anthologysd.com

By Jamie Freedman | SF Music Examiner

Saturday night I was down in San Diego for work and wanted to take my 16-year-old cousin out for a nice evening. Going to the movies didn’t seem special and she’s not the kind of kid I would take to an all-ages punk show. And lets face it, I didn’t want to go to a punk show either. I saw that Anthology is all-ages and that the Count Basie Orchestra was rocking the house for two nights. This legendary Kansas City big band is swinging towards San Francisco and will be performing on May 30th at Davies Hall with Kurt Elling as part of the SFJAZZ spring season.

Celebrating their 75th anniversary, the Basie Band has never sounded better. It’s obvious from the smiles, the goofiness, mutual encouragement and choreography (the trumpet section has it down) that these guys thoroughly enjoy themselves on stage. And with songs titles like “Fun Time,” “Way Out Basie,” Right On Right On” and “Cute” a good time is guaranteed.

Some members of the Basie Band are new, yet the majority of the sound still swings from musicians handpicked by Count Basie himself. I would guess that at least 75 percent of the band is over 50 years old. Bill Hughes is the current director and has been in the band since 1953. That’s pretty incredible if you ask me. Basie hired singer Carmen Bradford in 1982 by when she was 22.

“It was like traveling with your grandpa and great-grandpa,” she said from stage, “but they swing just as hard.”

Anthology is a “classy” (my 16-year-old cousin’s description) establishment unlike any other club I’ve ever been to. The way it’s designed with its stacked four level seating reminds me of theaters and opera houses of past centuries. Everyone in the club has a good seat. And if you’re not quite close enough to see details and the faces of performers, there is a gigantic screen above the stage.

On the tables was a flier (also on their website) congratulating a wide range of 2010 Grammy Nominated artists that have performed on Anthology’s stage including pop acts Death Cab for Cutie and Jason Mraz, jazz acts like Kurt Elling and Jake Shimabukuro and gospel/R&B singer Mavis Staples. With variety like that and the opportunity to come by on Tuesday nights for $5 and check out the Anthology House Band where everything on the menu is $20 or less, this is the perfect all-ages venue for an nice evening out.

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Via SF Music Examiner

World Class Sax

For over a half-century, his searing saxophone has placed Charles McPherson at the forefront of authentic jazz.

“I’m in love with what I do, so I think no matter what you are doing, if you have passion for it, you like doing it, that in itself is invigorating,” Charles said.

Charles was born in Joplin, Missouri.

“Then I moved to Detroit and started playing. When I was about 12, I got an instrument. Trumpet was first and then saxophone at age 13. Then I heard Charlie Parker, when I was about 14 and then that was it,” Charles said.

Charles McPherson gained a worldwide reputation for his work with Charlie Mingus. He is also recognized as one of the mainstays of the bebop movement. In 1978 Charles moved to San Diego and today his sound remains fresh, yet uncompromised.

“Art is its own reward. If you sign up for that kind of life and that kind of quest, then you have to be willing not to be having the world break down your door,” he said.

On Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Anthology, Charles McPherson will celebrate his 70th birthday by headlining an all-star band.

“I would do this in a room if there were not a soul in here, but if I can make other people feel good after they come out and hear me play, then I feel less selfish and I feel I’ve shared whatever it is I have to share,” Charles said.

Happy birthday Charles, and thanks for sharing.

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Via CBS 8 - San Diego

…After my sailing experience, I was up for a little more adventure and was recommended to go to Anthology, the city’s premier dinner theater. Here, you can order dinner or drinks and then enjoy your meal while a live band plays. Now this is a very modern, upscale place - not the oldschool dark and dingy jazz club. Anthology has a house band that plays on Tuesday nights., but on the weekend there are often headliners who sell out the venue. I attended the Candy Dulfer concert and really enjoyed the concept of being entertained while enjoying some appetizers and wine. Anthology has got to be one of the all-time greatest date spots, so check it out when you are in town.

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By Hayley, Editor En Route of EstatesWest.com • May 28th, 2009

Weep for joy
Branford Marsalis’ march to immortality a mix of emotions
By George Varga
March 26, 2009

Since becoming an internationally acclaimed young lion of jazz in the 1980s, Branford Marsalis has worked tirelessly to master his instrument. Today, the multiple Grammy Award-winning saxophonist wants to master the music itself.

“One of the things I noticed as I hit my 30s is that, too often, we don’t differentiate between musicians and instrumentalists,” he said.

“And I’ve noticed that, too often, superior technique and virtuosity is misconstrued as musicianship, which it isn’t. It’s just superb technique. Because I spent so much time trying to achieve it, and failing, I’ve started to understand the power of sound and how you can use sound to create emotion. That’s the greatest challenge – and asset – an instrumental musician can have.”

Marsalis performs here with his quartet Tuesday and Wednesday at downtown’s all-ages Anthology, where he’ll be making his first San Diego appearance since 1999…..

Click here to read the rest of the article.

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When: Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Where: Anthology, 1337 India St., downtown

Tickets: $29 and $35

Phone: (619) 595-0300

Online: anthologysd.com

Beginning with his tenure in the John Coltrane Quartet, with which he toured and recorded from early 1960 until late 1965, this four-time Grammy Award-winner developed a uniquely rhythmic piano style that deftly combined finesse and heady intensity.

“It’s important to stay creative, and sometimes you put yourself in these positions with different musical personalities,” said Tyner, whose Tuesday and Wednesday shows at Anthology mark his first area club dates since he played North Park’s long-defunct International Blend in the early 1980s.

Read more here.