Hagen Jazz?
Edwin Mills by Equator22 Mills Place, Los Angeles 91105
Edwin Mills by Equator lists Hagen Jazz? for this Wednesday night of live music, with the question mark included in the billing. The available event information does not name the players, specify the formation for this date, or describe a particular project, guest appearance, tribute, or special set. What is clear is that the listing refers to Hagen Jazz, the Southern California group led by guitarist and composer Jim Hagen, rather than an act from the German city of Hagen.
Hagen Jazz is described as a contemporary jazz quartet from Valencia, California, and as a popular Southern California ensemble. A documented lineup has included Hagen on guitar, Rod Bennett on vibes, Rusty Amodeo on bass and Chuck Standish on drums; later recordings paired Hagen and Bennett with bassist Roger Brooks and drummer Lance Allyn, with Jerry Danielsen sometimes adding keyboards. Those changing rosters do not confirm who will appear here. Hagen’s work combines original music with jazz standards, and one review hears “a gentle jazz funk” with “a mild edginess.” Stephen K. Peeples praised the “intuitive melodic/harmonic interplay” of Hagen and Bennett on Jazzical, while Something Else! found the self-titled album “gentle on the ears,” marked by clarity and fully engaged musicians.
Edwin Mills by Equator offers a refined setting where live jazz performances fill the air several nights a week, creating a space that invites attentive listening and appreciation. The venue features a well-appointed dining room with a full bar and thoughtfully prepared food, making it ideal for an evening that blends great music with quality dining. Seating is comfortable and arranged to allow clear views of the musicians, fostering a connection between audience and performers. Shows typically run from early evening into the night, often featuring multiple sets by accomplished jazz artists. The staff’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment encourages guests to relax and savor both the music and the company. This is a place where the music is the focus, yet the experience is enriched by the attentive service and tasteful surroundings.