Devin Daniels/Julien Knowles Quartet with Jermaine Paul & Christian Euman
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Devin Daniels and Julien Knowles bring their co-led project, Now Then, to Sam First with Jermaine Paul on bass and Christian Euman on drums. The quartet pairs Daniels’ alto saxophone with Knowles’ trumpet in music intended to pay homage to jazz’s rich history while ushering in a new generation.
Inglewood native Daniels and Knowles are classmates turned collaborators and two voices emerging from Los Angeles’ creative music scene. Between them, they have performed with artists including Gerald Clayton, Terence Blanchard, Lionel Loueke, Herbie Hancock, Chris Potter and Louis Cole. Reviewing their live interplay, MetalJazz noted “improvising and duo hornwork,” with fast unisons opening into “tight harmonies.”
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.