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Barbara Hunter, flute and sax
Bliss Rodriguez, piano
Richard Saunders, bass
Achyutan, drums

Achyutan has been a professional drummer for over 40 years, with musical roots that go back to Kansas City where he studied at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music and played drums for five years with the legendary Jay McShann.

Achyutan has performed with jazz greats John Coltrane, Kenny Burrell, Archie Shepp and Ruswell Rudd.

He enjoyed concert tours in Italy and France with Gato Barbieri, and played throughout the East Coast with the late Pony Poindexter, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson and Booker Ervin.

He has recorded with many jazz legends including Pharoah Sanders and Sonny Simmons, and has mentored more than a few generations of great professional drummers.

Achyutan and Barbara Hunter, a fine and well experienced musician on both flute and saxophone, have long been admired figures on the Bay Area jazz scene. Time to get hip to them both if you’re not already, though it’s not the first time either has graced the Bird & Beckett stage! Barbara, in particular, has made many memorable appearances here, particularly in the era when guitarist Henry Irvin was a centerpiece of our little jazz universe.

As for pianist Bliss Rodriguez, he’s a fabulous and unique player who you’ll be hearing more from at Bird & Beckett.

And Richard Saunders? Decades of experience and a favorite of many a fellow musician and many a jazz fan. A consummate player and a lovely guy.

An afternoon to be happily anticipated and savored in the moment!