Launching the second decade of wonderful music in an excellent venue, Athenaeum Jazz at the Neurosciences Institute will present another stellar and varied lineup for its fall series. Fitting for a series that welcomes new and classic jazz, it begins with piano legend McCoy Tyner, followed by Billy Childs, an innovative pianist/composer blending jazz and chamber music, and wraps with vibraphonist Stefon Harris, an up-and-coming artist who will present new spins on Duke Ellington pieces.
McCoy Tyner is probably best known for his work in the early 1960s with saxophonist John Coltrane on the groundbreaking albums “My Favorite Things” and “A Love Supreme,” among others. Since then, he has enjoyed a long and rich career. His unique style has influenced many players in jazz and other genres as well, from guitarist Carlos Santana to hip-hop duo OutKast. Tyner’s albums have earned five Grammy awards, including 1998’s “Blues for Coltrane “” A Tribute to John Coltrane” and 2004’s “Illuminations.”
The piano master performs next Thursday with trio mates Charnett Moffett on bass and Eric Kamau Gravatt on drums, who have been playing with him in this format for more than three years. In a review of the trio last fall, The Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich described Tyner’s distinctive piano playing this way: “The massive chord clusters, two-fisted blocks of sound and free-ranging approach to key signature attested to Tyner’s still-radical, still-original approach to harmony.”
The second concert brings the series a totally different sound with the Billy Childs Jazz-Chamber Ensemble. While the Los Angeles-based composer/pianist has performed in Athenaeum concerts in the past, this is the ensemble’s local debut. He is joined by multi-reedist Bob Sheppard, harpist Carol Robbins, San Diego-based guitarist Peter Sprague, bassist Jimmy Johnson, and ex-Weather Report drummer Peter Erskine.
In big demand as an arranger, Childs has worked with jazz vocalists Luciana Souza, Dianne Reeves, Claudia Acuna and extensively with trumpeter Chris Botti. At the Athenaeum, Childs and his talented sextet will meld jazz with chamber music.
Finishing up the series with flair will be vibraphonist/composer Stefon Harris, who will be visiting San Diego as a leader for the first time. He is known for marvelous technique and charismatic energy as a performer. This appearance is a special tribute to Duke Ellington called “Stefon Harris presents African Tarantella “¦ Dances with Duke.” It features Harris’ re-orchestrations of Ellington’s works, as well as his original suite, “The Gardner Meditations.” The 30-something musician obviously respects the music’s past and sometimes evokes the playing of Bobby Hutcherson and Milt Jackson. But Harris’ interest in a variety of genres and his sense of aural adventure create a sound all his own.
Athenaeum Jazz at the Neurosciences Institute, 10640 John Jay Hopkins Drive. McCoy Tyner Trio on Thursday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Billy Childs Jazz-Chamber Ensemble, Thursday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m.; Stefon Harris presents African Tarantella “¦ Dances with Duke, Monday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m. For information call (858) 454-5872 or go to the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St. Doors open a half-hour before the performance and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.
