SML sounds like the future of jazz being assembled in real-time. It is a thick, humid blend of organic percussion and modular synthesis that feels both ancient and cutting-edge. The music carries the ghosts of Los Angeles nightlife, specifically the intimate, dimly lit corners where musicians experiment without a safety net. It is rhythmic, but the rhythms are often shifting and layered, creating a sense of constant, subtle motion.
What makes them distinctive is their 'composition-through-editing' approach. While the foundation is free improvisation, the final product feels curated and intentional, like a producer took a jazz session and chopped it into a perfect, hypnotic loop. The interplay between Anna Butterss' grounding bass and Jeremiah Chiu's bubbling synths creates a sonic floor that allows the saxophone and guitar to drift in and out like passing thoughts.
Start with 'Small Medium Large' to hear the group's foundational chemistry. It captures the essence of their residency at ETA, offering a masterclass in how to bridge the gap between high-concept experimentalism and deeply satisfying, groove-oriented listening.
Shares modular synth, nu jazz, instrumental only, focused work (signature)
Shares modular synth, avant-garde jazz, nu jazz, upright bass (signature)
Shares nu jazz, instrumental only, focused work, downtempo (signature)
Shares nu jazz, saxophone, upright bass, instrumental only (signature)
Shares avant-garde jazz, nu jazz, upright bass, instrumental only (subgenre)
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →