Emiliano Lasansky Quintet with Julien Knowles, Devin Daniels, Javier Santiago & Nate Friedman
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Emiliano Lasansky brings his quintet to Sam First for a set of original compositions rooted in the small-group jazz tradition. The Los Angeles bassist, composer and bandleader is joined by Julien Knowles on trumpet, Devin Daniels on alto saxophone, Javier Santiago on piano and Nate Friedman on drums. Expect Lasansky’s writing to be the focus, with the five-piece setting giving the music room for horn lines, piano color and improvisation.
Born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa, Lasansky is now based in Los Angeles and has been described by Sam First as a “virtuosic and dynamic bassist and composer.” His work aims to push music in new directions while, in his own words, unifying elements of past and present in “exciting and unexpected new ways.” Lasansky received the 2023 ASCAP Herb Alpert Jazz Composer Award. His 2024 debut, The Optimist, earned a 9/10 rating from Take Effect, which called it “an excellent representation of modern jazz” and singled out its “solos, harmonic gestures and artistic qualities.”
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.