What’s Cooking Jazz Quartet

What’s Cookin’ Jazz Quartet is led by bassist Mark Patron, the ensemble specializes in a 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 well done  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.

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.