Kamrin Ortiz & His Knock Outs

Bay Area tenor saxophonist Kamrin Ortiz brings his commanding, hard-swinging sound to Local Edition with his six-piece band The Knock Outs. Raised on Coleman Hawkins and influenced by the tough-toned Texas saxophonists like Herschel Evans and Illinois Jacquet, Ortiz delivers what his bio describes as a "loud, commanding approach" to 1940s and '50s-style jump blues, swing, and rhythm & blues.

The powerhouse sextet performs original compositions and arrangements that channel the energy of mid-century R&B and jazz. Along with his tenor saxophone and clarinet, Ortiz fronts a full rhythm section featuring trumpet, baritone saxophone, piano, bass, and drums. The lineup for this show includes Armen Krakirian on trumpet, Will Berg on baritone sax, Julian Shipp on piano, Jamie Mather on bass, and David Rokeach on drums.

Expect the driving rhythms and bold horn arrangements that defined the era when jazz and rhythm & blues intersected — think jumping dance music with sophisticated harmonies. Ortiz and His Knock Outs are regulars on the Bay Area swing dance circuit, appearing frequently at venues like Cat's Corner, the Verdi Club, and Woodchopper's Ball, suggesting their music gets people moving.

This is classic American music delivered with the passion and precision of musicians who've dedicated themselves to keeping these sounds alive. The band's focus on original material means you'll hear fresh takes on vintage styles rather than straight covers, bringing contemporary energy to timeless grooves.