Sunday, February 4, 2024

7:30 PM

Next up, on Sunday, February 4, is acclaimed pianist-keyboardist James Francies, making his San Diego debut as a leader with Mike Moreno on guitar and Damion Reid on drums. Since his debut album Flight on the legendary Blue Note Records label entranced listeners in 2018, Francies has expanded personal explorations of sound bending and orchestral approaches to the music. Collaborations across stylistic realms—including those with Childish Gambino, Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, Common, Eric Harland, Marcus Miller, DJ Dahi, and Lauryn Hill—have enhanced his development and refined his sound. In issuing Purest Form, his second Blue Note release, Francies accesses intimate chambers of his artistry, interpreting love, grief, frailty, and fortitude. Francies’ expression blooms across borders of genre and style. He nurtures a fascination with melody and texture.

The New York Times called him, “a pianist with liquid dynamism in his touch,” and DownBeat commented, “The pianist doesn’t so much compose music as conjure fascinating nebulae of sound.” WBGO wrote, “James Francies is an unusually precocious talent: a pianist and composer who has already become a regular fixture alongside artists like Pat Metheny and Chris Potter … Francies is setting his own coordinates.”

The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert.

Masks optional. If you have a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms, please stay home.