Peter Bernstein & Graham Dechter Quintet with Graham Dechter, Jacob Mann, Alex Frank & Ryan Shaw
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Peter Bernstein and Graham Dechter lead a five-piece jazz ensemble at Sam First, joined by pianist Jacob Mann, bassist Alex Frank and drummer Ryan Shaw. The night brings together two guitarists from different generations, with Bernstein and Dechter sharing the front line in a quintet rooted in jazz tradition. Expect the pairing's interplay to be a central part of the set, supported by piano, bass and drums.
New York-based Bernstein is admired for warm tone, melodic playing and fluid post-bop improvisation; Jim Hall said, “He plays the best of them all for swing, logic, feel and taste.” His collaborators include Lou Donaldson, Jimmy Cobb, Joshua Redman, Diana Krall, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Sonny Rollins. Los Angeles-based Dechter joined the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra at 19 and has performed with Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, Les McCann, Benny Golson and James Moody. His playing is described as swinging, bluesy and steeped in the post-war jazz-guitar tradition. The San Diego Reader called his phrasing “hip, confident,” with asides “slick and interesting,” while Jazz Journal called him “a natural swinger and improviser.”
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.