Join us at Unit B for an evening of adventurous interpretations drawn from the extraordinary catalogue of Wayne Shorter — the legendary American composer, saxophonist, and one of the most influential musical voices of the modern jazz era.

Rather than simply recreating the recordings, the James Raymond Quartet brings its own spirit of exploration to Shorter’s music: the mystery, lyricism, harmonic depth, and open-ended storytelling that made his compositions such enduring vehicles for improvisation. From the haunting beauty of his ballads to the driving, elliptical energy of his more searching works, this night will celebrate Shorter’s singular gift for writing music that feels both timeless and still ahead of its time.

A night for jazz listeners, improvisers, and anyone drawn to music that invites you somewhere unexpected.

James Raymond - piano (David Crosby, Ronnie Laws, Oleta Adams, CSN, Spice Girls)

As an adopted child, James’ Raymond’s parents were keen to pick up on his musical gift early on. He began studying piano at the age of six and by his early teens, he was performing with R&B, rock, and jazz bands. In 1995, James learned what to attribute some of his talent to when he learned that his birth father was two-time rock and roll hall of famer, David Crosby.

The two went on to form a 30-year collaboration, first with the group CPR, then years of touring with Crosby, Stills & Nash, writing and recording for Crosby-Nash. James then went on to co-write and produce Crosby’s last three critically acclaimed solo albums. The most recent release, For Free, features co-writing with two of James’ lifelong musical heroes — Michael McDonald and Donald Fagan.

James decamped from Los Angeles to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2023 and has immensely enjoyed joining the music scene here. Soon to be touring with his band Lookout Mountain (the music of Laurel Canyon), James recently released the EP “Playing Day For Night” with local legend Jono Manson and is nominated for the Norman Petty Producer’s Award at this years New Mexico Music Awards for his work on Kipp Bentley’s “Night Letter” album.

Jon Gagan - bass (Ottmar Liebert, Dave Grusin, Christopher Cross, Milt Jackson)

Known for his 30+ year association with renowned guitarist Ottmar Liebert, playing bass on over 30 Liebert albums, including RIAA certified gold and platinum and Grammy-nominated titles. Jon has also written numerous string and horn arrangements and scored a full-length string orchestra concert for Liebert.

Gagan has performed with Milt Jackson, Eddie Harris, Dave Grusin, Christopher Cross, Big Al Anderson, Nat Adderley, Emily Remler and Warren Vaché, among many others. A prolific composer, Jon has also released a series of solo albums on Liebert's SSRI label, Transit 1-3.

Among other side projects are "What The What" (2015) "Electric" (2018), and Still Life (2024). Recent recording work includes bass tracks featured on “Santa Fe Style” by Spanish virtuoso guitarist/singer Juan Jose Alba and “Alone” by the sister duo Carly and Martina.

Mark Clark - drums

Mark Clark is a versatile percussion artist with several decades of experiences in performing, touring, recording and teaching music. His resume is as diverse as his varied abilities and comfort of execution of domestic and global styles of percussion performance practices. Since the mid- 1980s he has maintained a touring presence nationally and globally with The United States Air Force Band of the Golden West (1986-90), Ottmar Liebert (1992-2002), John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours (2011), Jono Manson (1995-present), Latin rock group Manzanares (2004-present), and the Jimmy Stadler Band (2012-present). Representative of his numerous television appearances are performances with Ottmar Liebert (Jay Leno, The Today Show, Regis and Kathy Lee, Univision Mexico), John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours (Lopez Tonight), and Manzanares (Bobby Flay and Anthony Bourdain). Additionally, he appears in such films as The Postman, King Pin and Eight Days A Week (with Jono Manson) and In Bye Bye Love (with James Taylor and Ben Taylor). He has played on more than 80+ recordings with artists such as Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor and Ben Taylor, Ottmar Liebert, John Popper, Jono Manson, Cat Stevens, Crystal Bowersox, Kip Winger, and the debut of John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours. Most recently, he recorded with John Popper & Jono Manson on ”Bootlegger Days” and with K.T. Tunstall on songs for the new musical “Clueless.” Prior to his current positions at New Mexico School of Music and the University of New Mexico, he was on the faculty at United World College in Montezuma, NM (2011-2014), Santa Fe School of Art &  Design (2010-2014), Santa Fe School for the Arts and Sciences (2009-2010), and The College of Santa Fe (1999-2009). Mark Clark’s education includes Berklee School of Music, The Los Angeles Jazz Workshop, and private lessons with Alex Acuña, Alan Dawson, Pete Ahmal, Fred Simpson and Jesse Sawyer.

Jeremy Harris - woodwinds

Known for his warm tone, melodic intelligence, and deeply musical approach to improvisation.

A versatile player with a strong command of jazz language, Harris brings both lyricism and fire to the bandstand — equally at home navigating straight-ahead swing, modern harmonic landscapes, and more open, exploratory music.

As a member of New Mexico’s active jazz community, Harris has performed in a variety of ensemble settings, including appearances with respected regional musicians such as Jon Gagan, Micky Patten, Jack Hanan, Holly Mead, and Robby Rothschild. He has been featured in Unit B’s jazz programming, including performances alongside several of Santa Fe and Albuquerque’s most accomplished players.

For this evening’s tribute to Wayne Shorter, Harris brings a natural affinity for the saxophone’s expressive possibilities — from searching, conversational improvisation to the kind of spacious, storytelling phrasing that Shorter’s music invites. His playing balances technical command with emotional restraint, honoring the tradition while leaving room for the unexpected.

With the James Raymond Quartet, Harris helps illuminate the mystery, beauty, and restless invention at the heart of Shorter’s compositions, bringing a distinctly New Mexican voice to music that continues to challenge and inspire generations of improvisers.

Dinner and cocktails starting at 5:30 pm. Showtime is 7:00 pm. Reservations highly recommended.