John Daversa’s Explosive New Album

Improvisatory Observatory: Live and Raw at The Baked Potato, Exhibit 4
Out August 29th, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, trumpeter, and visionary bandleader John Daversa returns with the fourth installment of his dynamic live series, Improvisatory Observatory: Live and Raw at The Baked Potato, Exhibit 4, available everywhere on August 29th, 2025 via Blue Canoe Records.

Recorded at the legendary World Famous Baked Potato in Los Angeles, this raw and unfiltered live performance captures Daversa’s celebrated big band in full swing—pushing sonic boundaries and redefining the big band idiom in real-time.

“I’m ever grateful to this amazing band that continues to grow and push musical boundaries every night,” says Daversa. “And a big thank you to The Baked Potato for providing us a home these past decades.”

The album features three genre-defying tracks that explore humor, heart, and high-octane improvisation:

1. Some Happy Sh#t (15:29)
   Featuring John Daversa (EVI) and Kirsten Edkins (tenor saxophone)
2. 8-Track Albums (talking) (0:57)
3. Your Mother (talking) (19:33)
   Featuring standout solos from Paul Young (trombone), Charlie Morillas (trombone), Derek Pyle (trombone), George Thatcher (bass trombone), Anne King (trumpet), Zane Carney (guitar), and Phil O’Connor (clarinet)

Personnel Highlights:

• John Daversa – Director, Composer, Conductor, Trumpet, EVI
• Saxes/Woodwinds: Jeff Driskill, Phil O’Connor, Sal Lozano, Kirsten Edkins, Phil Feather
• Trumpets/Flugelhorns: Chad Willis, Janelle Finton, Barbara Laronga, Anne King
• Trombones: Charlie Morillas, Derek Pyle, Paul Young, George Thatcher
• Rhythm Section: Zane Carney (guitar), Jerry Watts, Jr. (bass), Gene Coye (drums)

Produced by John Daversa, the album showcases the ensemble’s technical mastery, fearless improvisation, and unmistakable camaraderie.

About John Daversa
A multi-GRAMMY® Award winner, John Daversa is known for his genre-blurring approach to big band and modern jazz. His work consistently reflects deep musical curiosity, profound humanity, and a relentless desire to innovate.

Learn More About John