Versatile LA drummer Evan Stone shows off his jazz chops on his recent release, Sticks and Stone/Volume 1 (Red Jazz). On Wednesday, August 22^nd you can catch the most of the core quartet from this recording live at Steamers in Fullerton.

Evan Stone has toured with Maynard Ferguson and pop artist Toni Childs. As eclectic as he is talented, Stone leads the progressive “new thing” rock band Salty the Pocketknife and tours with the Greg Adams Band, pop ensemble Aly and AJ, and his Translucent Ham Sandwich band. He’s been on stage with Larry Carlton, Gerald Albright, Tom Scott, Chris Boti, Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal, John Tesh, Diane Schur, Anthony Wilson and more.

On Sticks and Stone/Volume 1, the debut of the new Red Jazz Label, Stone serves as drummer, bandleader and co-producer, bringing together the hottest talents of Southern California—Josh Nelson on piano, Steve Cotter on guitar, Joe Bagg on B-3, Matt Otto on tenor sax, David Miller on bass, Tony Guerrero on trumpet, and guest vocalist Sara Gazarek. At Steamers, Stone will be joined by Miller and Otto, along with Matt Politano.

Saxophonist Matt Otto attended Indiana University and Berklee College of Music, earned his undergraduate degree in jazz at the New School in Manhattan and a master’s degree from the California Institute of the Arts. He’s released five recordings as leader and appears on numerous CDs as a sideman. He is a frequent performer at clubs in both New York and Los Angeles.

Pianist Matt Politano attended the University of North Texas on a music scholarship as well as the Manhattan School of Music. In 2000, he received the High School Spotlight Award for excellence in instrumental jazz for Los Angeles County. His many performance credits include Erykah Badu (R&B), Bob Brookmeyer, Chris Potter, Benny Green, Joey DeFrancesco, and the Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra. Matt appears regularly at Steamers, the Jazz Bakery, and Catalina Bar and Grill.

Bassist David Miller attend the New School of Music in New York, receiving his degree in jazz. While in New York, he performed with Ornette Coleman, Eric Alexander and Roy Hargrove. His international touring has taken him to the Copenhagen and North Sea Jazz Festivals. Back in southern California since 2001, he has performed with Joe La Barbera, Larry Koonse, and Theo Saunders and completed a Master's degree at The California Institute of the Arts.

“Stone’s drumming is always inventive, but he never forgets he’s the timekeeper in service of the song.” -- Bill Bentley (StudioCity.com)

Steamers is located at 138 W. Commonwealth in Fullerton; www.steamersjazz.com. For more about Evan Stone and his Red Jazz CD, visit www.asamandrummeth.com