Jason Gillenwater Quartet

Saxophonist, composer, and educator Jason Gillenwater brings his quartet to Mr. Tipple's intimate recording studio setting for an evening showcasing Bay Area jazz at its finest. Since relocating from New York City in 2011, Gillenwater has established himself as one of the region's most sought-after musicians, maintaining an active presence with ensembles like Jazz Mafia's Realistic Orchestra, the Doug Miller Quartet, and the Grammy-winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra. His distinguished background includes a tenure as featured soloist with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and serving as a United States Jazz Ambassador, touring internationally under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

All About Jazz NY praised Gillenwater as "a gifted improviser with a tendency for gutbucket honks and squawks, reminiscent of a young and fiery Joe Henderson or possibly Tony Malaby." His recorded work includes contributions to Amanda Monaco's album 'Intention,' where reviewers noted his ability to combine "tone and speed with a penchant for stretching the limits" and his skill at conveying both forceful energy and "smoky pathos."

Joining Gillenwater is pianist Armaan Mishra, a San Francisco Conservatory student who brings both classical training and a dedication to music's therapeutic applications. Bassist Isaac Coyle, a 2023 Berklee graduate who has quickly emerged as one of the Bay Area's top young voices, collaborates regularly with Terri Lyne Carrington's Grammy-winning New Standards band. Drummer Greg Wyser-Pratte rounds out the quartet — a versatile percussionist with 25+ years of teaching experience who has appeared on over 25 full-length albums and performs with groups including the Dan Cray Trio.

The quartet performs contemporary jazz that draws from post-bop traditions while embracing modern sensibilities, with Gillenwater's tenor saxophone leading explorations that range from melodic storytelling to more adventurous harmonic territory.