Big Band Rhythm Section: An Afternoon of Jazz

These extraordinary Los Angeles based musicians are the power drivers of the always thrillingly swinging Festival Big Band, and now you can hear them break out on their own.

Julian “J3PO” Pollack is known for his innovative playing in jazz, fusion, hip-hop, and electronic styles of music. He has toured extensively with Marcus Miller, Chris Botti, and his own band, the Julian Pollack Trio.

Dimitris “Jimmy” Mahlis has become known in musical circles as an eclectic interpreter of many musical traditions. Having a thorough knowledge of both eastern and western musical theory, he has developed a playing style on several instruments which is both earthy yet intricate.

Jerry Watts Jr. has worked with the best of the best, a truly eclectic mix of artists at the highest levels of pop, rock, jazz, world beat, and groove musics of every description, having appeared on hundreds of albums, numerous film and TV soundtracks, and live DVDs.

Ray Brinker received a Bachelor Of Music in Jazz Studies from North Texas State University, and performed as a member of NTSU’s Grammy-nominated 1 O’Clock Lab Band. Ray toured worldwide with jazz high-note trumpet player Maynard Ferguson before moving to the West Coast.