Marcus Shelby's Emerging Artists Sextet

Bassist, bandleader, composer—Marcus Shelby is one of the most prolific, and respected, jazz musicians in San Francisco. He leads the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, an Ellington-style big band that has become a fertile training ground of jazz talent. Shelby steps forward now to introduce five of the most exciting young musicians in the Bay Area. Tenor saxophonist Howard Wiley is a high-octane powerhouse who's performed with SF jazz veterans like Jules Broussard and Bill Stewart. Tenorman Dayna Stephens has the polished, driving style of a veteran. He's studied with masters like Wayne Shorter and Terence Blanchard. Clear-toned trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire has already recorded with leaders like Steve Coleman and Vijay Iyer. Adam Shulman is a swinging young pianist whose improvisational prowess is deepening steadily. Darrell Green is already one of the most musical and driving drummers around these parts. He's backed musicians from Dave Ellis to Jay McShann. Oh, yes—Darrell, Ambrose, Dayna and Howard are all Stanford Jazz Workshop alumni. Marcus Shelby invites you to meet these fascinating young players—musicians poised to help carry jazz to new heights. With Shelby leading the group, expect the arrangements to be sharp, the execution crisp and the vibe to be swinging. Gentleman, start your futures.