Nora Free Liberation Quartet with special guest Erika Oba

Nora Free is a jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and experimental improvisor based in Oakland, California. Her music explores the intersection of improvisation, spell-casting, and spiritual ritual.

Her latest project, Liberation Quartet, is a musical love letter, a statement of sonic intentions to aid in the struggle of all beings toward equity and justice. This performance will feature original compositions, and new arrangements of pieces by Geri Allen, Joni Mitchell, and Mary Lou Williams.

Previously an active member of the NYC jazz scene and a frequent studio musician, she has shared the stage with Macy Gray, Tony Allen, Bobby Few, Rasul Siddik, Ichiro One, and Lawrence “Butch” Morris; and has performed as an opening act for David Murray, Geri Allen, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, David “Fathead” Newman, and many others. Nora has appeared domestically and abroad at: SFJAZZ, the Blue Note (NYC), The Bitter End, Le Poisson Rouge, Z’avant-garde (Paris), and The UPercut Jazz Club (Marseille). She has also been featured at The Malcom X Jazz Festival, The Healdsburg Jazz Fest, the Sheboygan World Music Festival, JazzFest Berlin, Jazz à Liège, and the Rochester International Jazz Festival.

Personnel:
Erika Oba - piano
David El - guitar
Alex Holloway - bass
Shawn Myers - drums

Tickets are $20 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Thank you for your support!

Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin