CJC’s resident artists, Electric Squeezebox Orchestra, led by the much-in-demand trumpeter, CJC Associate Professor Erik Jekabson (who also heads the CJC Young Musicians Program), a 17-piece big band featuring some of the Bay Area’s top composers, arrangers and performers; appearing with internationally acclaimed vocalist Kalil Wilson, and CJC Resident Poet, Avotcja.
Band Members and Instrumentation
Kalil Wilson, vocals
Avotcja, spoken word
Saxes: Sheldon Brown, Larry Delacruz, Mike Zilber, Marcus Stephens, Charlie Gurke
Trombones: Rob Ewing, Danny Lubin-Laden, Patrick Malabuyo, Rich Lee
Trumpets: Erik Andrews, Erik Jekabson, Darren Johnston, Andrew Stephens
Piano: Steve Blum
Guitar: Sam Klein-Markman
Bass: Peter Barshay
Drums: Jeff Marrs
The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra is the Bay Area’s own 17-piece big band, led by trumpeter Erik Jekabson, playing music composed and arranged by its members. The composers and arrangers, some of the very best in the Bay, draw from a wide variety of influences but always come up with powerful music with groove, beauty and subtlety. The band, which started a steady Sunday residency at the California Jazz Conservatory, has collaborated with a number of special guest artists, including John Santos, Kenny Washington, Alan Ferber, Dayna Stephens, Mads Tolling, Sandy Cressman, Kellye Gray, Avotcja, Spok and Ben Goldberg.
Vocalist Kalil Wilson has become one of the most potent and promising vocalists of his generation. Gifted with a powerful yet nuanced voice and technical versatility that positions him comfortably in jazz, R&B, pop, and even classical, Wilson has earned high marks from the music press and has captivated audiences from Barcelona to Berkeley, with performances that defy easy categorization. His bright reimaginings of jazz standards and originals are well-informed by the rich history of great jazz singing while melding seamlessly with his heartfelt, eclectic stylings.