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Harriet Tubman at SFJAZZ

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By Harry S. Pariser
February 8, 2020
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Harriet Tubman
SFJAZZ
San Francisco, CA
January 23, 2020

The electric bass, electric guitar and drum trio

Harriet Tubman

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Harriet Tubman stands apart in the music world. As guitarist

Brandon Ross

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Brandon Ross notes, they are electrified yet based on spiritual influences such as the late

Alice Coltrane

piano
1937 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Alice Coltrane, the late

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane's wife who ran an ashram that Ross had the fortune to visit. Going strong since 1998, the group has found it difficult to find acceptance and, sometimes, gigs. Their two-night gig at SFJAZZ was a rare West Coast opportunity to see them.

Brooklyn born bassist

Melvin Gibbs

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Melvin Gibbs has played on more than 200 albums and has recorded with artists such as drummer

Ronald Shannon Jackson

drums
1940 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Ronald Shannon Jackson, guitarists

Vernon Reid

guitar
b.1958

" data-original-title="" title="">Vernon Reid and

Sonny Sharrock

guitar, electric
1940 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Sonny Sharrock, and saxophonist

John Zorn

saxophone, alto
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">John Zorn. He has also joined numerous groups, such as the avant-metal Rollins Band.

Guitarist Ross has played with artists such as reed players

Henry Threadgill

woodwinds
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Henry Threadgill,

Archie Shepp

saxophone, tenor
b.1937

" data-original-title="" title="">Archie Shepp,

Marion Brown

saxophone, alto
1931 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">Marion Brown and

Oliver Lake

saxophone
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Oliver Lake, as well as with the late pianist

Geri Allen

piano
1957 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">Geri Allen.

Drummer Lewis, a New York City native, has served as a sideman on albums produced by an amazing group of artists including saxophonists

David Murray

saxophone, tenor
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">David Murray and

Henry Threadgill

woodwinds
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Henry Threadgill, pianist

Don Pullen

piano
1941 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Pullen, and vocalists Donna Summer, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston,

Dionne Warwick

vocals
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Dionne Warwick and

Rubén Blades

vocals
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Rub��n Blades.

Taking the stage for their Thursday-night second set, Ross—wearing black and sporting long, thin braids—stood stage right, a mass of pedals and knobs at his feet. Center stage, the white bearded Lewis sported a poncho and a hat. To his left, Gibbs sported dreads and had his red bass at his command ready to produce the low-ringing bass drone of sustained chords he is known for. The band launched into the pulsating "Further Unknown."

"Where We Stand" featured guitar feedback, from Ross; Gibbs bent over, intently plucking his bass strings, and the tune ended with some drum rolls from Lewis. "Phototaxite," a new tune, which has yet to be recorded, followed, with evocative licks from Ross adding to the sonic bouillabaisse.

"No Great Sorrow" started with an extended mention of giant mushrooms in the time of the dinosaurs and had Gibbs plucking his bass at a 45-degree angle while Lewis cultivated the backbeat. Next up, "Glass Exits" offered sonic moans from Ross's guitar, loop effects and sonic moans. "Redemptioning," which was prefaced with an extended rap (during which the audience were lauded for attending), was followed by "Can't Tarry," which concluded the evening.

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