Life & Work with Jaz Sawyer of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaz Sawyer.

Hi Jaz, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in the heart of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, where I discovered my passion for drumming at an early age. Growing up in such a culturally rich environment and being mentored by luminaries like Eddie Marshall, Ruth Asawa, John Santos, and Raymond Froehlich deeply shaped my artistic identity. I was fortunate to receive a rigorous musical education through institutions like the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, and The Michael Carvin School of Drumming, which laid the groundwork for a lifelong dedication to both performance and scholarship.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of performing with a wide spectrum of artists—from jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis and Abbey Lincoln to iconic figures such as George Benson and Herb Alpert. My style, rooted in Jazz, Classical, and Afro-Caribbean traditions, has led me to collaborate with institutions such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, SFJAZZ, and the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, and to perform at premier venues including Carnegie Hall, the Concertgebouw, the Blue Note, and the Sydney Opera House. Whether supporting eclectic ensembles like M’Lumbo or interpreting timeless standards, I approach drumming as both a storytelling tool and a bridge across cultures.

In addition to performance, I’ve committed much of my career to education and public service. I’ve designed and led music programs at institutions including Stanford Jazz Workshop, UC Berkeley, and the California Jazz Conservatory. My work as a public arts commissioner, music educator, and international jazz ambassador reflects a mission to pay forward the mentorship and opportunities I was given. Today, I strive to inspire the next generation of artists and leaders—whether in the classroom, on stage, or through community engagement.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I like to think of it as an improvised solo: unpredictable, intense, and sometimes rhythm-shifting, but always moving forward. I don’t use the word struggle, but I understand challenge all too well. When I began working professionally in New York, balancing life as a full-time student and musician became its own lesson to be skilled at time management, hustle, and resilience. There were days I’d go from class straight to rehearsals, then catch a late gig, all while carrying my drums through packed subway cars or taxies. It was a grind, but it was also an incredible training ground that sharpened my instincts and built a strong foundation for my career.

Coming up during my era meant no cell phones or reliable internet for directions, just raw instinct, sharp memory, and a lot of patience. If you missed a part during rehearsal you had to rely on your ears, your memory, and hope your notes allowed you to execute the job so you get the next call. Learning music meant having charged batteries, pressing rewind on cassette tapes, fighting with a skipping CD player or simply replaying the moment over and over in your mind until it stuck. Nothing was at your fingertips. You had to chase it, hold on to it, and earn it.

Getting to gigs was its own adventure. You’d juggle handwritten directions, ask strangers for help, or just develop a sixth sense for which subway train might actually get you there on time. And when I started traveling internationally at 19, things got even more interesting on how to navigate through airports with paper maps, a faxed itinerary, and an address written in a language I didn’t speak. You had to be sharp, flexible, and sometimes just plain lucky. But those experiences shaped how I navigate life and music. They gave me a global perspective, deepened my ability to connect with people, and helped me find meaning and joy in the process. And yes, alongside all the hustle there were incredible moments of artistic growth, laughter, and inspiration that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of the things I’m most proud of is that I can walk into four major cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and New York which are all places I’ve lived, worked, and grown in, welcomed and respected for what I do. That kind of recognition across communities and scenes is deeply meaningful to me. While many of my peers have gone on to secure major business deals, headline festivals, and receive incredible acclaim which I’m genuinely proud of and inspired by, I’ve come to realize that my own distinction lies in my ability to build bridges. Whether it’s on the bandstand, in the classroom, with the community organization or even in the boardroom, I’ve always aimed to be someone who can connect, contribute, and invite others into the experience.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from some phenomenal mentors who taught me not just about music, but about life lessons in humility, craftsmanship, and the importance of giving back. They always reminded me that no matter how far you go, there’s someone coming up behind you who might just need that one word of encouragement, one opportunity, or one resource to keep going. That perspective has stayed with me and I don’t measure success purely by accolades or visibility, but by measuring my impact, integrity, and how many people I’ve been able to uplift along the way.

Since we last connected, I’ve been fortunate to reach several exciting musical milestones. First, I had the honor of serving as music director for the Max Roach Centennial celebration paying tribute to the legendary drummer, bebop pioneer, and fearless advocate for social change. The event took place at Grand Performances, one of Los Angeles’ most cherished public summer series, and it was truly powerful to honor one of my hero’s legacy in such a meaningful setting. Secondly, I received a plaque for co-writing on George Benson’s “Standing Together” album, which reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart which is an incredibly humbling moment.

In addition, I had the pleasure of recording with the iconic Herb Alpert on several of his recent albums, which each climbed to #4 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Most recently, I co-produced “Live in San Francisco” with my mentor, Master Drummer Michael Carvin, a project we’ve proudly submitted for Grammy consideration in several categories. Finally, in May of this year, I celebrated 4 years as host/producer for my weekly radio show “The Jazz Sessions” on KPFK 90.7fm here in Los Angeles. These experiences continue to affirm that creativity can take many shapes, and success doesn’t always have to come from center stage. It can come through collaboration, mentorship, and a commitment to honoring the music and the community that shaped you.

Living in L.A. now has given me a renewed sense of possibility about both the industry and the power of individual expression. It’s a place that encourages me to be truly unique, and I say that with confidence, not arrogance. I continue to celebrate and support the amazing things happening around me, and remain committed to growing, giving, and staying grounded. That’s what this journey has always been about for me: showing up fully, wherever I am, and leaving something meaningful behind.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, the most important quality behind my success has been adaptability. Whether it’s navigating a late-night gig in a packed New York club, leading a workshop in a university classroom, collaborating in an L.A. studio, or representing my community in a boardroom or public service role, I’ve learned how to read the room, adjust, and show up fully—without compromising who I am. That ability to move fluidly between different worlds and connect with people at every level has opened doors and created meaningful opportunities throughout my career.

Adaptability also ties into humility, which was instilled in me early on by my mentors. They taught me that no matter how much you’ve accomplished, you’re always a student of the craft—and you always have something to give back. That mindset has helped me stay grounded, curious, and willing to evolve. It’s allowed me to build a reputation not just as a musician, but as someone who contributes to the larger community and supports the next generation.

In a field as unpredictable and fast-moving as music, especially in major cities like New York and L.A., being flexible has been essential. Styles shift, industries change, and opportunities often come in unexpected forms. Staying grounded while staying open—that’s what’s allowed me to continue growing, building, and staying relevant across scenes and generations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jazsawyer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazsawyer/
• Other: https://jazsawyer.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
Scott Chernis, Rick Swig, Farah Sosa.