Jazz Mafia: Miles and Mingus Reimagined

Part of Jazz Mafia's acclaimed Reimagined series—which has tackled Stevie Wonder, Prince, and The Beatles—this performance turns to two of jazz's most fearless innovators: Miles Davis and Charles Mingus. Under the direction of Jazz Mafia founder and trombonist Adam Theis, the collective's core acoustic ensemble presents bold new arrangements of classic material while honoring the restless creative spirit that defined both legendary artists.

Jazz Mafia has built its reputation on genre-crossing innovation, blending jazz with hip-hop, funk, electronica, and world music since 2000. But for this Reimagined installment, they're stripping back to a traditional acoustic setting to explore the revolutionary music of Davis and Mingus—from Miles' early bebop collaborations to his cool jazz innovations, and Mingus' dynamic compositions that bridged swing, bebop, and avant-garde expression.

The seven-piece ensemble features some of the Bay Area's finest musicians: trumpeter Mike Olmos brings over 30 years of experience across jazz, Latin, and R&B styles; London-based tenor saxophonist Laurel Fink contributes her contemporary jazz compositions and post-bop sensibilities; while multi-reedist Tommy Occhiuto handles both tenor and baritone saxophone duties. Colin Hogan anchors the rhythm section on piano—a Cal State East Bay lecturer who has performed with legends like James Moody and Peter Erskine across five continents.

Bassist Joshua Thurston Milgrom brings his compositional expertise, honed through collaborations with Chicago jazz luminaries and three years in Berlin's creative music scene. His 2020 debut Thirsty Pilgrim Songs showcases his approach of blending catchy melodies with complex reharmonizations and angular chromaticism. Berkeley-trained drummer Henry Plumb completes the rhythm section, known for his versatility across swing, fusion, funk, and Latin styles through his work with Jazz Mafia and other prominent Bay Area ensembles.

Expect "deep grooves, inventive arrangements, and high-level interplay" as these accomplished musicians reimagine the groundbreaking music of two artists who constantly pushed boundaries. The Reimagined series has become a signature format for Jazz Mafia, allowing them to honor jazz masters while applying their collective's adventurous musical vision to timeless material.