The sophisticated sounds of jazz fusion with modern indie rock influence come from Court Verano, an indie jazz trio that features (left to right) Finn Pacheco on guitar/vocals, Kyle Hauk on bass and Taylor McNamara on drums. The three local musicians started playing jazz together in high school, and their music career has taken off ever since. It is no surprise that their raw talent at such a young age has garnered well-deserved attention from friends and peers. The Court Verano musicians continue to book more and more shows as they gain their music industry footing. These upcoming months will be instrumental in drawing more widespread attention for the group. / photo courtesy of Court Verano

The sophisticated sounds of jazz fusion with modern indie rock influence come from Court Verano, an indie jazz trio that features (left to right) Finn Pacheco on guitar/vocals, Kyle Hauk on bass and Taylor McNamara on drums. The three local musicians started playing jazz together in high school, and their music career has taken off ever since. It is no surprise that their raw talent at such a young age has garnered well-deserved attention from friends and peers. The Court Verano musicians continue to book more and more shows as they gain their music industry footing. These upcoming months will be instrumental in drawing more widespread attention for the group. / photo courtesy of Court Verano

by Natalie Sirna

It all started at a show at the dA Center for the Arts, Pomona, when Claremont High School senior Finn Pacheco shared a set with Glendora High School bassist Kyle Hauk, and the two instantly realized their musical chemistry. From there, Finn, Kyle and drummer Taylor McNamara, Finn’s friend from high school, began writing songs together. Inspired by his recent trip to France as well as by taking French classes at school, Kyle suggested the band name Court Verano, meaning “short summer,” which also happens to be Finn’s favorite season.

Their tones emulate the warm glow of a summer sun. Like a short summer season, Court Verano’s music embodies sweet feelings of bliss that will leave you craving more. According to Finn, their sound can be loosely described as “jazz fusion with modern indie rock influence. We’re also heavily influenced by classic and contemporary jazz artists such as Herbie Hancock and Yussef Kamaal.” The group members also have their shared history of high school jazz band to account for their expansive knowledge of jazz artists and style. Court Verano’s sound is hallmarked by unusual time signatures, melodic guitar riffs and haunting vocals. Occasionally, friend of the band Andres Beltran joins in, playing keys at the gigs, permitted he gets the time off from school studies.

Court Verano brings an unexpected yet refreshing new sound to the local music scene. Their most recent release, “Serrulata’s Theme,” is a relaxing piece that melts melodic chords into delicate yet danceable interludes. The lyrics weave a story of a summer romance blossoming under a cherry tree. Pacheco’s voice echoes tranquility and bliss that will leave you lost in contemplation and perhaps reminiscent of a past summer love.

Classy and charismatic, Court Verano’s artistry is a local music gem with a sound that effortlessly blends sophistication with dissonance. The notes melt seamlessly into one another, and Finn’s tenor voice will be sure to put you in a trance.

This new local jazz tribe is the unexpected but refreshing new sound and aesthetic that the local music scene desperately needs. Their hard work is paying off as they move from a strictly household band to playing sets at the L.A County Fair in La Verne just this past September. You can also find them playing at the Fox Theater in Pomona, the Mint in L.A, FTG Warehouse in Santa Ana, and they have even set up under a tent in the La Verne and Claremont villages. Wherever you find them, you will not be disappointed with the level of artistry from such young budding musicians. Court Verano allows you to pause for a brief few minutes and sink into the softness of summer any time of the year.