Qbert and the Jazz Mafia @ Yoshi’s SF Review by Chris Fletcher – longtime Jazz Mafia sound engineer

On Saturday, Feb 27th The Jazz Mafia Trio (Pat Korte, Adam Theis and Joe Cohen) were paired up to perform live for the first time with one of the World’s most renowned Turnatablists, Qbert. The night was also the launch party for a new club/experimental series presented by Dan The Automator, featuring the world’s best DJs and Producers teamed up with the live breakbeats of Jazz Mafia Trio as well as other bands in the Jazz Mafia and extended family.

It was surreal seeing the DJ who inspired me into my music career performing together with one of my favorite jazz trios I’ve been fortunate enough to work with.  It was our first visit to Yoshi’s (did I just admit that out loud?), and the club had a great vibe and smooth set-up.  The information and start times were somewhat disorganized, but that packed the club for a great set.  The energy was loose and fun.  Dan The Automator (Dr. Octagon, Gorillaz) came out to introduce everyone , and the trio reproduced and played with all the classic breaks used by Rakim, EPMD, and others; going back and forth trading solos with Q-Bert. The highlight of the night was “Rock It.”   Pat Korte nailed it down with the 808 drum samples!  Surprise appearances by some of the Hieroglyphics crew, 3D glasses for the DJ in a Fish Tank set, artwork by Mars-1, and Shortkut rockin the video DJ set… It was a rare night that won’t be forgotten.

Qbert/Jazz Mafia Trio “Patti Dooke”

Jazz Mafia Trio w/ Casual (Hieroglyphics) and Nobody – followed by Qbert

HD Footage of the same

and of course the master at work on his own