Tenor Madness Double Bill: Bob Kenmotsu and James Mahone Quartets

A double bill showcasing the two beloved Jazzschool instructors—and dynamite saxophonists—leading their own quartets, featuring original music and jazz classics.

Bob Kenmotsu Quartet

Bob Kenmotsu, tenor saxophone

Ben Stolorow, piano

Ollie Dudek, bass

Ron Marabuto, drums

A graduate of San Jose State University’s jazz program, saxophonist and composer Bob Kenmotsu spent the first part of his career in New York City, playing and recording with Jack MacDuff, Pat Martino, and Ruth Brown. In 1994, he received a Japan/US Fellowship cultural exchange grant, relocating to Japan and touring extensively until 1997, when he returned to the Bay Area. Kenmotsu currently resides in Berkeley, headlining local clubs and concerts on the West Coast, and continuing to tour Japan annually. The hard-swinging Bob Kenmotsu Quartet plays original compositions, standards, and blues.

James Mahone Quartet

James Mahone, tenor saxophone

Remee Ashley, trombone

Brian Juarez, bass

Malachi Whitson, drums

Saxophonist and composer James Mahone is an active member of the Bay Area music community, working with a multitude of local artists as both bandleader and sideman. His quartet explores the dynamic interplay and invention that is possible with the instrumentation of two horns, bass, and drums—inspired by similar chordless ensembles led by Max Roach, Ornette Coleman, Sam Rivers, Dave Holland, and Sonny Rollins. His group performs original repertoire and arrangements of familiar standards.