Pianist McCoy Tyner is one of the working legends of his generation, an artist whose long and diverse career spans the heyday of bop, the emergence of Coltrane, and the evolution of the complex structures that are hallmarks of modern jazz. His percussive attack, orchestral voicings, and modal harmonics have influenced several generations of musicians, and his ongoing work exemplifies the life of a creative artist constantly seeking to grow and respond. In the context of this never-ending exploration, Tyner began an annual series of residencies at the famed Oakland club, Yoshi’s, back in 1995. Tyner celebrates eleven years of a gig that combines workshop and showcase with his usual two-week format: Week One (January 24-29) features the pianist in an amazing quartet with contemporary legends Joe Lovano (tenor sax), Dave Holland (bass), and Lewis Nash (drums). Week Two (January 31-February 5 will reunite Tyner with his 2005 compatriots of a younger generation, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, bassist Charnett Moffett, and drummer Eric Harland, along with vibes master Bobby Hutcherson.

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"Eric Harland (Drums): An ordained minister as well as a leading drummer on the national scene, Eric Harland has performed with jazz legends like Betty Carter, Joe Henderson, and McCoy Tyner, and has played on more than 25 recordings, including Terence Blanchard's Let Get Lost and Stefon Harris' Black Action Figure. In Down Beat 's 65th Annual Readers Poll, he was included in the short list of top drummers, in the company of masters like Elvin Jones and Roy Haynes."

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Charles Lloyd, "Jumpin the Creek" (ECM)

"Over the past decade, Lloyd has not-so-quietly re-emerged with a series of critically received recordings. With pianist Geri Allen, bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Eric Harland, "Jumping the Creek" is typical Lloyd: reflective, alluring and impassioned free blowing. Some of the best moments occur on "Georgia Bright Suite," which is ostensibly two songs, "Pythagoras at Jeckyll Island" and "Sweet Georgia Bright," and provides the best example of Lloyd's tenderness and tenacity."

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The SFJAZZ Collective will make its Orange County Performing Arts Center debut on March 17 and 18 with a program honoring the works of Herbie Hancock. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. both evenings in Founders Hall.

Led by artistic director Joshua Redman, the SFJAZZ Collective celebrates jazz as a vital and ever-changing art form. Each year, the eight member all-star group divides its repertoire between new works written by each of the band’s members and works by a modern jazz artist. Legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock is the focus of this year’s tour.

Members of the 2006 SFJAZZ Collective are Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone), Joshua Redman (saxophone), Eric Harland (drums), Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Matt Penman (bass), Renee Rosnes (piano), Miguel Zenón (saxophone) and Andrew Hayward (trombone).

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