A night with Noel Jewkes is a night of pure, straight-ahead jazz beauty. As prominent Bay Area jazz critic Andrew Gilbert put it, “Jewkes is a compelling, cool-toned tenor player . . . best known as a fluent soloist who can add a jolt of electricity to any musical situation."
Jewkes has been at the heart of the San Francisco jazz world for 40 years, and that heart shines through on every note the saxman plays. Jewkes will be bringing his special sound to Jazz at Pearl's in San Francisco's North Beach District (256 Columbus near Broadway) on Thursday night, December 21, with shows at 8:00 and 10:00 pm.
Jewkes grew up in Salt Lake City in a musical household. His father was a trumpet player and the younger Jewkes played in the family band. Jewkes came to California in the early 60's and landed in San Francisco in 1963.
Over the years, Jewkes has performed with just about everyone in the Bay Area. He's recorded with John Hendricks, Wesla Whitfield, Mary Stallings, Lavay Smith, Mimi Fox, and Larry Vuckovich, as well as his own ensembles. He was on the stage at the legendary Fillmore Street nightspot Bob City and took part in the experimental whirlwind of the late-60's San Francisco rock scene.
With his exquisite phrasing and warm, sinuous sound, Jewkes is a widely sought after session man. He recently appeared on local vocalist Jonathan Poretz's CD, A Lot of Living to Do. In reviews of that release, Dan McClenaghan of AllAboutJazz wrote of “Noel Jewkes' smoky, moody wee hours tenor saxophone," and John Gilbert of ejazznews said, “Poretz' vocal along with a smoldering tenor solo by Noel Jewkes makes 'Then I'll Be Tired Of You' a ballad that that will catch your attention and linger long after the last note."
Pure beauty and pure jazz. That's the sound and style of saxophonist Noel Jewkes.
The Jazz at Pearl's/AAJ 2-for-1 Discount is available for both the 8:00 and 10:00 pm Noel Jewkes performances at Pearl's. Simply write “All About Jazz discount" in the information field when purchasing tickets online at the Jazz at Pearl's website (www.jazzatpearls.com), or ask for the discount when purchasing tickets at the door. All members of your party will be admitted for half off the $15.00 ticket price.
For more information contact Rocket Words.
