Kate McGarry/Keith Ganz Quartet with Clarence Penn and Jonathan Richards
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Kate McGarry and Keith Ganz bring their quartet to Sam First, with Clarence Penn and Jonathan Richards billed alongside them. McGarry leads the group’s vocals while Ganz supplies guitar, and the quartet format puts their song-centered collaboration in a setting built for interplay between voice, guitar, bass and drums. Expect a program shaped by their wide-ranging repertoire, from standards and overlooked songs to reworkings of 1970s songwriters.
McGarry, a jazz vocalist, and Ganz, a guitarist, arranger and producer, developed their partnership on New York’s jazz scene and now make their home in Durham, North Carolina. Their work has been described as “an exceptionally appealing blend of folk and jazz” by The Wall Street Journal. McGarry has been praised by The New York Times as “astute and sensitive,” while Ganz is noted for a “uniquely melodic voice” on electric and acoustic guitar; JazzTimes called him a “sublime master of subtlety.” Between them, they have toured or recorded with Fred Hersch, Kurt Elling, Maria Schneider, John Hollenbeck and Luciana Souza; Ganz has also performed with Harry Connick Jr. and Tierney Sutton. The Irish Times heard Ganz’s guitar lines as “more like counter melodies,” producing a “mesmerising ebb and flow” with McGarry’s interpretations.
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.