The Nick Rossi Quartet

Guitarist Nick Rossi leads one of the West Coast's most dynamic swing dance combos, blending soul and swing in a classic jazz format anchored by Hammond organ. A specialist in jazz guitar from the 1920s-1960s, Rossi has spent years leading multiple ensembles including his Swing Four/Six and the Jazzopaters, an ensemble dedicated to Duke Ellington's small group repertoire. His deep scholarship as a jazz guitar historian and educator informs his approach to classic swing and soul.

The quartet features tenor saxophonist Kamrin Ortiz, known for his loud, commanding approach to hard-swinging jump blues and rhythm & blues. Drawing from influences like Coleman Hawkins and tough-toned Texas saxophonists Herschel Evans and Illinois Jacquet, Ortiz brings the energy of 1940s and 1950s-style swing to his performances with The Knock Outs throughout the Bay Area and internationally.

Rounding out the group are pianist Adam Shulman, who doubles on Hammond B-3 organ and has been a Bay Area jazz scene staple since 2002, performing with internationally renowned artists including Stefon Harris, Miguel Zenón, and Bobby Hutcherson, and Mike Reed, the Chicago-based drummer and bandleader who founded the Constellation performing arts venue.

Expect a wide range of repertoire that incorporates both swing and soul elements, with Rossi drawing from his R&B background and his deep knowledge of classic jazz guitar traditions. The Hammond organ provides the foundation for this classic jazz format, creating the perfect backdrop for dance-friendly grooves and sophisticated improvisation.