As Zack Sapunor furiously slaps his upright bass I worry he'll forget to breath; that the shade pink he's taken on will turn purple and then the inevitable ambulance call and messy details of a hospital visit will follow.

The trio is Sapunor on bass and vocals, Bill Dendle on banjo and plectrum guitar and Jeff Kreis on trumpet.  Zack’s been at the bass over twenty years, crafting a hot jazz, ragtime style that instantly recalls the bygone era of prohibition gin joints. When it comes to jazz trios this lineup is unique (note the lack of drums, keys). Dendle has a history playing that dates back to the 1960s. Kreis holds his own as the youngest member, age 26 and is no slouch as he performs complicated runs in both Hot City and The Crescent Katz. 

What surprises me most about our session (recorded in March of this year) is how little the trio played with one another beforehand. Sapunor claims the band rehearsed once prior to their CapRadio visit.

The group is currently working on details for their first album and play every 3rd Thursday at Shady Lady in Sacramento, they also play regularly at Barryessa Brewing Co. in Winters.

Upcoming HOT CITY Performances

6/7 The Shack @ 6pm

6/8 East Portal Park  @ 7:30am

6/9 Luna's Cafe @ 7:30pm

6/19 Shady Lady @ 9pm

JULY
7/5 The Shack @ 6pm

7/9 Straw Hat @ 6:30pm

7/12 Oak Park Farmer's Market  @ 10am

7/17 Shady Lady @ 9pm

7/19 Capay Tomato Festival @ 4:30pm

7/26 Berryessa Brewery @ 3pm

7/31 Winters Friends of The Library @ 7pm

AUGUST
8/2 The Shack @ 6pm

8/17 Modesto Traditional Jazz Society @ 1pm

8/21 Shady Lady @ 9pm

9/5 Private Party @ 4pm

9/6 The Shack @ 6pm

9/11 Forbidden Island (Alameda) @ 8:30pm