JazzPOP: Los Angeles Jazz Collective with Special Guest Anthony Wilson

“. . .L.A.’s new jazz on display, with some fine veteran company in the mix. The young cats can be hard to find, playing little joints on under-publicized nights around downtown, but this time, the LAJC has flipped on the lights. Check it out.” —Brick Wahl, LA Weekly

The LA Jazz Collective boasts the creative output of more than a dozen area jazz artists who represent some of the best and brightest voices in the music today. Co-founded by pianist Gary Fukushima and saxophonist Matt Otto, the group is committed to bringing the highly original and eclectic music of LA’s indie jazz community, often overshadowed by the city’s massive commercial music industry, out from the underground and into the light of day. At the Hammer, the LAJC showcases the imaginative compositions and superb musicianship of some of its core members, including guitarist Anthony Wilson, saxophonist Walter Smith, pianist Joe Bagg, trumpeter Brian Swartz, drummer Jason Harnell, and guitarist Jamie Rosenn.

Now in its fourth year, JAZZPop returns to the Hammer courtyard for three Thursdays of jazz without boundaries. Veteran artists and bold new voices present a series of free performances of original, adventurous music that combines inventive composition with improvisational prowess and propulsive groove. JAZZPOP draws on influences as far-ranging as jagged noise rock, impressionistic electric jazz, moody country blues and gutbucket soul, to re-imagine jazz as a music of our contemporary moment.

Organized by San Francisco musician and curator Lisa Mezzacappa.