With a steady base as one-third of the renowned experimental jazz trio Medeski, Martin, & Wood, drummer Billy Martin has become one of the most forward-thinking, innovative, and influential percussionists in the music world. His ultra-sensitive, hyper-melodic drumming -- which explores the ideas of jazz, hip-hop, electronica, African music, and other genres -- has an organic feel to it, filled with soft, natural edges and fluid energies. When not performing with Medeski Martin & Wood, Martin continues to collaborate with other musicians in improvisational projects, many of which are documented on his own Amulet Records imprint, which he founded in 1995.
Blades, a native Chicagoan, has become the San Francisco Bay Area's first call organist and is rapidly gaining momentum throughout the world. For several years, he has been named in the Downbeat critics poll under Rising Star for organ. Wil has kept the traditional sounds of Jimmy Smith, Larry Young, and Groove Holmes alive, while creating a more personal, modern sound. Wil has performed and recorded with John Lee Hooker, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Melvin Sparks, Idris Muhammad, Joe Louis Walker, Don Braden, Donald Harrison, Karl Denson, Will Bernard, Charlie Hunter, Stanton Moore, Anders Osborne Scott Amendola and many others.
Billy Martin and Wil Blades Duo with:
Chris Zanardi & The High Beamz Featuring:
James Whiton- Standup Bass/Vocals (EMT/Tom Waits)
Jordan Feinstein- Keys/Vocals (Ritual/LaGente)
Jefferson Bergey- Vocals
Mo Sardella- Drums/Vocals (Sol Rising)
Chris Zanardi- Guitar (Five Eyed Hand)
Boom Boom Room, Friday, May 31st, San Francisco, CA @8:00pm
