The Los Angeles Jazz Composer’s Ensemble

The Los Angeles Jazz Composer’s Ensemble (LAJCE) is a new musical collective dedicated to creative collaboration through the performance of original jazz works.

The group was originally conceived through the partnership and collaboration of saxophonist Branden Brown, trombonist Ryan Kiernan and trumpeter Ethan Chilton, who all met playing in big bands and studying jazz composition at USC’s Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles. The LAJCE began as a reading ensemble to workshop pieces by Brown, Kiernan and Chilton, but has expanded its scope to perform works by all its instrumental members.

Taking inspiration from groups like The Jazz Composer's Orchestra of Carla Bley and Michael Mantler, Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, as well as composers like Henry Threadgill, Anthony Braxton, Wayne Shorter, Julius Hemphill, and Ornette Coleman, the LAJCE seeks to pay homage to some of the most unique and creative voices in jazz while also forging a unique musical identity.

Branden Brown - alto & soprano saxophones
Ethan Chilton - trumpet
Ryan Kiernan - trombone
Jason Hayashi - tenor saxophone
Isaiah Harwood - piano
Graeham Guerin - bass
Gavin Harris - drums