PALINDROME: The Bryan Girard/Graham Bruce Quintet

Palindrome is a truly unique group comprised of some wonderful bay area musicians. Originally formed in 2003 to showcase the compositional skills of writer/arranger Graham Bruce, the band’s repertoire now includes over 100 original tunes with contributions by various members. The music is harmonically complex and challenges both the performer and the listener. Moreover, it is powerful, compelling, and always moving.

Over the years, there have been some personnel changes. Palindrome alumni include the great drummer Danny Spencer (formerly with Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon), bassist Chris Amberger (Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard) and Andre Sumelius, one of the best drummers of the new generation.

In addition to saxophonist Girard and trumpeter Bruce, the current group includes San Francisco’s favorite pianist, Lee Bloom, drummer Jim Zimmerman (who has toured for years with Cleo Laine and Diane Schurr), and the amazing Ian Dickenson, whose bass playing never fails to astound musicians and audiences alike.