Sam's Corner

This month at Sam's Corner, there is a return to the classic piano trio format. In addition to the wide-ranging, genre-hopping piano wizardry of Sam Rudin, we can be sure that there will be some wonderful chemistry between Jeremy Steinkoler, Sam's always on-point first call drummer, and newly recruited bassist Sam Bevan.

And yes, the band had been hoping to continue with Daniel Fabricant, the bassist with whom Jeremy had forged an unbeatable connection, excitedly touted in past promotional messages. Unfortunately, Daniel is just too busy, and regretfully had to bow out.

So how can they be so sure that this chemistry will reproduce itself with a new bassist? Well, VERY FORTUNATELY, they have obtained the services of a great bassist who has been playing in New York for these past 15 years, and has just recently returned to the Bay Area. Not only does Sam Bevan have the necessary skills to go in whatever direction the band happens to go, he is also old friends with Jeremy. Years ago they played together all the time, and, as has happened with Daniel, he and Jeremy have established a great musical bond! So the band is all set!

(One small problem...there are now two people in this trio named Sam, which could be a little confusing. So let's be clear: the "Sam" of "Sam's Corner" is Sam Rudin, who is also, by the way, the founder/manager of The Back Room).

In case you don't know, although Sam's repertoire stylistically spans the entire 20th century of American music, and includes some unexpected delights (Bluegrass piano?), it revolves mainly around the well-known intersection of blues and jazz.   

It also relies heavily on the boldest sort of improvising. Sam (Rudin) is likely, after the first verse, to jump off a musical cliff, just for the sheer joy of seeing where he will land.  In Sam (Bevan) and Jeremy, he has found willing partners for these courageous leaps.  By mutual consent, their adventures stay within conventional boundaries of harmony and rhythm. But that still leaves a lot of room for exploring the exciting world of "Hey, what's that over there!?" 

"(Sam Rudin is) a master of musical Americana... his scope is near limitless... an enormous talent." - East Bay Express

*EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: TWO-FOR-ONE!
For a limited time, tickets are 2-for-$20. Bring a friend and get a deal!

Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.