Gabrielle Cavassa with Gabriel Schnider, Luca Allemano & Kyle Poole
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Gabrielle Cavassa leads a vocal jazz quartet at Sam First with guitarist Gabriel Schnider, bassist Luca Allemano and drummer Kyle Poole. The evening draws from Diavola, pairing Cavassa’s original compositions with her interpretations of timeless songs. It is a focused band setting for a singer whose phrasing and song choices sit at the core of the program, with the quartet shaping the material around her.
Born in Escondido, California, Cavassa moved to New Orleans in 2017. She won the International Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition in 2021 and was ushered into wider attention through her collaboration with saxophonist Joshua Redman on his 2023 album where are we. Redman and Don Was co-produced Diavola, which features Jeff Parker, Paul Cornish, Larry Grenadier and Brian Blade; Cavassa’s earlier self-titled debut was made with drummer Jamison Ross. Blue Note calls her a “fearless song interpreter,” while DownBeat described her as “a young singer with a deep, rich and fragile voice” and “a star in the making.”
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.