The Kurt Ribak Trio
Berkeley bassist Kurt Ribak returns to the intimate bookstore setting at Bird & Beckett fresh off an engagement at SFJazz, leading two sets of original compositions alongside longtime collaborators and special guest Scott Larson on trombone.
Ribak's music blends bebop sophistication with groove-oriented writing influenced by Charles Mingus, The Meters, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. KCSM disc jockey Chris Cortez has praised Kurt's "ability to take you on a journey from the deepest waters of the Caribbean to the funky alleys of the urban jungle in one listening," capturing the rhythmic versatility that makes his compositions work equally well in intimate venues and larger halls.
Joining Ribak on upright bass is Lincoln Adler on saxophone, known for his soul jazz approach with hip-hop rhythms and cohesive improvisation. The saxophonist has performed with major artists including Katy Perry and Jeff Goldblum while leading his own Times 4 quartet. On guitar is Scott Foster, a longtime collaborator who has been performing with Ribak for over 30 years. Foster is a regular at Bird & Beckett, bringing freshly conceived combos to the venue monthly and emphasizing counterpoint and conversation within the jazz standard tradition.
Special guest Scott Larson adds trombone to the mix. The San Francisco Bay Area-based trombonist has performed with jazz legends including Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bill Berry, bringing over two decades of experience to the ensemble.
Ribak describes Bird & Beckett as "a very special place" in Glen Park's charming neighborhood, close to BART, with an outstanding book selection featuring local authors and a select choice of CDs and LPs. The venue's intimate setting and BYOB policy create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for Ribak's sophisticated yet accessible compositions that span post-bop, jazz-funk, and Latin jazz influences.
This performance is underwritten by Jazz in the Neighborhood's Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund, supporting sustainable performing opportunities for local musicians.
