As pianist for LA saxophonist Kamasi Washington, Cameron Graves has hammered and tapped his way well inside the modern jazz canon. But on his own albums Planetary Prince and last year’s Seven, Graves makes a bold case for himself not just as sideman but as bandleader in his own right. Both albums conjure oddly celestial fusion compositions that explore our place in the universe and the spirit, but the latter also goes a long way to developing the style some have come to call “thrash-jazz.” Technical, loud and precise, it’s an invigorating mix from the planetary prince.
Wed, 7pm, $25+
Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose
