Rob Scheps supercharged dynamic quintet Rob Scheps – Gil Evans Legacy Quintet – Olympia, WA

Tenor / soprano saxophonist Rob Scheps has performed with Gil Evans Band, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, John Scofield, George Russell, Bob Moses, Terumasa Hino, Al Grey, Clark Terry, Sam Rivers, Julius Hemphill, Duffy Jackson, Cecil Taylor, Joey Calderazzo Quartet… He leads his own bands; Magnets! with Kim Clarke; The Rob Scheps Big Band in Portland, Oregon; and the Rob Scheps Core-tet in NYC; which has a new CD entitled Live at Smalls on the way

Rob Scheps supercharged dynamic quintet Rob Scheps – GIL EVANS LEGACY QUINTET/OLYMPIA, WA: Whenever Rob Scheps has a show in Olympia, you’ll find all the dedicated jazz cats out on the prowl… this one was at the best venue in town, Dr. Wheelz pad… the setting there is always intimate and allows jazz fans to meet the players without the usual restrictions… I got to talk with pianist George Mitchell at some length, as well as other members of the quintet, which is a really cool aspect of these house gigs.  I’m not here to “dazzle” you with words, though… there’s really only ONE thing that counts when it comes to great jazz, & that is the performance… so, without further ado, here are (just a few) of the video captures I got during this splendid show…

Rob introduced the first tune in detail, “Bauplicity”…

…you really DON’T get to see & hear performers up so close on a normal basis, so this was absolutely special!

I have no doubt that all the flugelhorn/trumpet lovers in our readership are going to just love Jim O’Connor’s beautiful blow in the clip below…

…some of the sweetest playing I’ve heard in many years!

Next up is a superb solo by Rob…

Phil Sparks bass lead intro on this super-hot performance will thrill all true lovers of jazz from the Gil Evans era…. & those drums from Adam Kessler just KICK it, aye?

So, now you’re a witness to the totally professional work that Rob & his musical cohorts do on a regular basis… they still have a couple of performances lined up, so be sure to catch them if you can… here’s the schedule Rob has posted.

This was the (most current) highlight of my 2018 jazz year… you won’t find players as courteous, professional and fun to be with anytime soon… Rob & his fellow musicians come MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, & get a “PICK” for “best live jazz performance”.        Rotcod Zzaj

#Rob #Scheps #supercharged #dynamic #quintet