What’s Cooking with Mark Patron

Step into the golden age of San Francisco at Comstock Saloon, where What’s Cookin’ with Mark Patron serves up a high-fidelity soundtrack of hard-bop and soul-jazz. Performing in a room that has remained virtually unchanged since 1907, the group blends the historic “Barbary Coast” atmosphere with a polished, modern musicality. Whether you’re seated at the original mahogany bar or tucked into a vintage booth, the band provides a “simmering” energy that perfectly complements the saloon’s pre-Prohibition cocktail program.

The Sound: Led by bassist Mark Patron, the ensemble specializes in a “tasty” mix of Swing, Bop, Bossa Nova, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Their repertoire draws heavily from the Blue Note era, featuring soulful arrangements of classics like John Coltrane’s “Naima” and Horace Silver’s “Ecaroh.” The music is designed to be “seasoned” and sophisticated—loud enough to move the room, but refined enough to let the conversation flow.

The Players: Mark Patron curates a rotating “unique mix” of the Bay Area’s most superbly talented instrumentalists. Depending on the night, the lineup often features:

Mark Patron: The band’s heartbeat on upright bass.

Grant Levin: A master of the keys known for his fluid, bebop-influenced piano style.

Charles Unger: A North Beach legend who brings a lyrical, soaring energy to the saxophone.

Tony Johnson: A veteran drummer who provides the “tight-pocket” foundation essential for the trio’s hard-bop sound.

The Comstock Experience: Watching the band perform under the saloon’s iconic “punkah” fan system is a quintessential San Francisco moment. The venue’s “no-nonsense” approach to hospitality—highlighted by artisanal spirits and a fireplace that wards off the city fog—makes it the ideal sanctuary for the band’s organic, acoustic sound.

Free & Soulful: In keeping with the Comstock’s commitment to accessible culture, there is no cover charge for the music. It is a rare chance to see “first-call” musicians in an environment that honors the city’s deep jazz roots without the pretension of a traditional club.

About What’s Cookin’

What’s Cookin’ is a versatile musical collective founded on the principle that jazz should “open the heart and soothe the soul.” With their debut record, WCM Volume One, Mark Patron has solidified the group’s reputation for high-quality, professional performance. Whether they are appearing as a stripped-down trio or a full septet with brass, the band is celebrated for being “well-dressed and ready,” bringing a level of classic showmanship to every gig. From the historic stages of North Beach to private events across Northern California, What’s Cookin’ remains a dedicated guardian of the “cookin'” jazz tradition.