Album Notes

Times 4 has been an active part of the San Francisco music scene for over four years, delivering a fresh and energetic Bay Area blend of music that expresses their diverse backgrounds. The instrumental quartet of S.F. area natives performs dynamic music improvisations with distinctive melodies driven by urban flavors of jazz, funk, latin, and hip-hop that move the Times 4 audience to feel dance in their bones.

The band's performances are an artful and intense musical interplay steeped in the history of friendship and common roots - the band members are friends and collaborators in musical dialogues that began in their teens. Times 4 has appeared at the San Jose Jazz Society concert series, San Jose Jazz Festival, KKSF Earth Day, San Jose Soulebration, and SF's Fillmore Jazz Festival. The band refined their tight and unique sound over many years of performances at fine San Francisco area events, clubs, and lounges. Their debut CD, "Seductivity", released in 2004 still generates widespread acclaim.

Times 4's new CD release is a project inspired by group-improvised musical motifs. These motifs fueled songwriting sessions that yielded this entire album of collaborative compositions. Thus, the title of the new CD, "Relations".

The Band Members

Lincoln Adler (saxophone) developed his sound playing in local Bay Area bands, and refined his abilities at the University of California, Berkeley as a member of the UC Jazz Ensembles. He became an in-demand session player and composer/producer for TV and film in Los Angeles. He released four albums under his own name as well as one with the successful band Rain-bo Tribe. Lincoln has performed and recorded with many artists including guitarist Anthony Wilson, actor/pianist Jeff Goldblum, kd lang, and Olivia Newton John.

Kevin Lofton (bass) is the root and harmonic foundation of Times 4. A San Jose native, Kevin's career highlights include touring the U.S. and Canada with Protege, Stevie B, and Jahi and the Life along with drummer Maurice. Their years of musical friendship produce a rhythmic conception and energetic foundation from which Times 4 launches their adventurous improvisations.

Maurice Miles (drums), also raised in San Jose, California, is the heartbeat of Times 4. Mo combines complex elements of jazz, funk and hip-hop in his playing to create a sophisticated, syncopated backbeat. Maurice has played in a diverse range of musical projects, including the R&B band Protege, acid jazz group Congo Square, and he has toured and recorded with Kofy Brown.

Greg Sankovich (keyboards) began his career performing in the local SF music scene with jazz, R&B, and dance bands, and for several years accompanied singer Brenda Boykin. He was also active in the UC Jazz Ensembles with Lincoln. Greg lived in Tokyo for over ten years, performing with many top Japanese musicians. He has contributed his keys to many recordings, TV, radio, and film productions.