2019 Lineup / Jazz Beyond

Jessica Lá Rel is a recording artist, songwriter and storyteller from Chicago. Her “cinematic soul” sound can be likened to an orchestra traveling from the south side of Chicago to Ghana. Known for her soaring vocals and thrilling live performances, Lá Rel releases her LP, War Love, later this year.

San Jose Jazz and Universal Grammar present the South Bay premier of Rock Rubber 45s. This cinematic odyssey explores the connectivity of global basketball, sneaker and music lifestyle through the firsthand lens of authentic NYC culture orchestrator Bobbito García.

Los Angeles native Jimetta Rose has become a mainstay in the independent music scene while digging firm roots into LA’s burgeoning creative renaissance. Her music is not constrained by an expectation of what qualifies as art; instead she draws inspiration from jazz, R&B and hip-hop. She’s even been known to spit a verse or two.

Sacramento native Made By Crooks combines the influences of soul, funk and hip-hop with a dynamic stage presence and a gift for storytelling. Now based in Los Angeles, he and his band Grooveliners have built up a loyal California fan base from San Diego to Rocklin.

With a mystical combination of hip-hop, electronic and dub, blended with a smoky jazz aesthetic, Ghost & the City is an exciting new voice in the Oakland electronic soul scene founded by the likes of The Seshen, Goapele and Ledisi.

Oakadelic is a funk, soul and R&B collective at the heart of the Bay Area’s funk scene. Primarily an instrumental ensemble led by horns, the group combines its roots in ‘50s and ‘60s jazz improvisation with an extension to ‘70s and ‘80s funk.