GamperDrums FunkJazz

GamperDrums FunkJazz makes a strong case for spending a Wednesday night listening closely. Chris Gamper leads a band that treats Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Freddie Hubbard as starting points rather than sacred texts, leaving plenty of room for the players to push the material somewhere looser and more rhythmic. The lineup also gives the night a distinctly Bay Area character, with pianist Grant Levin alongside musicians drawn from the local jazz and funk scene. Gamper's percussion setup is part of the appeal: he moves between drums, vibraphone, marimba and steel drums, so the sound can shift without losing its pocket. At Biscuits & Blues, the one-set format and intimate room make this a better pick for listeners who want to catch the interplay up close rather than settle in for a marathon concert.