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 30^th 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 30^th 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