Cyril Guiraud Trio

Experience a night of “Coltrane-inspired” innovation as the Cyril Guiraud Jazz Quartet takes the stage at The Royale. French-born saxophonist Cyril Guiraud is a master of the tenor and soprano sax, known for a sound that bridges the gap between classic European elegance and the raw, experimental energy of the San Francisco jazz scene. This quartet performance promises an evening of high-fidelity improvisation and boundary-pushing contemporary jazz.

The Sound: Guiraud’s style is defined by a “modern, tender touch” mixed with complex, driving rhythms. His quartet often features a blend of acoustic warmth and subtle electronic textures, moving from melodic bebop explorations to adventurous, avant-garde improvisations.

The Ensemble: The quartet typically showcases some of the Bay Area’s most forward-thinking instrumentalists, often including Ian McArdle on piano/keys, Gary Johnson on bass, and Isaac Schwartz on drums. Together, they create a “restless melodicism” that keeps the audience engaged in every unexpected turn.

A Global Perspective: Having collaborated with legends like George Clinton, Kenny Garrett, and Michel Petrucciani, Guiraud brings a world-class pedigree to the intimate stage of The Royale. His music is a reflection of his dual-life in San Francisco and Paris, resulting in a cosmopolitan jazz experience.

The Royale Atmosphere: Located on the corner of Post and Hyde, The Royale offers a vintage, speakeasy-style setting that perfectly complements Guiraud’s sophisticated sound. With its dark wood, classic cocktails, and attentive “listening room” vibe, it is one of the city’s premier hidden gems for live jazz.

About Cyril Guiraud

Cyril Guiraud is a saxophonist, composer, and entrepreneur who has become a vital figure in the Bay Area’s creative landscape. Beyond his work as a performer at venues like SFJAZZ and the Monterey Jazz Festival, he is the founder of doubleOone, a music startup that brings audiences into the recording studio for experiential sessions. His 2025 trio album, Outer Reach, and his recent duo work with pianist Omree Gal-Oz, The Single Petal of a Rose, highlight his versatility and his commitment to evolving the jazz tradition through both performance and technology.