Larry Grenadier

First Meeting is a new ensemble, with four master musicians, each composing and arranging for the group. The result is a nuanced, breath taking and exuberant collection showcasing top-level group interplay. In 1999, multi-Grammy winner Gonzalo Rubalcaba was named one of the greatest 20th-century pianists by Piano & Keyboard Magazine. He has won three Grammys and four Latin Grammys, and has received numerous other prestigious awards. Sir Simon Rattle called him 'the most gifted pianist on the planet,' and Dizzy Gillespie praised him as 'the greatest pianist I've heard in the last 10 years.' Born in Havana in 1963 to a musical family, Gonzalo was a child prodigy who began formal training at age 8 and graduated with a degree in composition. He is globally acclaimed for his contributions to Afro-Cuban jazz. Grammy winner Chris Potter is a leading saxophonist, composer, and soloist of his generation. Acclaimed by Down Beat and Jazz Times, he's known for his improvisation and extensive discography, including 15 leader albums and over 100 sideman appearances. Potter has recorded with jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Steely Dan, earning a Grammy nomination for his solo on Joanne Brackeen's track. His Underground Quartet's 'Ultrahang' showcases their cohesive sound. Today, he continues as a respected bandleader and sideman, with a future full of possibilities. Larry Grenadier, a multi-Grammy nominated bassist, is praised for his intuition and fluid melody. He has collaborated with jazz icons like Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, Brad Mehldau, Paul Motian, and Pat Metheny. Grenadier's career spans three decades, marked by his virtuosity and artistic sensitivity. Grenadier formed a trio with Mehldau in 1994, releasing milestone albums. He also played in Metheny's trio and the Hudson quartet. Grenadier believes empathy is vital in music. Multi-Grammy nominated drummer Eric Harland, has been on nearly 500 recordings and film scores. Recognised by top publications like the Boston Globe and New York Times, he has shared the stage with jazz legends like Betty Carter and Wayne Shorter. Harland currently performs with groups like James Farm, Prism, and Voyager and collaborates with artists like John Mayer and Mariah Carey. He was the resident artistic director at SFJAZZ Center (2014-2016) and attended President Obama's 2016 White House State Dinner. Harland believes life is about creating, not discovering, and aims to offer listeners a profound musical experience.