter on saxophone, Adam Rogers on guitar, Scott Colley on bass, and Nate Smith on drums. The Chris Potter Underground will perform at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles on Minday, April 13th through Wednesday, April 15th. Then they move to Santa Cruz for an eveing at the Kuumbwa JAzz Canter on Thursday, April 16th. Then SFJazz will present the Chris Potter Underground with the Ambrose Akinmusire Group on Friday, April 17th at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco.   

Luther Hughes Trio © Glenn A. Mitchell

Although Luther Hughes is primarily known for his splendid bass work, he wears other hats in the music business that he embraces.  He has been a skilled educator for a number of years at Cal State Fullerton and Saddleback College as well as teaching the bass privately.  His musical credits are many: Gene Harris, Nancy Wilson, Mundell Lowe, Horace Silver, Joe Pass, Louis Bellson, Hampton Hawes and many others too numerous to mention.   He also leads his very successful Cannonball/Coltrane Project Group.  

During 2007, he began a stellar trio for the exclusive purpose of a tribute entitled Remembering the Nat King Cole Trio.  Magnificent guitarist Barry Zweig and pianist/vocalist John Proulx, along with Hughes, made this a reality. People who remember Nat King Cole know how he embraced many classic songs from the American Songbook which they performed over the years.   

"one of the most stunning contemporary jazz musicians in the country” The New York Times

Stefon Harris © Andea Canter

Vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris is heralded as "one of the most important young artists in jazz" by the Los Angeles Times. He is unquestionably developing what will be a long and extraordinary career. Stefon Harris' passionate artistry, energetic stage presence, and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him into the forefront of the current jazz scene.  widely recognized and lauded by both his peers and jazz critics alike, the 35 year-old is committed to both exploring the rich potential of jazz composition and blazing new trails on the vibraphone.  Hear him with his band Blackout at Orange County Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th.