Tristan Cappel's "North Star" with Sasha Berliner, Adam Hersh, Marlon Martinez & Efajemue Etoroma, Jr.
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Tristan Cappel brings North Star to Sam First with Sasha Berliner, Adam Hersh, Marlon Martinez and Efajemue Etoroma, Jr. The billed program takes its name from Cappel’s album North Star, a project he describes as a major step in his development as a composer, producer and artist. Its material addresses grief and learning to accept the things in life that cannot be changed. The event is presented under Cappel’s name with these four musicians, rather than as a separately identified band.
Based in Los Angeles, Cappel is a saxophonist, flutist, composer and beat-maker. His recordings also credit him on clarinet and synths, and show a musician working with changing personnel rather than one fixed album lineup. He has been a frequent collaborator with Michelle Coltrane, Telemakus, Adam Hersh, Marlonius, Aubrey Situmorang and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson. A press profile calls him “a deeply versatile and sought-after multi instrumentalist,” praising the “technical command and musical generosity” he brings to his work. For this date, the available information identifies North Star as Cappel’s album, not as a separate act with its own biography.
Sam First offers a rare jazz experience where the absence of an elevated stage brings you close enough to feel the music’s pulse and the musicians’ subtle exchanges. The room’s acoustics are finely tuned, enhanced by a prized Yamaha C7x grand piano, making every note clear from any seat. The venue’s design encourages attentive listening, with seating arranged to foster connection between audience and performers. A well-stocked cocktail bar serves serious drinks alongside local beers and fine wines, complementing the music without overwhelming it. Shows run five nights a week, mostly ticketed and often live streamed, inviting both local jazz lovers and remote fans. The vibe is focused yet relaxed, perfect for an evening where the music takes center attention and conversation yields to the sound. This is a place where jazz is both tradition and innovation, inviting you to witness it up close.