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Home , Art Blakey, Beyond the Sound Barrier, Brian Blade, Danilo Perez, David Lee (drummer), Delfeayo Marsalis

CAL PERFORMANCES PRESENTS ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Saturday, October 17, 2009, 8pm ore than half a century after em- Stitt. He attended college at Zellerbach Hall Mbarking on his lifelong musical adventure, while soaking up the scene by is universally regarded as one of frequenting popular nightspots like Birdland the greatest living practitioners of jazz. His great and Café Bohemia. Mr. Shorter worked his way body of work as a for such illustrious through college by playing with the Nat Phipps Wayne Shorter Quartet groups as ’s Jazz Messengers, Miles . Upon graduating in 1956, he worked Davis’s famous mid- and fusion su- briefly with Johnny Eaton and his Princetonians, pergroup has ensured him a spot earning the nickname “The Newark Flash” for his in the jazz hall of fame. But had prolific composer speed and facility on the tenor . But just never written a single tune, his signature sound and as he was beginning making his mark, Mr. Shorter choice of notes, sense of economy and unparalleled was drafted into the Army. He recalls a memorable expression on both tenor and soprano jam session at the Café Bohemia just days before he would have marked him for greatness. Combine was shipped off to Fort Dix, New Jersey. “A week his writing prowess with his fragmented, probing before I went into the Army, I went to the Café solos and enigmatic Buddhist-philosopher pres- Bohemia to , I said, for the last time ence and you have the makings of a jazz immortal. in my life. I was standing at the bar having a co- “Life is so mysterious to me,” says Mr. Shorter. “I gnac and I had my draft notice in my back pocket. can’t stop at any one thing to say, ‘Oh, this is what That’s when I met . He said, ‘You’re the it is.’ And I think it’s always becoming, always be- kid from Newark, huh? You’re the Flash.’ And he coming. That’s the adventure. And imagination is asked me to sit in. They were changing drummers part of that adventure.” throughout the night, so Max played drums, then Born in Newark, New Jersey, on August 25, , then Art Blakey. was 1933, had his first great jazz epiphany as a teen- on . Jimmy Smith came in the door with his ager: “I remember seeing when I was organ. He drove to the club with his organ in a 15 years old. It was a Jazz at the hearse. And outside we heard that Miles was look- Philharmonic show in Newark, and he was late ing for somebody named Cannonball. And I’m coming to the theater. I and a couple of other guys saying to myself, ‘All this stuff is going on and I were waiting out front of the Adams Theater and gotta go to the Army in about five days!’” when he finally did show up, he had the porkpie hat Following his time in the service, Mr. Shorter and everything. So then we were trying to figure had a brief stint in 1958 with and later

Henry Leutwyler out how to get into the theater from the fire escape played in the house band at Minton’s Playhouse in around the back. We eventually got into the mez- . It was around this time that Mr. Shorter Wayne Shorter soprano & tenor saxophones zanine and saw that whole show—the Stan Kenton began jamming with fellow tenor saxophon- drums and bands together on stage doing ists and . In 1959, bass ‘Peanut Vendor,’ with strings doing Mr. Shorter had a brief stint with the Maynard ‘Laura’ and stuff like that. And … Ferguson before joining Art Blakey and . He was there doing his thing. That in August of that year. He re- whole scene impressed me so much that I just de- mained with the Jazz Messengers through 1963, cided, ‘Hey, man, let me get a clarinet.’ So I got one becoming Blakey’s musical director and contrib- Key Notes when I was 16, and that’s when I started music.” uting several key compositions to the band’s book Wayne Shorter Quartet Switching to , Mr. Shorter during those years. Mr. Shorter made his record- Saturday, October 17, 2009, 5pm, Zellerbach Hall Lobby formed a teenage band called The Jazz Informers ing debut as a leader in 1959 for the Vee Jay label and later got some invaluable bandstand experience and in 1964 cut the first of a string of important With Danilo Pérez and the Jazzschool’s Mike Zilber, Key Notes host Chuy Varela explores Wayne Shorter’s contributions to jazz from his work with Art Blakey’s with the Jackie Bland Band, a progressive Newark recordings for the Blue Note label. He joined the Jazz Messengers and to Weather Report and his own Quartet. orchestra that specialized in . While still in Miles Davis band in 1964 and remained with the high school, Mr. Shorter participated in several cut- group through 1970, contributing such landmark ting contests on Newark’s jazz scene, including one compositions as “Nefertiti,” “E.S.P.,” “Pinocchio,” memorable encounter with saxophone great Sonny “Sanctuary,” “Fall” and “.” Cal Performances’ 2009–2010 season is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

