Peter Bernstein/Graham Dechter Quintet w/ Graham Dechter, Jacob Mann, Alex Frank & Ryan Shaw - 2nd set KJAZZ Broadcast!
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Peter Bernstein and Graham Dechter lead a five-piece jazz set at Sam First, joined by Jacob Mann on piano, Alex Frank on bass, and Ryan Shaw on drums. The billed second set will be broadcast by KJAZZ. Bernstein and Dechter bring their guitars together in what Sam First describes as “two generations of distinctive voices in the tradition,” with the quintet format making room for the rhythm section and piano as well as the two leaders’ interplay.
Bernstein is a New York-based guitarist whom Sam First calls “one of the most influential figures in jazz for more than three decades.” Dechter is a Los Angeles-based guitarist associated with the Clayton Hamilton Big Band, and the venue describes his work as an extensive career across jazz and popular music. His collaborators include Michael Bublé, Kurt Elling, Roy Hargrove, Wynton Marsalis, and Nancy Wilson. Rather than a standing band with a separate history, this is a meeting of the two guitarists, bringing together Bernstein’s long-established profile and Dechter’s wide-ranging work with Mann, Frank, and Shaw.
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.