IT'S a Herculean task for a drummer to steal the show when he's playing behind mega-talents such as Berkeley-born saxophonist Joshua Redman and San Mateo County's own vibes-legend Bobby Hutcherson.

Meet Eric Harland, now known in these parts as Hercules.

The fiery Texas-born drummer, who has set the beat for the likes of McCoy Tyner, Greg Osby and Charles Lloyd, was an absolutely dominating presence during the SFJAZZ Collective concert Friday night at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco.

Click here to read Jim Harrington's review at Inside Bay Area.