Bay Area trumpeter/composer Darren Johnston's newest project for showcasing his songwriting features the distinct instrumentation of two bass clarinets—played by powerhouse composers/improvisers/bandleaders Steven Lugerner and Cory Wright—along with Johnston on trumpet and vocals, as The Pipes. From short and sweet, quirky, groove-based songs to more expansive open improvisations, they've created a new recipe for experimental chamber-folk with a jazz reduction, telling stories of love and loss, ...
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With a deep musical connection they’ve nurtured since middle school, the bicoastal trio known as CHIVES specializes in a contemporary jazz sound. Sometimes playing inside themes and sometimes soaring far beyond, saxophonist/clarinetist Steven Lugerner accompanies bassist Matthew Wohl and drummer Max Jaffe in a performance that is both elastic and buoyant. Come see this trio of native San Franciscans play a special hometown show at the Red Poppy to celebrate the release of their latest album, Yea...
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San Francisco-based saxophonist Steven Lugerner continues his explorations of the music by jazz legend Jackie McLean with JACKNIFE, a hard-hitting post-bop quintet.Paying homage to the late American jazz alto saxophonist Jackie McLean and his seminal Blue Note albums, JACKNIFE brings together a formidable cast of rising talent. This CD release performance will feature the virtuoso pianist and McLean's former sideman, Larry Willis. Willis made his recording debut on McLean's 1965 release, Rig...
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Saxophonist Steven Lugerner maintains an active, bi-costal performance schedule between San Francisco and New York City. As a band leader, he has released multiple albums to critical acclaim and has toured the U.S. as a sideman and leader of his own ensembles. He has collaborated with Grammy-nominated pianist Fred Hersch,drum legends Albert “Tootie” Heath and Matt Wilson, pianist Jason Moran, saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom, pianist Myra Melford, trumpeter Darren Johnston, and bassist Todd Sickafoose...
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