The Rachel Eckroth Trio with Emma Dayhuff & Tina Raymond
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Rachel Eckroth brings her trio to Sam First with bassist Emma Dayhuff and drummer Tina Raymond for a contemporary piano, bass and drums set built on Eckroth’s original music. The group’s approach pairs strong composition with responsive group improvisation, drawing on the members’ experience of touring Europe together. This West Coast run comes after the October 2025 release of the trio’s debut EP, This Is One Of Those Moments, a precursor to a full-length album planned for 2027. Expect modern acoustic jazz in which the three musicians develop the material collectively: as Eckroth puts it, they “just find the music together.”
Eckroth is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and now lives in Las Vegas. She has toured and recorded with St. Vincent, Chris Botti, Rufus Wainwright and members of David Bowie’s Blackstar band. Dayhuff’s collaborators include Nicole Mitchell, Jeff Parker, Vijay Iyer, Isaiah Collier and Tomeka Reid; Raymond is a Los Angeles-based drummer described as having an “articulate, modern style.” UK Jazz News called This Is One Of Those Moments “a poised and peppery record.” The Jazz Word heard “an enjoyable acoustic statement,” singling out the trio’s patient interplay, adventurous spirit, and “that sense of story unfolding.”
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.