Jazz Guitarist Mary Halvorson Brings Her New Quartet to California

Halvorson's acclaimed Canis Major group makes its West Coast debut in Santa Cruz and Berkeley.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:06pm

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Acclaimed jazz guitarist Mary Halvorson is bringing her new quartet Canis Major to California this week for performances at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz on April 2 and the Freight in Berkeley on April 3. After years of leading larger ensembles, Halvorson is excited to return to a smaller, more improvisatory group format with Canis Major, which features her long-time collaborator drummer Tomas Fujiwara along with bassist Henry Fraser and trumpeter Dave Adewumi.

Why it matters

Halvorson is widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz guitarists of the 21st century, known for her distinctive, off-kilter style and acclaimed work as both a performer and composer. The debut of her new quartet Canis Major in California provides an opportunity for local audiences to experience Halvorson's innovative approach to jazz in an intimate setting.

The details

Canis Major is built around Halvorson's long-running musical partnership with drummer Tomas Fujiwara, with whom she has collaborated on numerous projects over the past 20 years. For the new quartet, Halvorson has also recruited bassist Henry Fraser and trumpeter Dave Adewumi, both of whom she had not extensively worked with prior to forming the group. The new ensemble has allowed Halvorson to compose a fresh body of music, with enough material for two albums so far.

  • Canis Major will make its California debut at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz on April 2.
  • The quartet will then perform at the Freight in Berkeley on April 3.

The players

Mary Halvorson

An acclaimed jazz guitarist known for her distinctive, off-kilter style and acclaimed work as both a performer and composer. She was awarded a MacArthur 'Genius' Fellowship in 2019.

Tomas Fujiwara

A drummer who has collaborated extensively with Halvorson over the past 20 years, including on several of her collective ensembles.

Henry Fraser

A bassist who has become a rising force on the New York jazz scene, making his first appearances in California with Canis Major.

Dave Adewumi

A trumpeter who has performed at the SFJAZZ Center several times, and is excited to join Halvorson's new quartet.

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What they’re saying

“Working with Mary has been such a joy and treat, and not too sing her praises too much, but one of the most amazing musical experiences I've ever had.”

— Dave Adewumi, Trumpeter

“Very few people really grasp what makes a great set or a great album that's more than, OK, here's our Latin tune, here's our ballad. She puts together a series of compositions that tell a unique story. There's always something that's fresh and new and exciting that's also extremely warm and inviting.”

— Dave Adewumi, Trumpeter

What’s next

Canis Major will continue its tour after the California dates, with upcoming performances scheduled at the prestigious Big Ears festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The takeaway

Mary Halvorson's return to a smaller, more improvisatory group format with Canis Major showcases her innovative approach to jazz and her ability to assemble talented ensembles that push the boundaries of the genre.