December 29, 2006

McCoy Tyner Quartet at Yoshi's (Decemeber 28, 2006).

McCoy Tyner won the grammy for best jazz instrumental album in 2005, and his piano playing last night showcased all of the skills he has come to be known for over the course of his career (which includes a significant stint in John Coltrane's Quartet).

Joe Lovano was on sax & Jeff "Tain" Watts was even better than when I saw him with Brandford Marsalis several years ago.

Bassist Jeffrey Chambers stood in for Christian McBride who was absent from the line up in order to speak at James Brown's Apollo Theater memorial. Chambers rounded out this ensemble as if he'd been on tour with them for years.

McCoy Turner Quartet (with McBride returning) will be at Yoshi's until Jan. 1. If you can't catch them, you can hear them live from Yoshi's on npr New Year's Eve.