December 8th, Saturday
The Buddy Montgomery Jazz Legacy Awards Concert @ Greenlining 360 Center – Downtown Oakland
Bassist Jeff Chambers was introduced to jazz and mentored by the jazz master pianist Buddy Montgomery. Buddy originates from Indianapolis along with his famous brothers, Wes and Monk. Jeff Chambers, originally from Milwaukee, started his career in jazz in that city, where Buddy Montgomery was living at that time. Jeff credits Buddy for his important mentoring in the great jazz tradition. Jeff originally started on the electric fender bass, and after studying with Buddy, he switched to the acoustic bass. As well as performing with Buddy, Jeff has played with many famous names such as Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, Ahmad Jamal, and numerous others. This evening will honor the memory of Buddy Montgomery, as well as presenting awards to the young, upcoming, deserving jazz musicians. Also on the bill will be the acclaimed vocalist Jackie Ryan, outstanding guitarist Calvin Keys and the swinging drummer Jason Lewis. This should be a very exciting event!
Venue: The Greenlining Institute
Admission: $35
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Information: www.bmjazzlegacy.com
Tickets: Eventbrite
Featuring: Jackie Ryan, vocals /Calvin Keys, guitar/ Larry Vuckovich, piano / Jeff Chambers, bass / Jason Lewis drums
December 9th, Sunday afternoon
Larry Vuckovich's 82nd Birthday: Solo Piano, Duet Intimacy & Improvisational Dialogue @ Piedmont Piano/Sunday afternoon
Jeff Chambers, one of the most versatile and acclaimed bassists on the international scene, joins Larry Vuckovich in an duo format. Larry will open with some solo piano selections, after which he will bring Jeff to the stage.
Larry and Jeff have an association, going back to almost 30 years of performing together. They have a close musical rapport where their chemistry/interplay has developed to a high level of swinging, sophisticated jazz dialogue. They will be performing a variety of styles, from swinging bebop, contemporary jazz, Brazilian/Latin, bluesy Boogaloo funky material, Balkan and in other world music & more. After a couple of solo piano selections or so, Larry will bring Jeff on stage for some creative and swinging jazz. As always, we will bring special treats: assorted cheeses, hummus, olives, and wines, to express thanks to our jazz listeners. We hope you will join us for this special event. Piedmont Piano always has a world class nine foot concert grand on stage- either a Fazioli, or a Yamaha.
Venue: Piedmont Piano New Oakland store 18th and San Pablo, Oakland, CA
Admission: $20 Donation
Time: 4:00 PM Sunday afternoon
Information: (510) 547-8188
Tickets: TicketTailor
Featuring: Larry Vuckovich, piano / Jeff Chambers, bass
December 16th, Sunday afternoon
Larry Vuckovich's All-Star Quintet in a Christmas Jazz Concert presented by the Empress Theatre @ The Empress Theatre in Vallejo- The program features the music of Nat King Cole, Mel Torme & more. The All Star Quintet includes vocalist/guitarist Alvon Johnson; Charlie McCarthy, multi reeds; Kai Lyons, guitar; Larry Vuckovich, piano; Jeff Chambers, bass; Akira Tana, drums
Larry Vuckovich is presenting some Christmas classic jazz selections by Nat King Cole and Mel Torme. They will be played in various rhythms and styles. Also, the program will be rounded out with bluesy Christmas pieces as well as other jazz classics. Alvon Johnson is a soulful performer, who always lifts the audiences spirits. The All Star Quintet is made up of jazz veterans, and also introduces a new voice on the guitar: the 23 year old outstanding Kai Lyons. A program not to be missed!
Venue: Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia Street, Vallejo, CA 94590
Admission: $25 General
Time: 5pm-7pm
Tickets: Empress Theatre
Featuring: Alvon Johnson, vocals/guitar / Larry Vuckovich, piano / Charlie McCarthy, multi-reeds / Kai Lyons, guitar / Jeff Chambers, bass / Akira Tana, drums
December 26th, Wednesday
Larry Vuckovich's All-Star Bay Area Sextet: Bringing in the New Year Early in a Swinging Style! Greatest Hits of Jazz Decades from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s @ Yoshi's Jack London Square
After a very successful performance in June of Miles Davis's music, Live From the Black Hawk by Larry Vuckovich All-Star Bay Area sextet, Larry comes back to Yoshi's with a new, uplifting historic theme of the best swinging jazz from the 30's, 40s, 50s, & 60s. Come and hear the great hits from the orchestras of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey/Sy Oliver and the great jazz groups of Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner & John Coltrane. Don't miss this year ending swinging jazz that will keep you going into the New Year.
Venue: Yoshi's Jack London Square 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland, CA
Admission: $21
Time: 8 PM
Tickets: Ticketfly
Featuring: Larry Vuckovich, piano / Andrew Speight, alto sax / Joel Behrman, trumpet / Steve Heckman, tenor sax / Jeff Chambers, bass / Akira Tana, drums
December 29th, Saturday
YEAR END PARTY- JAZZ TO SWING IN THE NEW YEAR- Jackie Ryan, Larry Vuckovich & Jeff Chambers @ JB Piano Company in San Rafael
Jackie Ryan, called by Jazz Times “One of the outstanding vocalists of her generation, and possibly of all time.” Jackie returns to her hometown of San Rafael where she was born. She will be singing her amazingly diverse program of swinging standards, Latin/Brazilian classics including beautiful boleros, sambas plus blues, soulful selections, and her beautiful romantic ballads. Refreshments including various wines and cheeses are available. The audience members are also encouraged to bring their own refreshments.
Venue: JB Piano Company 540 Irwin St, San Rafael, CA 94901
Admission: $25 donation suggested
Time: doors open at 6:30 PM-program starts at 7:30pm
Information: (510) 845-5373
Featuring: Jackie Ryan, vocals / Larry Vuckovich, piano / Jeff Chambers, bass