Jeremy Steinkoler has been an active participant on the Bay Area jazz scene for more than a decade, collaborating with a wide array of players, including guitarists Adam Levy and Andre Bush. He started making a name for himself as a leader with his hard-swinging quartet. But he's definitely reached a new level with Mo'Fone. Judging by his new album, 'Surf's Up' (Evander Music), this extraordinary trio is one of the hottest bands to surface in a long while. Featuring saxophonists Larry De La Cruz and Jim Peterson, who alternate on alto and baritone, the group has developed a stomping repertoire, from Weather Report's classic 'Black Market' and John Scofield's 'Kool' to Led Zeppelin's 'Black Dog' and Jimi Hendrix's 'Manic Depression.' The group came together about two years when Steinkoler had a monthly gig at Cato's Ale House in Piedmont.
The chemistry was so strong that they kept at it, developing material that fit the instrumentation. The concept works because Steinkoler's drumming is so orchestral, filling up just enough space so that the band's sound is always crunchy and satisfying. Steinkoler performs with both his quartet and Mo'Fone at Yoshi's on August 25 in one of Jazz In Flight's last gigs at the club."