December 3rd, Wednesday

MILLICENT WOOD, Vocalist
1st Show: 9 pm
2nd Show: 10:45 pm

She has arrived! Millicent Wood, whose original vocal style and great depth of emotional expression distinguish her as a unique talent whose time has come, has released her debut CD of jazz and pop standards, Moonglow.

The soaring voice of Aretha Franklin, in the mid 1960's, first "ignited the fire." However, it was the music of Nancy Wilson that helped her plot her course as a jazz singer.

In the early 80's, Ms. Wood sang with E.W. Wainwright and the African Roots of Jazz, the Black Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, had the lead acting, singing and dancing role in Hal Johnson's Run Lil' Chillun, and played a nightclub singer and dancer in Bubblin Brown Sugar. Whether she's belting out the brassy "Come Rain Or Come Shine," steamin' with "Summertime," or caressing the intimate lyrics of "In My Solitude," she does it all with ease.

December 4th, Thursday

DAVE ELLIS, Saxophone
Happy Hour: 5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm

"Perhaps the biggest lesson of the San Jose festival is that the Bay Area is filled with world-class jazz musicians... saxophonist Dave Ellis is so on top of his instrument and overall conception that it's scary." - Richard Scheinin, SJ Mercury News

A powerhouse tenor saxophonist who was an acid-jazz pioneer in the original Charlie Hunter Trio before hooking up with the Grateful Dead camp, Dave Ellis is back on the scene with his third solo CD. State of Mind (on Berkeley's prestigious Milestone label, produced by the dean of jazz producers, Orrin Keepnews) went #1 on the National Radio Jazz Weekly Charts and is getting outstanding reviews for both his album, which features some of the very strongest supporting players in jazz today - Mulgrew Miller, Christian McBride, Vincent Herring and Lewis Nash and for his live shows which showcases outstanding local talent. Dave was a headliner at this year's Monterey Jazz Festival. Also, he won the SF Weekly Music Awards in October 2003 for Best Jazz Artist. 

December 5th, Friday

GRAHAM BRUCE SEXTET
Happy Hour: 5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm
After Midnight: Ricardo Scales

Graham Bruce was born on the East Coast where he attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston for two years after attending Art Design School. After moving to the west coast in '83, he met and played with Joe Henderson, John Handy, Jules Brussard and many more SF Bay Area players. He co-lead a group with Chuck Metcalf and a quintet called the Zone with Art Hirahara a sextet with Kitty Margolis and an octet with Donald "Duck" Bailey. Graham Bruce is also a writer and an arranger.

December 6th, Saturday

SPECIAL SATURDAY AFTERNOON EVENT

"MILK, COOKIES, & JAZZ" SERIES FOR KIDS
W/ MUSICAL GUEST, DR. BILL BELL (PIANO)

Time: 2 - 4 pm

The Jazz Professor, as Dr. Bill Bell is known by all of his former students, is a composer, arranger, writer of books mainly on the subject of music, but a better player you’re not going to find. Ever changing, ever evolving, ever present and now that he has left the academic world, look for more definitive writings on the subject of how we should teach musicians and all about his love affair with Jazz.

This workshop is to help stimulate music education for children, especially when funding for music and art programs have been slashed in the public schools for the past number of years. Not only for public schools, but this is for all kids and their parents interested in learning about music and instrument playing, which we feel is so vital for personal growth.

In partnership with Music In Schools Today, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (The Grammys), SFJAZZ, and other local music-oriented organizations.

December 6th, Saturday

THE WALTER EARL GROUP | OPENS WITH SHANNON BRYANT
5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
Opening Act w/ Shannon Bryant: 8 pm
1st Show: 9:30 pm
2nd Show: 11 pm
After Midnight: Ricardo Scales

Opening Act: As Shannon Bryant developed as a singer and songwriter, she delved into the world of vocal jazz, and was influenced by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, and, Astrud Gilberto. Eventually Shannon focused her attention on Brazilian jazz, unable to resist the songs' beautiful melodies and inspirational messages. Shannon continues to be influenced by Brazilian music in all its forms, and has incorporated some of the essences of the music into her own original songs, whether it be unique syncopated rhythms or themes of nature, love, and spirit.

