Andre Hayward at the Skylark Lounge with the late Margaret Wright’s piano (Photo by David Brendan Hall)
Standing onstage with saxophonist Elias Haslanger s local quintet, Andre Hayward preps for his moment. As the two men finish a harmonized riff on the bandleader s Smiley s Stairs, Hayward lifts his bell to the microphone to take the first solo. The trombonist sticks close to the melody at first, adding slight variations, before scattering flurries of notes that belie their creator s relaxed state.
At the point it all threatens to veer too far outside, Hayward brings it back home, gracefully recasting the melody and setting up Haslanger s own break. Though there s no live audience, Hayward earns enthusiastic applause from his bandmates.
Of Kindred Souls (1993)
Hayward doesn t solo on his recording debut, but he s integral to the three-part harmony powering the sublime melody.
The Swing Association
Say Something (1997) / digital single (2020)
Only available in ones and zeros, Dre s Blues boasts an easy swing and a snappy bone solo that could come from 1947 as easily as 1997.
SF Jazz Collective
Live 2006: 3rd Annual Concert Tour (2006)
Backed by an all-star lineup including vibist Bobby Hutcherson, Hayward produces a knotty bopper with a rowdy solo.
SF Jazz Collective
Live 2007: 4th Annual Concert Tour (2007)
Hayward s second contribution to the Collective is a marvel of ensemble arrangement and in-the-pocket improvisation.