Erik Jekabson Quartet plays Early Miles

Bay Area trumpeter Erik Jekabson brings his quartet to Keys Jazz Bistro for a special exploration of Miles Davis's early period recordings. Known for his work as a composer, arranger, and educator, Jekabson leads several ensembles including his acclaimed String-tet, which showcases his deep affinity for Duke Ellington and Gil Evans by blending jazz sensibilities with orchestral textures.

Jekabson's approach to chamber jazz draws from his background arranging for the San Francisco Symphony, BBC Radio Orchestra, and Utah Symphony, as well as his role directing the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra at the California Jazz Conservatory. As one reviewer noted, "Jekabson and strings really snap into place" — though this performance features his quartet format, expect the same sophisticated harmonic sensibility that has made his String-tet recordings standout releases.

The trumpeter has toured with notable artists including Illinois Jacquet, John Mayer, and Galactic, bringing both technical precision and creative vision to his performances. His 2011 album Anti-Mass, supported by a grant from the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music, featured Grammy Award-winning violinist Mads Tolling and demonstrated his ability to commission and arrange complex works for chamber ensembles.

For "Early Miles," Jekabson will explore the formative recordings that established Davis as a major voice in bebop and cool jazz. This repertoire showcases the harmonic sophistication and melodic invention that influenced generations of jazz musicians, interpreted through Jekabson's contemporary lens as both a skilled arranger and thoughtful bandleader.

Jekabson maintains a regular presence on the Bay Area jazz scene, running Wednesday night jam sessions at Jupiter and bringing his various ensembles to venues throughout the region. His partnership with Wide Hive Records has produced several acclaimed releases, including work with tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington in the Throttle Elevator Music series.