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In 1970, Mr. Shorter co-founded the group Redman has called him “the drummer of the (Sling Blade), (Wrecking Ball) and Since 1985, his association with Weather Report with keyboardist and Miles Davis future,” while has said, “Brian has (Time Out of Mind). has brought him worldwide acclaim. His many re- alum, . It remained the premier fusion a quality only the really great guys have, and the In 1998, Mr. Blade and pianist cordings with Chick Corea’s Elektric and Akoustic group throughout the 1970s and early 1980s before ultimate commodity in a player, he began recording their own music with the group bands and his six solo recordings for GRP Records disbanding in 1985 after 16 acclaimed recordings, can create a vibe. He has his own thing.” Kenny Fellowship. The band has released three albums: have earned him two Grammy Awards (one including the Grammy Award-winning live double Garrett sums it up well, saying, “Brian is very spiri- Fellowship and Perceptual, both on Blue Note, and for playing and one for composing) and eight LP, 8:30 (1980). Mr. Shorter formed his own group tual and that is reflected in his music.” (2008) on Verve. Grammy nominations. In addition, his first solo in 1986 and produced a succession of electric jazz From albums with Mr. Redman and Mr. Blade’s latest solo recording is Mama Rosa recording, John Patitucci, went to number one on albums for the Columbia label: Atlantis (1986), Mr. Garrett, to recent recordings with Bob Dylan (Verve, 2009), which showcases his diverse song- the Billboard jazz charts. In 1996, he signed with Phantom Navigator (1987) and (1988). and Emmylou Harris and , Mr. Blade writing talents and features him on acoustic guitar, and released One More Angel the He re-emerged on the Verve label with High Life has shown deep musical instincts and a phenom- drums and vocals. following year. He has since released six more al- (1995). After the tragic loss of his wife in 1996 (she enal gift for playing music texturally—both thick bums on Concord, the latest of which is entitled was aboard the ill-fated Paris-bound TWA flight and thin—on the drums. Born in 1959 in , New York, John Remembrance (2009) and features and 800), Mr. Shorter returned to the scene with 1+1 As a youngster growing up in Shreveport, then Patitucci began playing electric bass at age 10. He Brian Blade, among others. (1997), an intimate duet recording with pianist , Louisiana, Mr. Blade distilled the quickly moved from playing soul and rock to , Mr. Patitucci has won many magazine polls for and former bandmate Herbie unique drumming styles and musical heritage of jazz and classical music, and began composing and his electric and acoustic bass playing, including Best Hancock. The two spent 1998 touring as a duet, the nation’s spiritual underbelly into a powerfully performing at age 12. At 15 he began to play acous- Jazz in Guitar Player’s 1992, 1994 and 1995 and by summer 2001 Mr. Shorter began touring swinging percussive trademark. Playing drums in tic bass, and at 16 he began studying piano. His Readers’ Poll and Best Jazz Bassist in Bass Player’s as the leader of a talented young lineup featuring his father’s church after an initial interest in the eclectic tastes caused him to explore all styles of 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 Readers’ Poll. He has pianist Danilo Pérez, bassist John Patitucci and violin, Mr. Blade immersed himself in the work of music as a player and a composer. taught many seminars on playing and composing drummer Brian Blade, each a celebrated recording , , Jeff Porcaro, Levon Mr. Patitucci studied classical bass at San at prestigious music schools worldwide and is cur- artist and bandleader in his own right. The group’s Helm, , , Sam Woodyard Francisco and Long Beach state universities. In rently the Artistic Director of the Bass