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Los Angeles Jazz Quartet

Jazz @ The Playhouse

May 5, 2024

Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 W Sierra Madre Blvd
Sierra Madre, CA 91024

The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet, renowned for blending classic and contemporary jazz, promises a night of soulful melodies and dynamic improvisation, Sunday May 5th at 7:30pm. Their performance is a celebration of jazz's timeless spirit, showcasing each member's unique artistry and collective harmony. Jazz series curated by Greg Porée.

Artists

Larry Koonse

Larry Koonse

Guitarist

Los Angeles Jazz Quartet

Los Angeles Jazz Quartet

Music Ensemble

*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, Sierra Madre Playhouse, and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

About

About the Quartet: The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet, established in 1994, is an emblem of L.A.'s vibrant jazz scene. This ensemble is not just a group of musicians but a collective of artistic minds, each member contributing as a composer, creating a repertoire that's both original and dynamic. The Quartet's sound is a harmonious blend of the classical jazz ethos of the 1950s and 60s with a modern twist, presenting acoustic jazz in a contemporary context.


Band Members:

  • Chuck Manning on tenor saxophone

  • Larry Koonse with his guitar

  • Darek “Oles” Oleszkiewicz on bass

  • Jason Harnell commanding the drums

Musical Journey: Their music is a spectrum that ranges from the intimately lyrical to the robustly hard-edged, depending on the call of the composition. This versatility reflects the LAJQ's philosophy where each band member's improvisation is a critical part of the collective sound.


Discography Highlights:

  • "Astarte" (GOWI)

  • "Look To The East" (Naxos Jazz)

  • "Family Song" (Not Two)

  • "Conversation Piece" (Naxos Jazz)

  • “Live at Jazz Nad Odrą” (L.A. Jazz Quartet Music)


Critical Acclaim:

  • LA WEEKLY praises LAJQ for creating music that is complete and utterly involving.

  • Stereophile highlights their cohesiveness and subtlety in musical expressions.

  • Down Beat commends their refreshing and invigorating approach to jazz.

  • L.A. Jazz Scene describes their music as a blend of 'thinking feeling' or 'felt-thought'.


Expectations for the Show:The LAJQ's performance is anticipated to be a journey through their diverse musical landscape, ranging from their soulful originals to classic jazz standards. Audiences can look forward to a night of exquisite jazz, where each note and nuance is a conversation among seasoned musicians. This event promises to be a sublime experience, where the jazz of yesterday meets the sound of today, all within the intimate and historic setting of the Sierra Madre Playhouse.

Join us for an evening where jazz is not just played, but spoken in the universal language of passion and artistry.

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