Local saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator, Jacam Manricks, has been curating concerts at The Sofia, Home of the B Street Theatre for 2 years now. His past performances have showcased classic jazz albums like John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” and Miles Davis’ “Kind Of Blue”. This time around he’s setting his sights on one of the most celebrated chapters of jazz history, the big band era.
Manricks has assembled a collection of world class musicians from New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, the Bay Area and of course, Sacramento. His 19 piece jazz orchestra will perform a mix of original compositions and reimagined classics. With a depth of experience in arranging, Manricks takes care to tailor parts specifically to the musicians he has on deck, a tradition carried on from legendary jazz figures like Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Manricks aims to impart his listeners with a better connection to the music. His concerts are not just to entertain, but to educate as well. In his own words, “It’s not just a concert, it’s an experience that draws the audience into the music on a deeper level.”
It’s one night only at The Sofia in Midtown Sacramento on Friday, October 24th at 7pm. Excellence in Jazz host Avery Jeffry recently sat down with Manricks to discuss his influences as well as his process for arranging for a full jazz orchestra.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Interview Highlights
On what audiences can expect from the concert
You’re going to be blown away by this concert. There’s the power of the horns, the synchronization and groove of the rhythm section…. But also, expect to be guided through the experience — I’ll share what inspired each piece and what to listen for in certain moments. So, it’s like you’re part of the journey. You’ll have a little roadmap of sorts indicating what to listen for. And, you’ll walk away with a deeper connection to the music.
On why it’s important to create new jazz works alongside honoring the classics
Jazz has always been about modernity and pushing boundaries. Ellington and Coltrane didn’t just play what came before — they developed it into their own unique styles. And, by presenting new works and guiding the audience through the music, we’re keeping that spirit alive. It helps people not only hear the tradition but also see how it continues to evolve and relate to the current times we’re living in.
On specific saxophone players that have influenced his compositional process
There are so many, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond, Stan Getz. But one influence on my writing for this particular concert is Eddie Harris, the great tenor saxophonist. He wrote “Freedom Jazz Dance,” which Miles Davis recorded in the 60s. He also wrote a hit called “Cold Duck Time.” That tune actually inspired one of my own pieces, “Hot Goose Grease.” It’s my way of channeling that funky, soulful vibe that Eddie Harris was so good at capturing, but in my own way.