Collective, a uncanny chemistry was well documented on the and Keith Moon. Moving to New Orleans at age 1980, he continued his career in as a new and comprehensive school for in New acclaimed Footprints Live! (2002). Mr. Shorter 17, Mr. Blade broadened and deepened his perspec- studio musician and jazz artist. York City. Mr. Patitucci is also regularly involved followed it with the ambitious Alegría (2003), an tive. When not gigging with Christopher Thomas As a studio musician, Mr. Patitucci has played with the Institute of Jazz and expanded vision for large ensemble which earned and , he studied with on countless albums with such artists as B. B. also taught at the Jazz Ahead program him a Grammy Award. Jr. and , and came under the King, Bonnie Raitt, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, in Washington DC in 2000. Mr. Shorter sees his most recent recording, tutelage of Ellis Marsalis, who took Mr. Blade George Benson, Dizzy Gillespie, Was Not Was, After exploring many different writing styles the live , as part of a cre- to England where they toured with saxophonist , and Bon Jovi. In 1986, on his own records and those of Chick Corea’s, ative continuum. “It’s the same mission…fighting Courtney Pine. Mr. Blade also dipped into New he was voted by his peers in the studios as the Mr. Patitucci continues to compose for many the good fight,” he says. “It’s making a statement Orleans culture, playing in street parades, clubs National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences genres. In 1994, he was commissioned to write a about what life is, really. And I’m going to end the and coffeehouses throughout the crescent city. MVP on acoustic bass. As a performer, he has piece for six-string electric bass and string orches- line with it.” He adds, “A lot of musicians worry Mr. Blade recorded with saxophonist Victor played throughout the world with his own band tra for the Italian chamber orchestra Suono e Oltre about protecting what I call their musical founda- Goines, Ellis Marsalis, King Midas & The Golden and with jazz luminaries Chick Corea, Herbie in Pescara, Italy. With Mr. Patitucci as soloist, tion. They want to be on their Ps and Qs on stage, Touch (with Yo-Yo Ma on cello), and also played Hancock, Wayne Shorter, , Wynton the piece was performed in Italy in March 1995 put their best foot forward, play their best runs, live with , , Marsalis, , , and with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra their best and try to impress people. But I’m at a and Martha Reeves. It was while , , Tony Williams, in Tokyo in August 1995. Mr. Patitucci was also point where I’m just going say, ‘To hell with the playing with that Mr. Blade met Hubert Laws, , James Williams commissioned to write a piece for the Turtle Island rules.’ That’s all I’m doing with the music now. Joshua Redman and began a fruitful recording and scores of others. Some of the many pop and String Quartet, a group fluent in both classical I’m 76, I’ve got nothing to lose now. I’m going for and touring association. Mood Swing, Freedom in Brazilian artists he has played with include , music and jazz. the unknown.” the Groove and Spirit of the Moment documented Milton Nascimiento, Astrud and João Gilberto, Since returning to the New York area in 1996, The events in his incredible life’s journey Mr. Blade’s percussion prowess, with many taking Airto and , Ivan Lins, João Bosco and Mr. Patitucci has continued to work with his own have been compiled by author Michelle Mercer notice. He also recorded and toured with Kenny Dori Caymmi. He has worked with film compos- group, as well as many others. He has toured the in Footprints: The Life and Music of Wayne Shorter Garrett. Black Hope, Triolog y and Pursuance: The ers Jerry Goldsmith, , James Newton and Europe with his group, the John (Tarcher/Penguin). Music of John Coltrane featured some of Mr. Blade’s Howard, Dave Grusin, , John Patitucci Quartet. He was the featured jazz bassist most explosive playing. And just as jazz seemed his Williams, , Michel Columbier, Carter at the 1999 International Society of Bassists con- During Brian Blade’s numerous sessions his in- lone calling, his love for all kinds of music found Burwell and Howard Shore. vention. Since 1998, Mr. Patitucci has, along with tense musicianship has touched many. Joshua him recording with Joni Mitchell,

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Danilo Pérez, been part of the Roy Haynes Trio. bop Latin style, and brought him to the forefront He joined the Wayne Shorter Quartet in 2000. on Mr. Gillespie’s Grammy-winning Live at the Mr. Patitucci currently resides in New York Royal Festival Hall (Enja), an appearance at the with his wife, Sachi, a cellist, and their daughters. Kennedy Center and worldwide touring. In 1993, Mr. Pérez turned his focus to his own The extraordinary Panamanian pianist and com- ensembles and recording projects, releasing Danilo poser Danilo Pérez is among the most influential Pérez (1993) and The Journey (1994) on RCA/ and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over Novus. The Journey placed prominently in several a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American top ten albums of 1994 lists. Down Beat named it jazz (covering the music of the Americas, Latin among the best CDs of the 1990s, and it received and Afro-Cuban rhythms, and folkloric and world a Jazziz Critics Choice Award. In 1995, Mr. Pérez music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal au- became the first Latino member of Wynton diences. Mr. Pérez’s abundant talents and joyous Marsalis’s band, and the first jazz musician to per- enthusiasm make his concerts both memorable form with the Panamanian Symphony Orchestra, and inspiring. Whether leading his own ensembles which played an expanded 80-piece orchestral ver- or touring with renowned jazz masters (Wayne sion of The Journey. Mr. Pérez released two record- Shorter, Roy Haynes, ), Mr. Pérez makes ings for Impulse!—PanaMonk (1996) and Central a decidedly fresh imprint on contemporary music, Avenue (1998)—and won his first Grammy nomi- guided, as always, by his love for jazz. He has led nation for “Best Jazz Album” for the latter. These his own groups since the early 1990s, and as band- CDs accumulated numerous awards and Top leader has earned three Grammy Award nomina- Ten citations, firmly establishing Mr. Pérez’s lead- tions for his ebullient and innovative recordings. ership role in a new generation of jazz artists. Born in in 1966, Mr. Pérez started In addition, to leading his own ensembles, musical studies at just three years of age with his Mr. Pérez is currently a member of the Wayne father, a bandleader and singer. By age 10, he was Shorter Quartet (since 2001), the Steve Lacy Duo studying the European classical piano repertoire (since 1999), and has played with the Roy Haynes at the National Conservatory in Panama. After Trio since 1998. The Wayne Shorter Quartet was receiving his bachelor’s degree in electronics, he voted “Best Small Ensemble of the Year” by the Jazz moved to the United States to enroll in the Indiana Journalists Association in June 2002. Mr. Shorter University of Pennsylvania and, after changing his invited Mr. Pérez to join his first all-acoustic group major to music, transferred to the Berklee College after hearing him play. “It was adventurous and of Music. From 1985 to 1988, while completing his fresh,” Mr. Shorter observed (Jazz Times, 2002). degree in jazz composition, he performed with Jon “He wasn’t playing to show off his technique. He Hendricks, and Paquito D’Rivera, was interested in telling stories.” Since joining the and produced the critically acclaimed Reunion Quartet, says Mr. Pérez, “something has awakened recording (Messidor) featuring Mr. D’Rivera in me as a result. It’s like wanting to see what’s be- and : in 1994, Mr. Pérez also hind the mountain. Everything I’ve done before appeared on Mr. Sandoval’s Grammy-winning this was preparation for this moment. The tele- album, Danzon. Since the late 1980s, he has toured pathic levels we’ve reached have changed my life. and/or recorded with Jack DeJohnette, Charlie I feel like I’m flying!” Haden, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, , Currently, Mr. Pérez serves as an Ambassador , John Patitucci, , of Goodwill for Unicef, Cultural Ambassador of his , Wayne Shorter, Roy Haynes and native country of Panama, President and Founder other notable jazz musicians. of the , Artistic Advisor of Mr. Pérez first attracted the spotlight as the the innovative Mellon Jazz Up Close series at the youngest member of Dizzy Gillespie’s United Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, and is on the fac- Nations Orchestra (1989–1992). This pivotal ten- ulty of both the New England Conservatory and ure solidified his command of the eclectic, post- the in .

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