Walter Earl's most recent work "The Fillmore Connection" is an eclectic mix of smooth jazz and hip hop soul. His lyrics, written from the heart, are an emotional appeal for a better world. It's easy to see that Walter Earl's musical appetite is never satiated. His name and that of Lemmon House has appeared on fourteen different albums in the last four years,as he lends his sound and talent to each new project with a passion for great music rarely seen. Give Earl a try and let the groove move you.

December 7th, Sunday

SPECIAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON EVENT

SUNDAY "GOSPEL BY THE BAY" BRUNCH

Sponsored by Tip Toe Entertainment

Doors open at 1 pm
Gospel begins from 2 - 4:30 pm
With Musical Guests: Richly Bent and Company featuring Candace

December 7th, Sunday

CASEY CAMERON TRIO
1st Show: 7:30 pm
2nd Show: 9:30 pm

A recent graduate of Sonoma State University, Casey Cameron has been playing piano for over 19 years. He has been currently playing with his new trio, consisting of Taylor Cutcomb on bass and Alex Aspinall on drums for 3 years. Together these three amazing musicians bring a fresh interpretation to jazz along with a focus and intensity that is truly fun and inspiring. They create a serious yet light-hearted atmosphere that everyone can enjoy, playing the music of Herbie Hancock, Joey Calderazzo, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, choice standards, as well as sophisticated original compositions and arrangements. 

November 10th, Wednesday

SPECIAL WEDNESDAY EARLY EVENING EVENT

Outlet Hop Shopping Tours Presents,
Wine Tasting Wednesdays at Club Jazz Nouveau

Time: 5 – 7:30 pm

Come and join us for Wine Tasting. Enjoy Fine Wines from some of the Bay Area's best wineries; Cocktail Specials; Fine Southern inspired appetizers & tastings from Executive Chef Jeff Mertens; and the musical talents of renowned jazz pianist Ricardo Scales. This is a benefit fundraiser to help Stop AIDS Project.

December 10th, Wednesday

GERRY GROSZ JAZZ KITCHEN
Happy Hour: 5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm

Band Members: Gerry Grosz - vibraphone & piano; Bob Brumbeloe - guitar; Sascha Jacobsen - upright bass; Tim Solook - drums.

Gerry Grosz was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, NY. He started playing piano at the age of two. Gerry attended Wesleyan University, in Middletown, CT where he studied with the late saxman Bill Barron (Kenny Barron's brother), and started studying vibraphone under the tutelage of Muse recording artist Jay Hoggard. He has released two jazz CD's as a leader: 1998's Onramp, with his group, The Gerry Grosz Jazz Kitchen, and 2001's The Cosmic Buzz, which he co-produced with drummer and friend Phil Hawkins. Grosz is quickly gaining recognition as a witty and melodic songwriter. He is currently in studio recording as we write.

December 11th, Thursday

SPIDER SALOFF, Vocalist
Happy Hour: 5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm

Chicago's quintessential jazz vocalist, Spider Saloff, will perform the West Coast Premiere of a Billy Strayhorn song given to her by The Strayhorn Estate. The previously un-performed beauty, a ballad written in 1935, is entitled "So This Is Love" and will be heard for the first time in its original version on Thursday, December 11th and again on Thursday December 18th at Club Jazz Nouveau. Ms. Saloff will appear with the Larry Vuckovich Trio.

Ms. Saloff, known as one of the authorities of the works of the Great American Songbook through her worldwide syndicated weekly Public Radio program "WORDS and MUSIC." The word that always come to mind when Spider Saloff's name is mentioned is "hip", and The Chicago Tribune said, "Saloff remains one of the finest jazz vocalists working in this or any other city."

