McCoy Tyner Tribute

McCoy Tyner performed at the Grand Opening of the SFJAZZ Center in 2013, and this all-star tribute captures the spirit of jazz legend on the very stage he helped christen. Led by saxophonist Joe Lovano, Opening Night of our week in January 2023 celebrating the 10th anniversary of the SFJAZZ Center honored the life, music, and legacy of the late pianist and composer McCoy Tyner, featuring an incredible lineup of musicians who recorded and performed with him over the years.

The multi-generational sextet represents a who’s-who of modern jazz mastery including a horn section with Lovano, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, and saxophonist Gary Bartz with a rhythm section of pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts.

Tyner is one of the most brilliant pianists and commanding leaders in modern music. DownBeat

From his early work with John Coltrane to his peerless career as a composer and bandleader, McCoy Tyner’s impact on jazz has been monumental. He was a major figure in SFJAZZ’s evolution as well, appearing over 10 times on our stages including the historic Opening Night concert at the SFJAZZ Center in January 2013 and his final appearance in June 2016 for an all-star tribute to him featuring Chick Corea, Geri Allen, Kenny Barron, and others.

Joe Lovano’s history with Tyner goes back over two decades and includes numerous concert appearances including the Opening Night concert in 2013, as well as Tyner’s 2007 live masterpiece Quartet featuring iconic drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, whose own experience with Tyner dates to the 1980s beginning with Tyner’s era-defining 1986 Denon release Double Trios. He will command the drum chair on this special night as well.

A superlative alto saxophonist and influential composer, Gary Bartz worked extensively with Tyner starting in the early 1970s, appearing on a half-dozen albums with him into the 1980s and making regular appearances with him on stage well into the 2000s.

Trumpet virtuoso Eddie Henderson performed with Tyner on several occasions and appeared on his 1993 big band album Journey.

The group will be anchored by Tyner’s longtime trio bassist and Music Director Gerald Cannon.