JazzPOP 2014
Now in its ninth year, JazzPOP brings some of the most singular voices in West Coast jazz to the Hammer courtyard for concerts that embrace sound and song, groove and grunge, and feature original music grounded in indie rock, chamber music, and jazz improvisation.
The concerts are organized by Lisa Mezzacappa and take place on Thursdays in August.
Thu Aug 7: Beep
Beep—the Oakland-Brooklyn electro-jazz trio of keyboardist Michael Coleman, bassist Nate Brenner, and drummer Sam Ospovat—is one of the most distinctive and beloved bands to emerge from the Bay Area in recent years. The members combine an improviser’s restless spirit of invention with an infectious, driving alt-pop sensibility honed from their work playing as sidemen with indie acts like tUnE-yArDs, Chris Cohen, Miles Kurosky, and Enablers.
Thu Aug 14: Sam Boshnack Quintet
Seattle trumpeter and bandleader Samantha Boshnack synthesizes a dazzling array of musical influences in her sophisticated yet fun, highly original compositions—from intricate chamber writing to lush jazz panoramas and funky brass band-inspired grooves. Her quintet features some of Seattle’s most accomplished improvisers, and makes its L.A. debut at the Hammer hot on the heels of an acclaimed new CD.
Thu Aug 21: The Jeff Gauthier Goatette
A driving force in the L.A. jazz and creative music scene for decades, violinist Jeff Gauthier makes dynamic music that is folksy and lyrical one moment, explosive and asymmetrical the next. Gauthier’s Goatette was formed more than 20 years ago, and to hear these old friends navigate his squirrelly compositions with the conviction of master improvisers is a real treat.
KJazz is the official media sponsor of JazzPOP.