December 12th, Friday

OPIE BELLAS, Vocalist
Happy Hour: 5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm
After Midnight: Ricardo Scales

We first heard Opie Bellas through a recommendation from a friend who has to be the untitled head of the Society of Vocalists in San Francisco. We were looking for some obscure and new tunes. When we received Ms. Bellas' CD, we were pleasantly surprised at her delivery, overall voice quality, and much heart and soul went into her performance. Since then we've become a real fan.

A native of Pennsylvania and resident of San Francisco, she travels the world and has a real select following of people who run the gamut of jazz vocalists, cabaret vocalists and absolute fan dedication.

"Bellas has impeccable taste in music and the talent to do everything well. A sophisticated vocalist with a warm jazz sound, Bellas has one the best voices in the business today". – L. Pierce Carson, Register Staff Writer.

December 13th, Saturday

CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY

December 14th, Sunday

SPECIAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON EVENT

SUNDAY "GOSPEL BY THE BAY" BRUNCH

Sponsored by Tip Toe Entertainment

Doors open at 1 pm
Gospel begins from 2 - 4:30 pm
With Musical Guest: Kevin Moore

December 14th, Sunday

CARLOS ZIALCITA JAZZTET
1st Show: 7:30 pm
2nd Show: 9:30 pm

Manila born harmonica player and singer Carlos Zialcita has been part of the Bay Area blues scene for three decades as performer, promoter, educator, and radio announcer. He began his career in the 70's as a founding member of the Chico David Blues Band, a popular group that backed several blues major artists including Charles Brown, Big Mama Thornton, and T-Bone Walker. In the 80's, as a member of the Eddie Ray Rhythm and Blues Band, he backed many touring blues artists and perfomed at the 1981 SF Blues Festival. Into the 90's and to the present he continues to perform and tour with his own group as well as different blues artists including Sonny Rhodes, Francis Clay, and Sugar Pie DeSanto. His CD, "Train Through Oakland," produced by Johnny Otis, debuted in 2000 to rave reviews. In recents months, Zialcita has been performing with the newly formed jazztet, allowing him to infuse his blues sensibilities into his vocal and instrumental renditions of ballads and jazz standards. This group features the outstanding talents of Eric Swinderman on guitar; Marty Williams on piano; Ben Luis on bass; and Tony Coleman on drums. 

November 17th, Wednesday

SPECIAL WEDNESDAY EARLY EVENING EVENT

Outlet Hop Shopping Tours Presents,
Wine Tasting Wednesdays at Club Jazz Nouveau

Time: 5 – 7:30 pm

Come and join us for Wine Tasting. Enjoy Fine Wines from some of the Bay Area's best wineries; Cocktail Specials; Fine Southern inspired appetizers & tastings from Executive Chef Jeff Mertens; and the musical talents of renowned jazz pianist Ricardo Scales. This is a benefit fundraiser to help Stop AIDS Project.

December 17th, Wednesday

Ricardo Scales and Group
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm

"The black Liberace," Ricardo Scales' nickname, only tells part of the pianist's story. Like the real Liberace, he wears flashy attire on-stage when he launches into a set that showcases his incredible versatility. What the nickname doesn't tell you is that the pianist has a determination as tough as steel, and he needed every ounce of it to ever make it to the stage in the first place. Everything from his performance to his flash makes Scales' piano playing look fun and easy. And if you believed that, you'd be missing an inspiring story.

December 18th, Thursday

SPIDER SALOFF, Vocalist
Happy Hour: 5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm

Chicago's quintessential jazz vocalist, Spider Saloff, will perform the West Coast Premiere of a Billy Strayhorn song given to her by The Strayhorn Estate. The previously un-performed beauty, a ballad written in 1935, is entitled "So This Is Love" and will be heard.

Ms. Saloff, known as one of the authorities of the works of the Great American Songbook through her worldwide syndicated weekly Public Radio program "WORDS and MUSIC." The word that always come to mind when Spider Saloff's name is mentioned is "hip", and The Chicago Tribune said, "Saloff remains one of the finest jazz vocalists working in this or any other city."

