BHC Concert Series presents Paul Hanson, Jeff Denson and Malachi Whitson

UNIQUE JAZZ ORIGINALS AND STANDARDS​

Berkeley-bred jazz bassoonist Paul Hanson (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Jon Batiste, Billy Cobham, Taylor Eigsti) joins forces with bassist and musical cohort Jeff Denson (Lee Konitz, Brian Blade, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman) in a trio format for the first time since 2017. Joining Jeff and Paul is drummer Malachi Whitson (Benny Maupin, Theo Croker, Joshua Redman, Helen Sung). The trio will perform original material and unique renditions of classic and contemporary songs of the Great American Songbook.

Sonically without a classic ‘chordal’ instrument such as piano or guitar, the trio has an open, transparent sound where the richness of Paul’s bassoon 3 1/2 octave range and occasional electric effects create unique sound worlds within each song. Jeff Denson seems to always create a full ensemble sound with his well-placed lines. Adding Jeff’s vocals to this mix alongside the spark and groove of Malachi Whitson on drums, the trio evokes dynamic musical conversations in atmospheric renditions of their combined original material and their favorite songs across the contemporary musical spectrum.

Collectively-the members of this trio have performed all over the world with artists such as Wayne Shorter, Dave Douglas, Jonas Hellborg, Charlie Hunter, Omar Sosa, Bob Moses, Omar Hakim, Billy Higgins and more. Jeff has released at least 16 albums as a leader or co-leader; Paul has released 6 records and both have a sizable catalog of original material from which to pull from for this trio.

Admission: $25 general, $20 students and seniors, $15 Youth and Hillside Club members plus online fees

Host or Publisher Berkeley Hillside Club