Mendocino Music Festival - Julian J3PO Pollack Trio

Julian “J3PO” Pollack Trio, with featured artist Sy Smith

Embark on an evening of soul-tinged jazz and fusion, with a look to the future, marbled by intricate glistenings of electronica and hip-hop. This trio, who tours throughout the year with Chris Botti as his rhythm section, features Albion native Julian Pollack on piano and synthesizers, Juilliard-trained Dan Chmielinski on bass and synthesizer, and the legendary Lee Pearson on drums. The trio will also feature the illustrious Sy Smith on vocals, performing hypnotic jams from the ’70s and ’80s as well as some tasty originals.

Sy Smith has provided vocals for, (among others) Whitney Houston and The Rickey Minor Band (as seen The Tonight Show with Jay Leno). Most recently she has caught the ear of jazz aficionados as a featured guest with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti.

Dan Chmielinski has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Brad Mehldau, and Jon Batiste to name a few, and has appeared at The Hollywood Bowl, The Newport Jazz Festival, The Monterrey Jazz Festival, and the Ravinia Festival.

Julian “J3PO” Pollack is a Los Angeles-based pianist/keyboardist and producer; known for his innovative playing in jazz, fusion, hip-hop, and electronic styles of music. He has toured extensively with Marcus Miller, and with Chris Botti.

Lee Pearson is one of the most electrifying drummers of today, ranging from Broadway to jazz, to hip-hop and R&B. Pearson has played on The Tonight Show with the Jay Leno Band and has toured with Chris Botti.