Tuesday, Jul 29, 2025 at 8:00pm
For over five decades, the Stanford Jazz Festival has been home to iconic performances, from legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz to groundbreaking artists like Joshua Redman and Bill Frisell. This year, we’re proud to continue that tradition with 26 extraordinary artists and bands over six weeks of vibrant music and culture.
This summer, we celebrate jazz’s rich roots and its global connections. From the swinging sounds of jazz standards to the rhythms of Brazil and Cuba, our lineup promises a dynamic journey. We’re thrilled to open with Fred Hersch Trio, named Jazz Group of the Year by DownBeat Magazine. Don’t miss the Jeremy Pelt Quintet performing selections from his new album Woven, and be captivated by Ken Peplowski’s interpretation of Charlie Parker’s Unheard Bird. John Pizzarelli celebrates the 40th anniversary of his debut album, while Joel Ross brings vibraphone mastery with his band Good Vibes. Lizz Wright’s soulful vocals and George Cables’ hard bop piano mastery will close out the festival in style.
Each concert is a unique experience, with collaborations and performances you won’t find anywhere else. The Stanford Jazz Festival remains a space where musical boundaries are pushed, and new creative possibilities emerge.
Tue, 7/29/2025 @ 8:00 PM
George Cables and Friends
BOLD BEBOP BEAUTY
A living jazz legend and a post-bop pioneer, George Cables has played with nearly every leading jazz artist since the mid-’60s, and continues to expand this list at this burning show.
A true giant of jazz piano, George Cables returns to the Stanford Jazz Festival with his stellar quartet, featuring saxophonist . Cables’ signature impeccable touch, deep sense of groove, and limitless creativity have made him one of jazz’s most influential pianists, shaping the hard bop and post-bop landscapes.
Having recorded with icons like Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, Art Pepper, Bobby Hutcherson, Woody Shaw, and Freddie Hubbard, Cables’ work is woven into the fabric of jazz history. Yet, he remains an ever-evolving artist, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners alike. The New York City Jazz Record declares, “He is a piano giant,” while NPR praises his solos for their “deep sense of groove and pacing.”
Don’t miss this chance to witness Cables’ fire, artistry, and sheer mastery—his performances aren’t just concerts, they’re transformative experiences.
Made possible by Bonnie Rattner
Personnel:
George Cables, Piano
Essiet Okon Essiet, Bass
Sylvia Cuenca, Drums
Cost: $20.00 - $62.00
