Jeff Kaliss

Jeff Kaliss has featured and reviewed classical, jazz, rock, and world musics and other entertainment for the San Francisco Chronicle and a host of other regional, national, international, and web-based publications. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University, is a published poet, and is the author of I Want to Take You Higher: The Life and Times of Sly & the Family Stone (Backbeat Books) and numerous textbook and encyclopedia entries, album liner notes, and festival program notes.

Articles By This Author

Jeff Kaliss - March 8, 2011

Hugh Masekela is one of the most recognized, beloved figures in world music. In this story, which complements the new SFCV video, Masekela tells his story to Jeff Kaliss and talks about what’s important to him now.

Jeff Kaliss - February 15, 2011

Regina Carter, who achieved notoriety, and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, as a jazz violinist, spoke with SFCV prior to her presentation of a premiere by composer Billy Childs.

Jeff Kaliss - February 8, 2011

Mario Guarneri is no more a classical purist than he is a violinist. Instead, the Juilliard-trained trumpeter, who spent 15 years with the L.A. Philharmonic, is a proponent of both the jazz and classical repertoires, as he’ll demonstrate with his appearance for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival.

Jeff Kaliss - January 18, 2011

Six youth orchestras, 575 players, six charities, one incredible event: the BAYOF Hope festival returns to Davies Symphony Hall.

Jeff Kaliss - January 4, 2011

Like London, Vienna, and Venice in the Old World in times gone by, the San Francisco Bay Area is a treasure trove of creative music talent, as well as a favored destination for artists from elsewhere. Here’s some of what will be worth going outside classical conventions to get to, during the first half of 2011.

Jeff Kaliss - December 27, 2010

If this album garners the Grammy it’s been nominated for, it will not only properly reward Matt Haimovitz and his self-described big band of cellos, it will also help legitimize the concept of the award category “Classical Crossover.” Either way, it leaves us cheering for that Grammy — and for more quality crossover.

Jeff Kaliss - December 13, 2010

Matt Haimovitz, the Montreal-based cellist, celebrated for his spirited approach to genre-bending and performance, is a mere 40. A week after a Grammy nod, Haimovitz spoke with SFCV about his visit, the Grammy-worthy album, and his wide-ranging musical mission.

Jeff Kaliss - December 6, 2010

Terrance Kelly and his Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir showcase their infectious spirit at the Oakland East Bay Symphony's holiday celebration, “Let Us Break Bread Together.”

Jeff Kaliss - November 22, 2010

A new CD from the Turtle Island Quartet featuring eight songs by the late rock legend Jimi Hendrix may have some applauding the cross-over effort. Others are likely to come away less than satisfied, if not outright irritated.

Jeff Kaliss - November 16, 2010

A preview of the season opener at the Oakland East Bay symphony and a one-of-a-kind chat with Carlos Santana, who is bringing people together across musical lines, and is right in tune with the orchestra.