UPPER LAKE, Calif. – On Saturday, Jan. 16, an innovative jazz trio led by world renowned reed instrument master Paul McCandless will entertain in the Meeting House next to the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake as part of the Hotel’s monthly “Concerts with Conversation” series.

The McCandless Trio show on Jan. 16 starts at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting house next to the Tallman Hotel, 9550 Main St.

Joining McCandless for this concert will be jazz guitarist Christian Foley-Beining with Tom Shader on bass.

A gifted multi-instrumentalist and composer, McCandless specializes on the oboe but also plays the saxophone and bass clarinet.

Well grounded in both classical and jazz disciplines, he won a Grammy in 1996 for Best Pop Instrumental as guest artist with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones.

During a distinguished three-decade career, McCandless has been integral to the ensemble sound of two seminal world music bands, the original Paul Winter Consort and the relentlessly innovative quartet OREGON.

“Paul McCandless is a world-class musician and a truly great guy,” said Tallman owner Bernie Butcher. “We’re so lucky that he lives nearby and enjoys playing at the Tallman and Blue Wing when he’s not on the road.” 

McCandless recently moved from Redwood Valley to Healdsburg and hooked up with the prominent jazz musicians Christian Foley-Beining and Tom Shader.

Foley-Beining is a powerful and innovative guitarist who has performed with many greats of the jazz world. He also has appeared several times at the Blue Wing in a duo with jazz flutist George Husaruk.

Shader been playing full time professionally since 1970 and lists as his jazz mentors such luminaries as Bob Lucas, Vince Delgado and Mimi Spenser.

“Paul McCandless has performed in our concert series three times previously,” said Butcher, "and each show has been fantastic. I know Christian and Tom to be true jazz professionals so this trio should produce a wonderful evening of music.”

The Tallman Concerts with Conversation series continues monthly through next April and will feature the folk duo of Alisa Fineman and Kimball Hurd over the Valentine’s weekend in February, the Laura Reynolds Chamber Ensemble in March and the Macy Blackman Trio in April. 

The full schedule can be seen at www.TallmanHotel.com/events .

Tickets at $25 plus tax may be purchased by calling the Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0. Coffee and cookies are served prior to the show.