The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented issues in our society. Beyond the obvious spread of the illness itself, it has created problems of isolation, loneliness, lost income and halted school programs. Many of our Progressions students are forced to stay home with less supervision by their parents, who must continue to work partial or full…

A multi-cultural potpourri of veteran educators.

A multi-cultural potpourri of veteran educators, San Jose Jazz’s touring ensemble is not only exporting Silicon Valley’s jazz sensibility. It’s also an organic reflection of the region’s status as a cultural melting pot. On the flight home from Taiwan this past September, all members of SJZ Collective had their calendars open, eagerly scheming when they’d…

The SJZ Collective just returned from a whirlwind tour of Asia.

Chamber Music America awarded SJZ a 2019 Presenter Consortium.

Chamber Music America awarded SJZ a 2019 Presenter Consortium for Jazz grant which allowed us to present Elio Villafranca at the 2019 Summer Fest. Closing out the Hammer Theatre on Saturday night, the theater was packed to the brim at fest-goers pushed their way in to see this unique concert. In his set Villafranca presented…

The SJZ Collective just returned from a whirlwind tour of Asia. On this second outing the SJZ Collective performed in Japan, Hong Kong, China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and Taiwan. During their first tour, the group presented their debut project that celebrated the works of Thelonius Monk, in celebration the centennial of his birth. This year…

And they’re off! The SJZ Collective have begun their 2019 Tour of Asia. Drummer Wally Schnalle chronicles their highly-anticipated venture. Sep 30, 2019 Gig three of the SJZ Collective 2019 Asia Tour was in Beijing. We played at a funky smaller venue named DDC which Stands for Dusk till Dawn Club. The band is playing…

And they’re off! The SJZ Collective have begun their 2019 Tour of Asia.

It can be hard to pinpoint Gilles Peterson’s contributions to modern music because they’re so wide-ranging. Since the 1980’s, he’s run three record labels (Acid Jazz, Talkin’ Loud, and currently Brownswood) and helped curate over 100 compilations; toured the world as a DJ; pioneered a musical movement (acid jazz, a term he comically coined, only…

Gilles Peterson’s contributions to modern music are wide-ranging.

Let’s face it, hearing the same seasonal classics covered by the usual suspects can get, well…a bit boring.  So we put together a different kind of playlist for your holiday listening pleasure. You’ll find chestnuts performed by jazz greats and New Orleans artists and original songs by some new discoveries. Happy Holidays from San Jose…