Katisse Buckingham – Woodwinds Quartet

Part of the Sierra Madre Playhouse Jazz Series, curated by Greg Porée

Los Angeles-born virtuoso Katisse Buckingham returns to an intimate chamber setting with his Woodwinds Quartet, bringing a rich blend of jazz, funk, soul and classical sensibility to the fore. An artist equally fluent on saxophones (tenor, alto, soprano, baritone) and flutes (alto, bass, piccolo), Buckingham fuses deep improvisational instinct with melodic clarity, drawing from his early influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock and classical music.

In this performance you’ll hear the quartet harness Buckingham’s signature tone and expressive range across wind instruments—expect shimmering flute passages, robust saxophone solos, and ensemble work that grooves with precision and breadth. The instrumentation provides a rare spotlight for wind instruments in chamber form, allowing each musician to shine while maintaining tight collective interplay.

The program is crafted to reflect both Buckingham’s eclectic background and the quartet’s collaborative voice—movements of soulful lyricism, rhythm‐driven grooves, and spontaneous improvisation weaving through structured forms. The result is a live experience that invites close listening and active engagement: winds that sing, dance and dialogue.

Presented in a setting that emphasizes proximity and clarity of sound, this performance offers the audience an opportunity to connect with the music up close—each breath, each phrase, each collaborative moment carried directly to the listener. Whether you come for the jazz‐inflected solos or the chamber-like textures, the evening will showcase the versatility and artistry of one of Southern California’s most dynamic wind players and his supporting ensemble.

Tickets: $35