Will Bernard Quartet

Grammy-nominated guitarist Will Bernard brings his signature blend of jazz, funk, rock, and avant-garde styles to the intimate confines of Mr. Tipple's. Bernard has spent decades crafting his distinctive voice, combining the cultural richness of the Bay Area with downtown New York edge and New Orleans funk. A longtime collaborator with Charlie Hunter and versatile player who's worked with everyone from Don Cherry to John Medeski, Bernard's groove-driven improvisations and boundary-pushing compositions have earned him respect across experimental and contemporary jazz scenes.

Joining Bernard are three stellar Bay Area musicians who know how to lock into his inventive grooves. Saxophonist Kasey Knudsen, recognized by Paste Magazine as one of 10 Female Instrumentalists Who Redefine Jazz, brings post-bop sophistication and avant-garde sensibility to the frontline. Bassist Sam Bevan seamlessly blends jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban influences, having collaborated with artists from Joshua Redman to David Grisman. Drummer Deszon Claiborne, who studied with Billy Cobham and has performed with Peter Apfelbaum and Taj Mahal, anchors the rhythm section with his world music-influenced approach.

Bernard's live performances are known for their infectious energy and musical chemistry. As one reviewer noted after seeing his group at The Falcon, "the groove was monumental right from the jump" and "we were all laid out like stunned, happy cordwood when they finished their work." Expect rich guitar tones, intricate rhythmic interplay, and compositions that move seamlessly between head-nodding funk grooves and more adventurous sonic territory. This quartet formation promises the perfect blend of Bernard's melodic sensibility and the collective improvisation that makes each performance unique.