John Medeski, Solomon Hicks at San Francisco Jazz Festival at Florence Gould Theatre, Legion Of Honor

Jazz fans put John Medeski in a box at their own risk. The keyboardist is best known for his groove-inflected work with jamband juggernaut Medeski Martin & Wood, but he first made his mark as a budding improviser through gigs with Dewey Redman, Billy Higgins and the celebrated Boston big band Either/Orchestra. A stylistic omnivore, Medeski is as comfortable exploring the outer reaches with John Zorn and David Fiuczynski as he is producing an album by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. He’s delved into the sacred side of the funk equation as a member of gospel-drenched quartet The Word and brought his trademark sound to Spectrum Road, the all-star band that celebrates drumming legend Tony Williams...

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Jazz fans put John Medeski in a box at their own risk. The keyboardist is best known for his groove-inflected work with jamband juggernaut Medeski Martin & Wood, but he first made his mark as a budding improviser through gigs with Dewey Redman, Billy Higgins and the celebrated Boston big band Either/Orchestra. A stylistic omnivore, Medeski is as comfortable exploring the outer reaches with John Zorn and David Fiuczynski as he is producing an album by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. He’s delved into the sacred side of the funk equation as a member of gospel-drenched quartet The Word and brought his trademark sound to Spectrum Road, the all-star band that celebrates drumming legend Tony Williams. For this rare solo gig Medeski may draw from a number of traditions, but it’s a safe bet he’ll re-interpret MMW, perhaps a dash of Ellingtonia and of course some Thelonious Monk — who was a primary influence. Naturally, the intimate Florence Gould Theatre is the perfect venue for this performance, and you can expect an album of solo piano to follow.

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