<p class="font_8"><strong>About the Quartet:</strong> 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.</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8"><strong>Band Members:</strong></p>
<ul class="font_8">
<li><p class="font_8">Chuck Manning on tenor saxophone</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">Larry Koonse with his guitar</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">Darek “Oles” Oleszkiewicz on bass</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">Jason Harnell commanding the drums</p></li>
</ul>
<p class="font_8"><strong>Musical Journey:</strong> 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.</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8"><strong>Discography Highlights:</strong></p>
<ul class="font_8">
<li><p class="font_8">"Astarte" (GOWI)</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">"Look To The East" (Naxos Jazz)</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">"Family Song" (Not Two)</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">"Conversation Piece" (Naxos Jazz)</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">“Live at Jazz Nad Odrą” (L.A. Jazz Quartet Music)</p></li>
</ul>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8"><strong>Critical Acclaim:</strong></p>
<ul class="font_8">
<li><p class="font_8">LA WEEKLY praises LAJQ for creating music that is complete and utterly involving.</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">Stereophile highlights their cohesiveness and subtlety in musical expressions.</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">Down Beat commends their refreshing and invigorating approach to jazz.</p></li>
<li><p class="font_8">L.A. Jazz Scene describes their music as a blend of 'thinking feeling' or 'felt-thought'.</p></li>
</ul>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8"><strong>Expectations for the Show:</strong>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.</p>
<p class="font_8">Join us for an evening where jazz is not just played, but spoken in the universal language of passion and artistry.</p>