December 19th, Friday

LANNY MORGAN PACIFIC STANDARD, ALTO SAXOPHONIST
Happy Hour: 5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm
After Midnight: Ricardo Scales

"A brilliant bebop alto soloist often overlooked because he lives in Los Angeles rather than New York. Lanny Morgan is one of the underrated greats: few can rip through Cherokee with his flow of ideas." – Scott Yarnow.

Morgan first came to prominence in New York, as the young lead alto for Maynard Ferguson's Big Band of the sixties, as well as the MF Sextet of the same era. He has occupied many hot seats in his career – in bands led by Charlie Barnet, Tommy Alexander, Sal Salvador, Howard McGhee, Bill Berry, Bob Florence, Bill Holman, Shorty Rogers, Terry Gibbs and Frank Capp. And, he is a 31 year member of the Grammy-winning Supersax. The most recent Morgan-led recording is an all-Charlie Parker project for Fresh Sound Records, A Suite For Yardbird, Lanny Morgan interprets the compositions of Charlie Parker.

December 20th, Saturday

SPECIAL SATURDAY AFTERNOON EVENT

"MILK, COOKIES, & JAZZ" SERIES FOR KIDS
W/ MUSICAL GUEST, SANDY POINDEXTER (VIOLIN)

Time: 2 - 4 pm

A Bay Area native, Sandy Poindexter has traveled nationally and internationally sharing the stage with great artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, and Pony Poindexter (no relation). Sandy has played at the Village Vanguard, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Russian River Jazz Festival and the Great American Music Hall. Sandy also performs with John Handy's group, With Class, and the Cuban ensemble Orchestra la Moderna Tradicion.

This workshop is to help stimulate music education for children, especially when funding for music and art programs have been slashed in the public schools for the past number of years. Not only for public schools, but this is for all kids and their parents interested in learning about music and instrument playing, which we feel is so vital for personal growth.

In partnership with Music In Schools Today, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (The Grammys), SFJAZZ, and other local music-oriented organizations.

December 20th, Saturday

LANNY MORGAN PACIFIC STANDARD, ALTO SAXOPHONIST
5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8:30 pm
2nd Show: 10:30 pm
After Midnight: Ricardo Scales

"A brilliant bebop alto soloist often overlooked because he lives in Los Angeles rather than New York. Lanny Morgan is one of the underrated greats: few can rip through Cherokee with his flow of ideas." – Scott Yarnow.

Morgan first came to prominence in New York, as the young lead alto for Maynard Ferguson's Big Band of the sixties, as well as the MF Sextet of the same era. He has occupied many hot seats in his career – in bands led by Charlie Barnet, Tommy Alexander, Sal Salvador, Howard McGhee, Bill Berry, Bob Florence, Bill Holman, Shorty Rogers, Terry Gibbs and Frank Capp. And, he is a 31 year member of the Grammy-winning Supersax. The most recent Morgan-led recording is an all-Charlie Parker project for Fresh Sound Records, A Suite For Yardbird, Lanny Morgan interprets the compositions of Charlie Parker.

December 21st, Sunday

SPECIAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON EVENT

SUNDAY "GOSPEL BY THE BAY" BRUNCH

Sponsored by Tip Toe Entertainment

Doors open at 1 pm
Gospel begins from 2 - 4:30 pm
With Musical Guest: Reverend O'Neil Robertson

December 21st, Sunday

TAYLOR EGISTI TRIO CD RELEASE PARTY (PIANO)
1st Show: 7:30 pm
2nd Show: 9:30 pm

Truly a Jazz Pheonom! Currently a student at USC, Taylor Egisti has recorded three albums and the rave reviews are coming from all over the planet.

This young man has chops! When he was 14 he mesmerized Dave Brubeck has he played his composition Blue Rondo A La Turk, which Brubeck says is the hardest he's ever written. His first recording Tay's Groove was cut in '99, a trio session featuring veteran bassist Seward McCain and drummer Dan Brubeck. Next came Live At Filoli, last minute replacement for Marian McPartland. Bud Spangler, the producer, recorded it for a radio broadcast, but everything turned out so well, we decided to put it out. After doing Taylor'S Dream, for release in Japan by DIW Records, in 2001, the trio went to work on Resonance.

