Bassist

A multi-generational powerhouse band far greater than the sum of their legendary parts, The Cookers have each made an estimable mark on the jazz world as both leaders and sidemen since the 1960s. Founded by acclaimed trumpeter David Weiss, the band is made up of a dizzying array of jazz giants.

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The Cookers

SFJAZZ Center

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of First Mondays, curated by Artistic Director Laurence Lesser. Programs feature well-loved classics and new compositions, performed by some of the finest chamber musicians in the world, free and open to all. First Mondays are fresh and full of imaginative pairings of well-loved classics and new works, performed in one of the finest places on the planet to hear music of this caliber: NEC’s own Jordan Hall.

First Monday at Jordan Hall: December

New England Conservatory

Experience counts, especially in jazz. The more time musicians spend interpreting tunes and interacting with others, the more articulation an audience can expect. You can hear the fruits of such work in the expressive language The Cookers bring to the bandstand and to their six critically acclaimed recordings, Warriors, Cast the First Stone, Believe, Time and Time Again (which was the iTunes Jazz CD of the year in 2014), The Call of the Wild, Peaceful Heart and Look Out!. This exciting all-star septet 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 expected of some of the heaviest hitters on the scene today.

The Cookers Featuring Billy Harper, Eddie Henderson, David Weiss, Donald Harrison, George Cables, Cecil McBee & Billy Hart

Soka Performing Arts Center

Faculty members of NEC's Jazz and Contemporary Musical Arts programs present a collection of representative works.

Bassist

Cecil McBee

Events

Past events

Oct 17, 2025

The Cookers · San Francisco Jazz

Dec 2, 2024

First Monday at Jordan Hall: December · New England Conservatory

About

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