Sponsored by Robert Couly
Renowned Bay Area tenor saxophonist Noel Jewkes—often referred to as “Dr. Legato” —brings his premier ensemble to the Bach. With a career spanning over six decades, Jewkes has earned his place among the region’s jazz legends.
Born into a musical family in Utah, Jewkes launched his professional journey after relocating to Sacramento in 1961. Since then, he has toured with the likes of Jon Hendricks and performed with countless notable artists including Wesla Whitfield, Mary Stallings, Paula West, Kay Kostopoulos, Mike Greensill, Lavay Smith, and Pat Yankee to name a few. Jewkes is also a regular collaborator with pianist Larry Vuckovich, and the two have recorded several acclaimed albums together—among them Young at Heart: A Tribute to Lester Young, which prompted New York critic Gary Giddins to describe Jewkes as a true “Youngian.” A familiar presence at the Bach, Jewkes has graced the venue many times over the years, most recently alongside Vuckovich. This time, however, the spotlight is solely on Jewkes himself, a titan of the tenor sax who has unquestionably earned his due.
Noel Jewkes – Sax, Flute; Matt Clark – Piano; Chris Amberger – Bass; Mark Lee – Drums
