Mads Tolling · Sam Reider · Sam Bevan
Two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Mads Tolling and Latin Grammy-nominated pianist/accordionist Sam Reider present Django to Tango, a captivating musical journey from the fiery swing of Django Reinhardt's gypsy jazz to the sultry rhythms of Argentine tango. Joined by versatile bassist Sam Bevan, this trio blends virtuosity with playful improvisation, reimagining classics and unveiling original works that bridge continents and centuries.
Mads Tolling, the 2016 DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star Violin Award winner, brings his deep classical training and jazz mastery to this genre-bending collaboration. A former member of the Turtle Island Quartet and Stanley Clarke's band, Tolling has recently spent considerable time touring and recording with the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir and Wolf Bros. His approach to performance emphasizes musical storytelling filled with rhythm, romance, and spontaneity.
Sam Reider is known for his genre-defying work that seamlessly weaves together jazz, folk, bluegrass, and contemporary composition. His versatility on both piano and accordion allows him to explore the full spectrum from intimate ballads to driving dance numbers, and his collaborations span from Jon Batiste to Paquito D'Rivera, with appearances on NPR's Tiny Desk.
Sam Bevan anchors the trio with his command of jazz, Afro-Cuban, funk, and folk traditions. A prominent figure in the Bay Area jazz scene who has worked with David Grisman, Joshua Redman, and Joe Locke, Bevan brings the depth, groove, and interplay that gives this collaboration its foundation.
The Django to Tango project represents Tolling's continued exploration of new musical territories since the pandemic, reflecting his desire to integrate diverse musical influences into duo and trio settings. Expect an evening where classical technique meets jazz improvisation, where European folk traditions dance with Latin rhythms, and where three accomplished musicians engage in musical dialogue that celebrates both heritage and innovation.