Don Byron Quartet at Yoshi's Oakland

For more than three decades, Don Byron has been a singular voice in an astounding range of musical contexts, exploring widely divergent traditions while continually striving for what he calls "a sound above genre."

As clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and social critic, he redefines every genre of music he plays, be it classical, salsa, hip‐hop, funk, rhythm & blues, gospel, klezmer, or any jazz style from swing and bop to cutting‐edge downtown improvisation.

The current lineup of The Don Byron Quartet reflects longstanding collaborations among its members. Pianist Joe Berkovitz – featured on Byron’s acclaimed 1992 debut album, Tuskegee Experiments (Nonesuch) – knits a wide range of musical sources into a unique and personal voice. Mark Helias is a renowned bassist, composer and producer who has performed throughout the world for more than four decades with some of the most important and innovative musicians in Jazz and Improvised Music. Known for his dynamic and interactive playing, drummer Dru Heller has toured and recorded with many renowned jazz musicians, and his own quartets have received accolades worldwide....

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For more than three decades, Don Byron has been a singular voice in an astounding range of musical contexts, exploring widely divergent traditions while continually striving for what he calls "a sound above genre."

As clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and social critic, he redefines every genre of music he plays, be it classical, salsa, hip‐hop, funk, rhythm & blues, gospel, klezmer, or any jazz style from swing and bop to cutting‐edge downtown improvisation.

The current lineup of The Don Byron Quartet reflects longstanding collaborations among its members. Pianist Joe Berkovitz – featured on Byron’s acclaimed 1992 debut album, Tuskegee Experiments (Nonesuch) – knits a wide range of musical sources into a unique and personal voice. Mark Helias is a renowned bassist, composer and producer who has performed throughout the world for more than four decades with some of the most important and innovative musicians in Jazz and Improvised Music. Known for his dynamic and interactive playing, drummer Dru Heller has toured and recorded with many renowned jazz musicians, and his own quartets have received accolades worldwide.

[Photo credit: DAVE KAUFMAN]

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