Smith Dobson Quartet

Bay Area multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson leads his acclaimed quartet through an evening of bebop classics, Great American Songbook favorites, and original compositions. This long-running ensemble held court every Tuesday for nearly a decade at the now-defunct Club Deluxe, establishing them as stalwarts of the San Francisco jazz scene.

Dobson is a member of a remarkable jazz family lineage — his late father Smith Dobson IV was a renowned pianist and director of the influential Jazz Series at Garden City in San Jose, where he accompanied legends like Art Pepper, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, and Chet Baker. Following in those footsteps, Smith V has worked with notable artists including Bobby Hutcherson, Red Rodney, John Handy, and Sheila Jordan.

For this performance, expect Dobson on saxophone leading his seasoned quartet of Keith Saunders on piano, Eric Markowitz on bass, and Brian Fishler on drums. The group delivers what Keys Jazz Bistro describes as "timeless swing with modern edge," drawing from bebop traditions while bringing contemporary sensibilities to their interpretations.

Dobson's musical versatility spans multiple instruments — he's also an accomplished vibraphonist and drummer. His latest musical direction explores jazz influenced by the iconic Lester Young and early swing era, bringing a distinctive voice to classic material. The quartet's repertoire weaves together sophisticated arrangements of songbook standards with inventive original compositions, showcasing both technical prowess and deep musical understanding.

This is part of Keys Jazz Bistro's ongoing commitment to supporting Bay Area artists at all stages of their careers, creating what venue co-owner Dr. Simon Rowe calls "a sanctuary where artists and listeners connect in the moment." The intimate North Beach venue provides an ideal setting for experiencing this quartet's nuanced interplay and Dobson's thoughtful leadership.