Off stage, Jim Hall is an unassuming guy with the
mild-mannered look of a retired accountant or dentist. But on the
bandstand, he's a fearless guitarist who revels in quietly probing
conversations. Still wickedly incisive, he first gained widespread
notice in drummer Chico Hamilton's popular mid-1950s quintet. With
his advanced harmonic conception and gift for counterpoint, Hall
attained legendary status on two classic 1962 sessions. He became
an integral member of a new Sonny Rollins band with The Bridge,
while Undercurrent captures Hall's first ravishing duo encounter
with pianist Bill Evans. Hall has collaborated with many other jazz
icons, including Ella Fitzgerald, Ben Webster, Art Farmer, Paul
Desmond, Wayne Shorter and Pat Metheny to name just a handful. A
profound influence on generations of musicians, he remains an
ageless master of understatement, making every passionate note
speak volumes. Hall is joined at this 80th birthday celebration by
a group of modern heavyweights including saxophonist Greg Osby,
bassist Scott Colley and drummer Joey Baron, who is also featured
in duet with Hall on his latest release, Conversations.
SF JAZZ: Jim Hall Quartet
Sunday, October 23, 2011 7:00 PM
Join us for Jim Hall Quartet on October 23rd with Capital Public Radio's Gary Vercelli as emcee. "Jim Hall is the reigning master of the jazz guitar. This poetic player says more with fewer notes than any living improviser." — The New Yorker