Jim Witzel Trio with Wil Blades, organ
Jim Witzel
Witzel attended San Francisco State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1975. While an undergrad he composed film scores and original music for his jazz group, along with extensive freelance work around the Bay Area. He had worked with artists such as John Handy, Mark Isham, Art Lande, Mel Martin, Glen Cronkhite and Mike Clark. In 1989, Witzel Jim recorded his first solo outing as a leader, Up Until Now, featuring bassist John Pattitucci and drummer Ralph Penlan.
Wil Blades
From cookin’ with blues legend John Lee Hooker, organ summits with B-3 master Lonnie Smith, television and radio appearances, Wil Blades is gaining critical acclaim and international recognition. Blades, a native Chicagoan, has become the Bay Area’s first-call organist and has been named “Rising Star” for organ in the Downbeat critics poll every year since 2006.