Acclaimed guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli and powerhouse singer Sy Smith join forces with the Pacific Jazz Orchestra, 40 of the world’s finest musicians led by Hollywood veteran Chris Walden.

John Pizzarelli has been hailed by The Boston Globe for “reinvigorating The Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of The Great American Songbook, Pizzarelli has expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and the Beatles.

Based in Los Angeles, Sy Smith has helped cultivate the “nu-soul” scene for over a decade, a scene which now boasts some of the most progressive artists of this genre, including Thundercat and Kamasi Washington. Smith’s catalog includes 5 studio albums, all of which have been heralded her lyrical dexterity, vocal whimsy, and ability to spin a story like few others in soul music. Listeners often remark on Smith’s vocal range, which moves effortlessly from a gritty, speakeasy alto to a stratospheric soprano register reminiscent of the great Minnie Riperton.

The Pacific Jazz Orchestra is LA’s new resident 40-piece ensemble, presenting an annual concert season consisting of 5 projects, each with different guest artists. Spread out over a select few venues in LA, the program reaches far beyond the boundaries of jazz, as it features music of a diverse range of styles, genres, and backgrounds.

Chris Walden is the Pacific Jazz Orchestra’s artistic director and conductor. He is a 7-time Grammy-nominated composer/arranger who has worked for artists like Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Aretha Franklin, Rihanna, Seal, Barbra Streisand, John Legend, Herb Alpert, and many more. He has been the lead arranger at the Oscars, The Kennedy Center Honors, and has conducted the LA Phil, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Metropole Orkest, Boston Pops, Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, WDR Big Band Cologne, and many more.