Jazz Live at the Lyceum Theatre 2009-2011

Jazz Live, presented by the San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum Theatre, brought world-class jazz to downtown San Diego for years. The intimate Lyceum Stage was the perfect setting for these shows - close enough to see the musicians' fingers, with acoustics that let you hear every note. Between 2009 and 2011, I caught numerous incredible performances.

The Legends

Steve Turre

The trombonist and conch shell player brought both technical mastery and playfulness to his performance. Turre's work with Art Blakey, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and countless others makes him a living link to jazz history. Watching him switch between trombone and conch shells (yes, he plays seashells as instruments) was fascinating and musical.

David "Fathead" Newman

Before he passed in 2009, I was fortunate to catch the legendary saxophonist who had played with Ray Charles for twelve years. His Texas tenor sound - bluesy, soulful, and deeply rooted in R&B and jazz traditions - was a privilege to witness. His tone was instantly recognizable, warm and expressive.

Bobby Watson (2010)

The alto saxophonist and former Jazz Messenger brought modern hard bop excellence. His playing is sophisticated, his compositions intelligent, and his ensemble work tight. Watson represents the continuation of the Art Blakey tradition of mentoring young jazz musicians.

Rising Stars

Christian Scott Trio (2009)

The young New Orleans trumpeter (nephew of Donald Harrison Jr.) brought a contemporary edge to jazz. His "stretch music" concept blends jazz with hip-hop, rock, and other genres. His tone is gorgeous, and his compositions push jazz forward while respecting its traditions.

Peter Sprague (2009)

San Diego's own guitar virtuoso performing in his hometown. Sprague's jazz guitar work spans straight-ahead jazz, fusion, and Brazilian influences. His technical skill and musical taste make him one of the finest guitarists on the West Coast.

Mimi Fox Trio (2011)

The jazz guitarist's trio brought modern mainstream jazz with impeccable taste and swing. Fox's guitar playing is lyrical and swinging, and her choice of material showed deep knowledge of the jazz tradition.

Latin Jazz Excellence

Oscar Hernandez & The LA-NY Connection (2011)

The pianist and Spanish Harlem Orchestra founder brought authentic Latin jazz from New York. His piano work, the brass section, the rhythms - it was salsa and Latin jazz at its finest. The crowd couldn't sit still.

Scott Martin Latin Soul Jazz Sextet (2011)

San Diego's premier Latin jazz ensemble brought infectious rhythms and tight arrangements. The blend of jazz improvisation with Latin percussion and rhythms got everyone moving.

The Local Jazz Scene

Jerry Saunders Sextet (2011)

Veteran San Diego jazz bassist Jerry Saunders leading his ensemble through straight-ahead jazz standards and originals.

Theo Saunders Sextet (2011)

Following in his father Jerry's footsteps, Theo Saunders brought his own voice to the San Diego jazz scene.

The Jazz Live Experience

What made Jazz Live special was the commitment to bringing serious jazz to San Diego on a regular basis. The Lyceum's intimate stage meant you weren't just watching jazz - you were experiencing it. You could see the interaction between musicians, hear the subtle dynamics, feel the swing.

The audiences were knowledgeable and appreciative - jazz heads who knew the tradition and could appreciate when someone played something special. The applause after a great solo was immediate and genuine.

The Verdict

Jazz Live at the Lyceum Theatre provided years of world-class jazz in an intimate setting. From legends like Steve Turre and David "Fathead" Newman to rising stars like Christian Scott to local masters like Peter Sprague and the Latin jazz excellence of Oscar Hernandez - these shows represented jazz as a living, evolving art form.

San Diego's jazz scene is deeper than many realize, and Jazz Live was at the heart of it. Thank you to everyone who made these shows possible and to the musicians who brought their artistry to our city.