You have the distinct pleasure of being the first audience to see/hear this genie come out of the bottle with this new release for Bob City. "Jazz is such a pure art form, either mixed with funk or something else, or just as it is. There's so much joy in it. My dream is to help people, especially the ones under twenty-five, see jazz in a different light."

December 24th, Wednesday

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY

December 25th, Thursday

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY

December 26th, Friday

DAYNA SEAN STEPHENS QUARTET
Happy Hour: 5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
1st Show: 8 pm
2nd Show: 10 pm
After Midnight: Ricardo Scales

Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dayna Sean Stephens' grandfather was his major influence. A saxophonist himself, he inspired him to do the same. He picked up the tenor sax at age 13, attending the prestigious Berkeley High School which proved to help him in more ways than one. He won a scholarship to the Julliard School of Music and Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz which offered a two year study program. He chose the Monk Institute in Los Angeles where he studied with Wayne Shorter, Terence Blanchard, Dave Holland, John Scofield, Larry Goldings, Russell Ferrante, Kenny Barron, Lewis Nash, Carl Allen, Steve Turre, Mark Turner, Christian McBride, Billy Childs, Bob Hurst and Ralph Moore. The Institute gave Dayna the opportunity to play and perform with most of these musicians and he also performed with Herbie Hancock and Dave Grusin. In addition, he made a recording with the Institute featuring Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Terence Blanchard which is due out in the fall of 2003.

December 27th, Saturday

GERALD BECKETT QUARTET | OPENS WITH DAMON MASTERSON
5 – 7 pm: Ricardo Scales
Opening Act w/ Damien Masterson: 8 pm
1st Show: 9 pm
2nd Show: 11 pm
After Midnight: Damien Masterson

Born in Berkeley, CA, Damien Masterson started playing harmonica at age 14, inspired by Blues masters Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and Sonny Terry, to name a few. At the age of 16 he received as a gift an alto sax. The theory he learned through sax lesson, he applied it to another gift, the chromatic harmonica. At 15 he was introduced to Altaneze Taylor, the founder of Bright Moments Music Lovers' Club. Through her organization, he met and studied with professional musicians and learned about Jazz History and Culture. After Cal State Hayward, he left for an exchange program ("Intercambio") in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he lived, studied and played for two years. After nine consecutive visits to Havana, Cuba, he produced "Cubacambio", reflecting his passion for world music.

"Flutist Gerald Beckett has a powerful way of expressing an extensive range of moods, while maintaining a genuine post-bop feel." - Elaine Washington, JazzReview.com

This has been one of many ways critics have described the playing of flutist Gerald Beckett. His first CD entitled "Black Eyes" released last year, made the top 50 of the Jazz Week Charts. A graduate of the University of North Texas, Beckett has been in San Francisco since 1985. He studied classical flute at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music for 7 years. He has also studied jazz with the likes of Mel Martin, Brian Prado, John Gove, and others. He brings exciting performance to Club Jazz Nouveau featuring a wide range of musical styles from McCoy Tyner to Joe Sample.

"With all the saxophone players out there today, the number of jazz flute artists is miniscule by comparison, Beckett shows that he belongs in the mix and has both skills and style to be a force in this underrepresented genre." - Carmen Miller,JazzUSA.com.

December 28th, Sunday

SPECIAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON EVENT

SUNDAY "GOSPEL BY THE BAY" BRUNCH

Sponsored by Tip Toe Entertainment

Doors open at 1 pm
Gospel begins from 2 - 4:30 pm
With Musical Guest: Morris Le Grande

December 28th, Sunday

SISTER LEE
1st Show: 7:30 pm
2nd Show: 9:30 pm

December 31st, New Year's Eve, Wednesday

ROLANDO MORALES
6 pm: Ricardo Scales
8 pm: Walter Earl
10 pm & Thereafter: Rolando Morales

If you like Latin-jazz, flamenco, samba and Afro-Cuban grooves with a rock/funk edge, you're in the right place. If you like world-class fire power provided by top international musicians, Rolando Morales is for you.