Jazz Mafia: Miles & Mingus Reimagined

For their ongoing Reimagined series, Jazz Mafia turns their inventive arrangements to two of jazz's most fearless innovators: Miles Davis and Charles Mingus. This eclectic Bay Area collective, founded by trombonist and composer Adam Theis in San Francisco's Mission District, has previously explored the music of Stevie Wonder, Prince, and The Beatles, bringing their signature genre-blending approach to jazz giants.

This performance features Jazz Mafia's acoustic ensemble—a departure from their larger orchestral configurations—with trumpet, alto sax, tenor and baritone sax, trombone, keys, upright bass, and drums. The seven-piece lineup includes longtime collaborators and rising talent led by founder Adam Theis, creating what's described as "deep grooves, inventive arrangements, and high-level interplay."

Jazz Mafia's approach honors the restless, risk-taking spirit that defined both Miles and Mingus while creating bold new arrangements of classic material. Known for their collaborative spirit and forward-thinking music that blends jazz with electronica, hip-hop, funk, and world music, the collective has performed at major venues including the SFJAZZ Center and Kennedy Center.

Expect the group's trademark mix of tight ensemble playing and creative freedom—when bands get this connected, they can shift musical directions with just a glance, adding silences and exploring dynamics that showcase both technical skill and deep musical communication. This intimate acoustic setting allows for the kind of spontaneous musical conversations that both Davis and Mingus championed.