Dec 9, 2025 12:28 PM
In Memoriam: Gordon Goodwin, 1954–2025
Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles.…
Obed Calvaire (left), Miguel Zenón, Matt Penman, David Sánchez, Edward Simon, Warren Wolf, Robin Eubanks and Sean Jones are the SFJAZZ Collective
(Photo: Courtesy SFJAZZ)The SFJAZZ Collective interprets the music of Michael Jackson on its forthcoming album. Live: SFJAZZ Center 2015, available March 4, was recorded during the band’s four-night residency in October on the Robert N. Miner Auditorium stage at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco.
The SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star ensemble that includes Miguel Zenón (alto saxophone), David Sánchez (tenor saxophone), Sean Jones (trumpet), Robin Eubanks (trombone), Warren Wolf (vibraphone), Edward Simon (piano), Matt Penman (bass) and Obed Calvaire (drums).
The two-CD set includes new arrangements of eight songs from Jackson’s repertoire as well as eight original compositions from SFJAZZ Collective members. The program includes Jackson’s compositions “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” (arranged by Sánchez), “Smooth Criminal” (arranged by Zenón) and “This Place Hotel” (arranged by Simon).
The program includes versions of two songs that appeared on Jackson’s historic Thriller album: “Human Nature” (which was composed by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis and is arranged here by Wolf) and the title track (composed by Rod Temperton, arranged by Calvaire).
Among the original compositions by band members are Eubanks’ “Why,” Penman’s “Mr. Right,” Jones’ “Franklin & Fell” and Calvaire’s “150 Million Gold Francs.”
The album continues the SFJAZZ Collective’s tradition of interpreting works by a composer and then augmenting the program with original compositions. The band’s discography includes albums that spotlight the music of jazz titans Chick Corea, Joe Henderson and McCoy Tyner.
Live: SFJAZZ Center 2015, which is packaged with a 22-page booklet, is not available in stores. For ordering information, visit the SFJAZZ website.
Goodwin was one of the most acclaimed, successful and influential jazz musicians of his generation.
Dec 9, 2025 12:28 PM
Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles.…
Belá Fleck during an interview with Fredrika Whitfield on CNN.
Jan 13, 2026 2:09 PM
The fallout from the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to include President Donald…
Flea has returned to his first instrument — the trumpet — and assembled a dream band of jazz musicians to record a new album.
Dec 2, 2025 2:01 AM
After a nearly five-decade career as one of his generation’s defining rock bassists, Flea has returned to his first…
Dec 11, 2025 11:00 AM
DownBeat presents a complete list of the 4-, 4½- and 5-star albums from 2025 in one convenient package. It’s a great…
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to interpret the music of Oscar Peterson in his native city,” said Jim Doxas in regard to celebrating the Canadian legend. “He traveled the world, but never forgot Montreal.”
Nov 18, 2025 12:16 PM
In the pantheon of jazz luminaries, few shine as brightly, or swing as hard, as Oscar Peterson. A century ago, a…
