SUPER JAZZ AT THE RANCH
Saturday, May 16, 2026
West Ranch High School
ADJUDICATORS
Brad Davis Jeff Jarvis
Elliot Deutsch Joe Mazzaferro
Michael Gutierrez Eric Samson
GUEST PERFORMANCES BY
Los Angeles based pianist, keyboardist, and composer Adam Hersh was born in Castaic, CA. Since graduating from California State University, Northridge, Adam has been a regular on the LA jazz scene as both a leader and sideman, performing with highly regarded musicians such as Bob Sheppard, Mike Moreno, Joel Frahm Munir Hossn, Gary Novak, Andrew Renfroe, Gene Coye, Max Gerl, Josh Nelson, Ron Stout, Jon Hatamiya, Charles Ruggiero and Ben Van Gelder.
He was selected as a Ravinia Composition Fellow in 2017, and in 2019 he accompanied vocalist Nalaya Brown for a three month residency at Quincy Jones’ Q’s Bar and Lounge in Dubai, UAE.
Adam released his debut album House Roots in 2020. This synthesizer focused jazz fusion record was recorded entirely remotely with LA heavy hitters such as Gene Coye, Max Gerl, Logan Kane, Anthony Fung, Myles Martin and Marcel Camargo.
In 2022 and 2023, he undertook two large transcription and performance projects. The first was a full transcription of Wayne Shorter’s album High Life, a Grammy Award winning orchestral and fusion album released in 1995. The second project focused on a selection of compositions from iconic fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth, which Adam performed with long-time collaborator, Gary Novak, on the drums.
His second album, Tornado Watch, is due for release in April of 2024, and is a live sextet recording featuring 12 original compositions and arrangements.
Adam’s regular projects as a sideman include playing with saxophonist Tristan Cappel, bassist Mauricio Morales, recorder and vocalist Tali Rubenstein, drummer Tim Rachbach’s quartet, trumpet player Everett Kelly’s band Sicnarf, Jon Hatamiya Big Band and the Kevin Van Den Elzen Big band.
Paul Nelson is a versatile trombonist, composer, and educator based in Los Angeles. He currently leads Paul Nelson’s Big Ol’ Band, a premier 17-piece ensemble dedicated to performing his original compositions and arrangements. Beyond his work as a bandleader, Paul serves as the Director of Jazz Bands at Brentwood School and maintains a private studio for low brass and music production.
His performance credits include collaborations with legendary figures and ensembles such as the Bob Mintzer Big Band, Bill Holman, and the Dave Slonaker Big Band, as well as contemporary artists like Silvana Estrada, Futurebirds, and Bret McKenzie. Paul’s session work spans television and commercial recordings for high-profile projects and artists, including Ringo Starr, Billy Porter, and Paramount’s Rise of the Pink Ladies. He is currently preparing for the February 2026 release of his debut large-ensemble album, 'it is what it is…'