“Having Futureman and Jeff Coffin playing my original music for a hometown show is a dreamlike scenario for me,” says Jonathan Scales. He studied the two — a drummer and saxophonist, respectively — after discovering their work with Béla Fleck, whose music “completely altered the trajectory of my life.” And they influenced more than just the formation of the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra. Coffin taught the young steel pannist to present only his best efforts by pulling out of a collaboration. (“I thought my life and career were over,” Scales recalls.) Futureman urged Scales to pursue a long-form composition, which became his best-selling album Mixtape Symphony. Now the veterans, plus bassist Jay White, are learning a full set of their protégé’s music. Watch the local artist’s dream come true at The Altamont Theatre on Friday, April 1, at 8 p.m. $15 ($25 VIP). thealtamont.com. Photo courtesy of the artist
Smart bets: Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
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