THE COOKERS

“genuine all-stars” – The Guardian

“Individually, they’ve been at the core of the post-bop jazz scene for decades. As a group, they’ve been thrilling audiences around the world for the past 5 years.” – NPR

“A dream team of forward-leaning hard-bop” – NY Times

After fourteen years together, The Cookers, who “embody the serious-as-death commitment that it took to thrive on the New York scene some four decades ago” (The Boston Globe), recently released their sixth album, Look Out!, with the latest offering of fresh, challenging, boundary-pushing music from these legendary, revered, veteran improvisers.

This exciting all-star ensemble of Billy Harper, Cecil McBee, George Cables, David Weiss, Eddie Henderson, Craig Handy and 2021 NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart. summons up an aggressive mid ‘60s spirit with a potent collection of expansive post-bop originals marked by all the requisite killer instincts and pyrotechnic playing.

Hart and Henderson were members of Herbie Hancock’s groundbreaking Mwandishi group; Cecil McBee anchored Charles Lloyd’s great ’60s quartet alongside Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette; Billy Harper was part of Lee Morgan’s last group, as well as being a member of Max Roach’s Quartet and Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers; while George Cables held down on piano including groups led by Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon and Art Pepper.

David Weiss, the youngest member of the band, has performed with Art Blakey, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Tolliver, Roy Haynes and Herbie Hancock.

Combined, The Cookers have over 250 years of experience in the jazz world and have been a part of over 1,000 recordings!

Pre-show JAZZ CONVERSATION with KEN BODDIE (KOIN)

Ken Boddie is co-anchor of “KOIN 6 News This Morning “ every weekday, and produces a weekly segment called “Where We Live”, which gives Portland viewers the backstory of local landmarks, events, street names, and historical figures.

Ken believes that every story should be written and communicated clearly, accurately, and without bias.

In 2016, Ken was awarded one of Portland’s highest civic honors when he was named an honorary Royal Rosarian. He has received numerous civic awards, and has been recognized by the Associated Press for his work.

Ken is also known for his community work, especially with young people. He is a former Board Member of PDXJazz, which produces the Portland Jazz Festival every February. His support of local musicians is well-known, as he often acts as emcee for events in Portland’s vibrant music scene.

In 2021, Ken won a regional Emmy for his story on his response to a racist letter he received in the fall of 2020.

Ken is also a 2017 recipient of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Silver Circle Award, which is awarded for journalistic excellence with at least 25 years in television. NATAS is the EMMY Awards Organization.

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