PHOTO: Joe Lovano, Jack DeJohnette, Esperanza Spalding & Leo Genovese at SFJAZZ Center

Spalding, Lovano & DeJohnette ©Ronald Davis

They call themselves The Spring Quartet, and their sound is without a doubt fresh. Joe Lovano pulled out an impressive collection of horns and woodwinds, using them interchangeably throughout the night and exploring altissimo on all. Jack DeJohnette, recently honored as an NEA Jazz Master, was ever youthful in spirit, listening and reacting to his younger bandmates, but still driving the bus. He also whipped out a melodica late into the set, playing countermelody to Lovano's delicate flute melodies. Bassist Esperanza Spalding was as eclectic and inventive as ever, from her intrepid bass lines, to her precise whistling, her (by now renowned) singing chops, and something new... she picked up a tenor saxophone, young pianist/keyboardist Leo Genovese suddenly wielded a soprano, joining Lovano for her squawky "Chasing The Shark." Genovese might not have as big a name as the others, but the longtime Spalding collaborator brings tremendous energy, creativity and sound (he rocked at least four keyboards as well as the Steinway). More photos from last night below.

"Chasing The Shark" (Esperanza Spalding)

Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding & Leo Genovese

The Spring Quartet

Four sold out shows this weekend with Bobby Hutcherson, Joey DeFrancesco, David Sanborn & Billy Hart! Keep up with the SFJAZZ Calendar. For more photos from last night, check out SFJAZZ Flickr.