SFJAZZ Collective

An all-star ensemble comprising the finest performer/composers at work in jazz today, the SFJAZZ Collective was conceived to create fresh arrangements of works by modern masters and newly commissioned pieces by each member of the band. Through this pioneering approach, simultaneously honoring music’s greatest figures while championing jazz’s up-to-the-minute directions, the Collective has embodied SFJAZZ’s commitment to jazz as a dynamic, ever-evolving art form.

This year, the Collective has embarked on the most audacious project in their history. They perform sublime new works inspired by artwork from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s “ABOUT PLACE” exhibition focused on a group of supremely talented visual artists who call the San Francisco Bay Area home.

The exhibition explores how artists relate to their environments through place: place as the physical land, place as heritage, place as the imaginary, and place as belonging. Some of the specific subject’s touch on universal topics like climate change, immigration, LGBTQ+ movement, social justice, and more.

Under the direction of Chris Potter, this lineup of the Collective featuring David Sánchez, Mike Rodriguez, Warren Wolf, Edward Simon, Matt Brewer, and Kendrick Scott is among the most dynamic ever, ensuring each performance is fresh, fun, and full of surprises.

A Chicago native, Chris Potter is among the most prominent, influential, and visionary artists in jazz, fronting multiple ensembles and collaborating with a staggering list of major artists including Paul Motian, Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Zakir Hussain, Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, Steely Dan and the Mingus Big Band. A veteran of over 150 recordings, he has led or co-led over 20 albums including his latest Edition Records release, There Is A Tide. Potter also assumes the role of Music Director and this is the first time the SFJAZZ Collective has had a member in a music director position in over a decade.