Tyner’s current band features bassist Gerald Cannon and Eric Kamau Gravatt (Weather Report) on drums. It also frequently includes alto saxophonist Gary Bartz, another major figure and longtime Tyner collaborator who nonetheless gets “special guest” billing in most cases. A caveat, however: Tyner’s live performances are inconsistent. He can transcend, he can electrify, and he can bore mightily; sometimes his playing says as pointedly as words “I’m just going through the motions.” But if you’re a jazz fan who has never seen this towering figure play before, that shouldn’t deter you for a second.
The McCoy Tyner Quartet featuring Gary Bartz performs at 7:30 p.m. at Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $39.50.
Photo: sfweekly.com