Electric Squeezebox Orchestra
The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra continues its Sunday afternoon residency at the Jazzschool with a showcase of what makes this 17-piece ensemble essential Bay Area listening: original compositions and arrangements by its members, drawn from the region's finest players.
Led by trumpeter Erik Jekabson, the ESO has built a reputation as "one of the most imaginative figures on the Bay Area creative jazz scene," according to The Mercury News. The band operates as a roiling creative community, constantly workshopping new material written by its rotating cast of composers and arrangers. Expect post-bop sophistication, Latin rhythms, and chamber jazz textures — influences that draw from Duke Ellington and Gil Evans while pushing into contemporary territory.
This performance features resident poet Avotcja, whose commanding spoken-word delivery brings jazz poetry into conversation with the orchestra's intricate arrangements. Her improvisational style and jazz-influenced poetry have earned her stages alongside legends like Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Betty Carter, and her collaboration with the ESO has been documented on their albums and in a dedicated recording session.
The band's five-saxophone frontline includes Kasey Knudsen, recognized by Paste Magazine as one of 10 Female Instrumentalists Who Redefine Jazz; Beth Schenck, a versatile force in West Coast chamber music; Cory Wright, who's collaborated with Anthony Braxton and Yusef Lateef; and Charlie Gurke, active in both jazz and Latin music scenes. The trombone section features Sarah Roo Cline, founder of the groundbreaking JazzGirls Day workshop, alongside Patrick Malabuyo and GRAMMY-winning low brass specialist Rich Lee.
The trumpet section brings together GRAMMY winner Henry Hung, who's performed with David Byrne and the Decemberists; Christopher Clarke, a veteran of major festivals including Monterey and Fillmore; and Edward Evans, who's shared stages with Terrance Blanchard and Chris Potter.
Pianist Anne Sajdera integrates Czech classical training with Brazilian jazz and Hindustani raga, while guitarist Tri Phạm brings contemporary influences from Kurt Rosenwinkel and Julian Lage. The rhythm section is anchored by Lisa Mezzacappa, called "one of the most imaginative figures on the Bay Area creative jazz scene," and David Rokeach, whose 30-year career includes tours with Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin.
Reviewers describe ESO performances as "equal parts exacting artistry and nonchalant derring-do," with the band tackling complex charts with both relaxed intensity and workshop spontaneity. The vibe is casual yet committed — like watching musicians push boundaries in real time, making micro-adjustments mid-flight. Past albums have earned four-and-a-half stars from DownBeat and praise for their "powerful music with groove, beauty and subtlety."
