 Dubbed by Leonard
Feather as "the most versatile young pianist to come to
prominence in the early 1960's,” Denny Zeitlin is known today as
“the jazz world's most visible Renaissance man” (LA
Times). In addition to his part-time career as a jazz performer,
composer, and improviser, Zeitlin is a practicing psychiatrist in the
San Francisco Bay area. And if one considers music therapeutic, then
the price of therapy just went down in
California when Dr. Zeitlin takes the
stage at Yoshi’s in Oakland on October 30th and at the
Jazz Bakery in LA, November 1-5, with the sublime Buster Williams on
bass and trapset monster Matt Wilson on drums.
Born in Chicago
in 1938, Zeitlin’s parents both combined medicine and music. He
began playing piano as a toddler, studied classical music initially
and discovered jazz in high school as a natural extension of his
interests in composition and improvisation. Soon he was playing
professionally in the Chicago area, where he had opportunities to sit
in with Joe Farrell, Wes Montgomery, and Ira
Sullivan. He formally studied music in college, graduating
from the University of Illinois in 1960 and then earning his M.D.
from Johns Hopkins in 1964. After several highly acclaimed recordings
for Concord, Zeitlin focused his musical efforts on fusing jazz,
electronics, classical, and rock through the 1970s, leading to a
number of recordings and the symphonic score for “The Invasion of
the Body Snatchers” in 1978. Refocusing on acoustic music, Zeitlin
turned again to solo piano work and other projects, including
composing for Sesame Street; appearing on network TV (the
Tonight Show and CBS Sunday Morning); touring
throughout the world at colleges, clubs, and major festivals; and
performing with such jazz luminaries as Joe Henderson, Herbie
Hancock, Pat Metheny, Tony Williams, Marian McPartland, Charlie
Haden, the Kronos Quartet, and Paul Winter.
 Buster Williams © Howard A. Gitelson Meanwhile,
Zeitlin also established a private psychiatric practice in San
Francisco and Marin County, and teaches at the University of
California. Merging his background in music and psychiatry, Zeitlin
has developed a lecture-demonstration, "Unlocking the Creative
Impulse: The Psychology of Improvisation,” which has been well
received in the U.S. and Europe. Wrote Jules Epstein, “[his]
technical skills are abetted by his psychiatrist's understanding of
spontaneity as a key to analysis—like the technique of ‘free
association,’ Zeitlin approaches melody as a line to be coveted,
addressed and focused on, but also as a point of departure. His
particular skill is in departing without losing sight of the original
thought.” High Fidelity noted, “he can rip the keyboard
apart or coax the most delicate nuances from it with a virtuoso's
assurance. And it is done not as showmanship, but as a means to a
distinctly creative end.” Zeitlin’s latest trio recording,
Slickrock (MaxJazz, 2004), features current bandmates Buster
Williams and Matt Wilson. He also released a solo venture, Solo
Voyage, in 2005 (MaxJazz).
Buster
Williams needs no introduction to jazz fans, having toured in
recent years with his stellar quartet, “Something More” as well
as in the company of such luminaries as Kenny Barron. One of the
busiest bassists working today, Williams is admired for what the
Penguin Guide describes as his “impeccable harmony” and
“rhythmic sense that is unfailing, feeling, and utterly original.”
His sets are always marked by his elegant and melodic lines, his
ability to dazzle without calling attention to the effort.  Matt Wilson © Andrea Canter One of the most
in-demand, creative drummers of his generation, Matt Wilson
has a wide range of musical tastes and experiences. He was first
attracted to the drums after watching Buddy Rich on “I Love Lucy.”
Following his childhood in rural Illinois and college days in
Wichita, Wilson landed in Boston, playing with the Either/Orchestra,
Charlie Kohlhase, and John Medeski. Moving to New York, he formed his
own quartet and joined forces with such talents as Dewey Redman,
Janis Siegal, Cecil McBee, Leni Stern, Fred Hersch, Michael Brecker,
Ravi Coltrane, Lee Konitz, and Joanne Brackeen, and has appeared on
dozens of recordings as leader and sideman. These days Wilson tours
with his acclaimed Arts and Crafts ensemble featuring Terrel
Stafford, Larry Goldings, and Dennis Irwin. In addition to Denny
Zeitlin, Matt is currently touring with Larry Goldings, Bill Mays,
Ted Nash, and Charlie Haden.
For a cover
charge that runs at about 25% of the usual fee for an hour of
therapy, you won’t find a better session with a psychiatrist! Catch
Dr. Zeitlin and this remarkable trio at Yoshi’s in Oakland on
October 30th or at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles,
November 1-5.
Yoshi’s is
located at 510 Embarcadero West in Oakland;
www.yoshis.com;
sets at 8 & 10. The Jazz Bakery is located at 3233 Helms Av, Los
Angeles; two sets nightly at 8 and 9:30 pm;
www.jazzbakery.com
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Friday, 09 January 2009
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