Skylar Tang Quartet
Bay Area native Skylar Tang brings her quartet to Mr. Tipple's, featuring three accomplished local and New York-based musicians in an intimate setting. At just 19, Tang has emerged as one of the brightest young voices in international jazz, sharing stages with Sean Jones, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and appearing on Joshua Redman's latest album Words Fall Short.
Tang's trumpet playing combines dynamic technique with profound compositional vision. Her music seeks to "capture moments where we feel truly present," creating an atmosphere that welcomes and affirms the listener while finding peace within the complexity of young adult life. Her original compositions like "Kaleidoscope" — which won Jazz at Lincoln Center's 2022 Essentially Ellington composition contest — blend thoughtful melodies with open sections that give the quartet room to explore.
Joining Tang are three accomplished musicians who bring depth to this contemporary jazz ensemble. Kazemde George, the Oakland-based saxophonist whose 2021 debut I Insist showcased his gift for streamlined melodies and explorations of African diaspora traditions, adds post-bop sophistication and Afro-Cuban influences. Veteran drummer Akira Tana — who has appeared on over 200 recordings with jazz luminaries including Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, and Jim Hall — provides the rhythmic foundation with his versatile approach spanning post-bop, fusion, and world jazz elements. Jayla Chee, the Juilliard-trained bassist who maintains an active performance schedule at major New York venues like Smalls and Birdland, rounds out the rhythm section.
Expect original compositions that draw from Tang's storytelling-centered creative process, influenced by literature, visual art, and lived experience. The quartet performs music that speaks to "all aspects of the human condition" through innovative arrangements and compelling, dynamic melodies that showcase both individual artistry and collective chemistry. This intergenerational lineup — from Tang's emerging voice to Tana's decades of experience — promises an evening where contemporary jazz innovation meets deep musical wisdom.
