September 2016 • Jazz Cafe

September 9, 8 -10PM • Shikantaza

The musical group Shikantaza (Doug Miller, piano, Bernhard Geiger, acoustic bass, Brandon Lewin, percussion, and Tanya Saunders, vocalist) explores the jazz canon and songs from “The Great American Songbook.” They make familiar works uniquely their own, as well as performing original compositions developed improvisationally. Their eclectic repertoire draws inspiration not just from jazz and popular music, but also from folk, classical, gospel, rock, and even country western genres.

Doug Miller (piano), along with Brandon Lewin, is a founding member of the jazz trio Shikantaza. When not performing, he devotes himself to musical research, composition, and production of recorded music.

Brandon Lewin (percussion) has evolved a light, nuanced style through over 40 years of professional performing. His spiritual pulse provides the “centering point” of the ensemble’s sound. He is also a Coach of Mindfulness Meditation with ‘Ease and Lightness.’

Bernhard Geiger (acoustic bass) hails from the Black Forest region of Germany. From the age of ten he studied piano and organ, then at twenty, he started playing the double bass. He has performed with numerous jazz ensembles and big bands both in the States and in Europe. By day he is a patent developer.

Tanya Saunders (vocalist) has performed in many community theater and summer stock productions, and in a European tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “West Side Story.”  Throughout her life she has played an active role in church music, as singer, organist, and choral director.

The word shikantaza refers to a form of Japanese ZenBuddhist meditation. It literally translates as just sitting.  The flow that is Shikantaza’s trademark is punctuated by precise dynamic and rhythmic movements. Its music is saturated with meaning, melody, and haunting harmonies.

For more information, visit shikantazamusic.org.

October 7 • The Eric Mintel Quartet
November 4 • Joe & Rosie
December 9 • Adelante