Arthur Blythe in Oakland

[David Gitin]

Arthur Blythe played his first gig in Oakland in many years, at Yoshi's, accompanied by Bob Stewart and Gust Tsilis (bass marimba), with last-minute change in drummers, Eddie Marshall in for Cecil Brooks III who had 'personal problems.' The group played intricate, thoughtful music, featuring many of AB's classics: Lenox Avenue Breakdown, Bush Baby, As of Yet, Odessa, alongside C.C.Rider and others, two generous sets.

[jazzfiend]

Thanks, David. Wish I could have been there.

Must have caught that cold you had awhile back.

[Mike Schwartz]

Saw the 2nd set and David again, a pleasant twofer if there ever was...

That was wonderful music!
After those guys, you go home thinking every band should have a tuba and a bass marimba;-)

I've never seen Eddie Marshall play like that.
In fact I've never seen him play better!! You would have thought he were a long standing member of Blythe's group, and as Arthur introduced the band he was spot on when he introduced Marshall as "masterful"

Every time I see Bob Stewart, I go away once again convinced that he's got to be one of the best all around musicians I've ever seen, as one of the reigning Kings on his instrument, how easy it is to forget altogether about having a tuba in a band in the first place. AMAZING!

Tsilis was pretty mean too.

The Blythe compositions and the way he presents them make it so easy for the themes to be utilized over and over again, shared, explored, to where it comes across at times like a leaderless band, where every member on practically every selection gets to manipulate, play around with and share the mutual experience and the entire composition. What a treat and a happy experience...too many years for me in between the last time I saw Blythe.

[Tom Storer]

The last time I saw Blythe was with a large-ish ensemble, percussion-rich; it was a superb concert. His live sets have never disappointed me. I hope he swings through Paris with that band!