Jazz and popular music have always been connected, albeit to varying degrees, throughout the history of the music. A desire to explore this connection is the raison d’ etre of the newly formed Leonard Patton / Danny Green Quartet, with Justin Grinnell and Julien Cantelm; a foursome of articulate virtuosos from the San Diego area. Patton is a smoky, soulful vocalist with equal parts Bill Withers and Bobby McFerrin in his pipes, and he has just released A Beautiful Day with jazz heavyweights Antonio Sanchez, Lionel Loueke, Ben Williams and Aaron Parks. Green is one of the most technically advanced pianists in the United States at this moment, and he too is boasting a new release, After The Calm (OA2 Records) with bassist Justin Grinnell and drummer Julien Cantelm.

Their joining of forces is good news to the jazz community and beyond. These musicians explore the cream of pop music, reimagining classic hits by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and the Beatles as springboards for improvisation, adding creative twists and turns while maintaining the integrity of the originals. Check out the video for “The Way You Make Me Feel,” to appreciate how well their high-energy, danceable, and fun approach to this idea translates. The jazz elements are undiluted, yet the essence of the original is intact.

*2 hour minimum for bookings