Happy Hour
A true collective, Happy Hour is made up of 5 of the top jazz musicians in the Bay Area, all leaders in their own right. Erik Jekabson on trumpet, John Gove on Trombone, Peter Barshay on bass and Jeff Marrs on drums join Michael in this precision, highly innovative and exciting assemblage. All members of the group write and arrange for the quintet, and a unique hallmark is the chordless quintet sound where the horns fill out the harmonies and take the role normally played by a pianist or guitarist. Michael notes that “this is easily the best horn section I have played with in this town. Everyone is a strong improviser and the section blend is fantastic.” Indeed, one of the highlights for audiences is the collective improvisation of the three horns. The truly intuitive and original horn writing is balanced out by the full harmonic approach of Barshay on the Bass and the intense and high energy commentary of Marrs on the drums.
From rearranged Chinese folk tunes to blindingly fast showstoppers to intricate suites, the group has an original and gripping sound that has drawn raves and standing ovations wherever they have performed. Happy Hour is currently in the midst of recording its debut CD, one that they hope to have out in the next 1/2 year. You can read more about them at www.myspace.com/happyhourjazzquintet.