An explorative reminiscence of the music that has continuously shaped culture, fueling the leading edge of creation over the past century. Jazz is an undefinable term—a living record, an ongoing inquiry into the essence of movement, and a true American art form.
Through composition, poetry, live performance, and storytelling, we will immerse ourselves in this history, discovering the ways that Jazz has touched Los Angeles and how, in turn, our great city has made its contribution to its ever evolving language. Together, we will reflect on Jazz as a mirror of the human experience: resilient and true, holding the burning questions that create our vision for the future.
Featured Guests:
Emilio Modeste
Emilio Modeste is a saxophonist and composer from New York City. Best known for his time performing with the late trumpet great Wallace Roney, he currently tours with the bands of Stanley Clarke, Kassa Overall, Cindy Blackman Santana, and Julius Rodriguez, and has toured extensively with his band, INSTANT ALTER. His artistry can be heard on the albums of Kassa Overall (Cream), Cindy Blackman Santana (Coherence), and Stanley Clarke (Last Train to Sanity). A protégé of the great drummer and producer Lenny White, Modeste explores endless styles of musical expression in his artistry. Modeste’s upcoming debut album will be released by JMI Recordings.
MARLONIUS
MARLONIUS (they/he) is a virtuoso upright bassist and composer from Los Angeles. Their curiosity began as a classical music student at the Colburn Conservatory of Music. Soon after, classical-rock tours with Stewart Copeland’s “Off The Score” and Bowie-meets-jazz with Mike Garson. Later, Marlonius studied jazz in New York City with the legendary bassist Ron Carter. An active Hollywood studio musician, Marlonius has played in orchestras with Michael Giacchino, opened for Clarke and Hiromi with their 17-piece big band Marlonius Jazz Orchestra, and created a Strayhorn video series in collaboration with Colburn School and Billy Strayhorn Songs, Inc. Current album releases include “The Strayhorn Sessions, Vol.1” and “Julius Eastman, Vol. 5: Gay Guerrilla.”
Julius Rodriguez
Julius Rodriguez is an American jazz pianist, composer, and rising star in the vibrant alternative jazz scene. Born and raised in New York, Rodriguez made a name for himself as young as eleven years old in the vibrant West Village jazz club scene, and later honed his craft at the Juilliard School of Music. Known for his soulful sound and dynamic playing, his albums include Let Sound Tell All and Evergreen. As a collaborator, he has joined forces with a wide range of influential musical figures, such as Remi Wolf, Chris Botti, and A$AP Rocky.
