08/14/2026
LA-based jazz/hip hop collective Katalyst returns to Clem's with its frothy brew of hip hop laced jazz with a dash of R&B and Soul.
ABOUT KATALYST
Every decade or so a new band comes to the forefront and changes the course of music, this decade is no exception and sees the rise of one of the most talented, diverse collectives of musicians, writers, composers and producers otherwise known as Katalyst. The brainchild of world-renowned drummer/composer/ producer Greg Paul, this nine- piece ensemble hailing from Inglewood, CA showcases an eclectic mix of experimental contemporary jazz.
The collective comprises of pianist Brandon Cordoba, saxophonist David Otis, Grammy- award winning trombonist Jonah Levine, keyboard/pianist Brian Hargrove, percussionist Ahmad Dubose, uptight bassist Corbin Jones, bass guitarist Marlon Spears and Katalyst founder and drummer Greg Paul.
In 2020 during the height of the pandemic, Katalyst released their critically acclaimed debut album entitled “Nine Lives” a free-spirited instrumental jazz album that truly encapsulates the pulse of Los Angeles. Conceived during impromptu Sunday Jam Sessions at their home base in Inglewood, the title is personal as it documents the lives and fusion of these nine renaissance men, equally yoked through 10 tracks that transport you on musical journey unlike any other.
In 2022, they released their critically acclaimed compilation album with the Jazz Is Dead collective, in which they toured throughout the US in the Summer of 2022. They have performed at Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island and Winter Jazz Fest twice in New York City.
Katalyst has lent spread their sound across various industries - whether composing original music for films, performing live on television series, or providing the sounds for branded events, their arrangements, music, and musicianship crosses over.
Website
https://www.katalystcollective.com/
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BANDMEMBER BIOS
Brandon Cordoba is a Los Angeles based pianist, producer, and composer. With roots in Jazz, Hiphop, Soul, Gospel, and R&B, he has released several solo projects. Brandon has had the pleasure of collaborating with numerous bands and artists, and is continuously pursuing new and exciting musical territory.
Brian Hargrove is a Los Angeles based composer/pianist from Dallas, Texas and an alumnus of USC's Thornton School of Music and Annenberg School of Communication. An award-winning composer/arranger, Hargrove's commissioned and personal work spans a wide range of idioms and contexts - from jazz to pop; chamber/orchestral to art music fusing aesthetics of hip-hop and avant-garde. Collaborations include projects with Michael Jackson, Vesper Theatre Company, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Strings and more. As keyboardist, he was a long-time member of Roy Hargrove's The RH Factor, currently tours worldwide with Solange and also performed with Harvey Mason, Alice Smith, The Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra and many others.
David Otis from Downey, California, is one of the upcoming Saxophonists of today. A graduate from Cal state Northridge with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies, David also has a Masters degree from the prestigious Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz from UCLA. Through the Institute, David has preformed, toured, and studied with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, Stefon Harris, Dee Bridgewater, and more.
Outside of the institute, David has preformed with recording artists such as Usher, Mac Miller, SiR, Theo Crocker, Anderson Paak, Shafiq Husayn, Kendrick Lamar and many more. David can be heard on recordings for artists such as RZA, Maxo, and Shafiq Husayn, to name a few. He has also been on a number of TV shows such as Americas Got Talent.
Corbin Jones is a California-born, Colorado-rasied arranger and multi-instrumentalist and has credits with such artists as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lizzo, Lucky Daye, Lupe Fiasco, Gwen Stefani, and Kendrick Lamar. He’s performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Newport Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, the Appel Room at Jazz @ Lincoln Center, and on NPR’s Tiny Desk. A graduate of USC Thornton Jazz Studies program, Jones’ love of groove has led him to the a career on not only double bass, but bass guitar, synth bass, sousaphone, baritone saxophone, and leading his own group The Corbin Jones Big Band (featuring other members of Katalyst).
Jonah Levine is a Grammy-award winning musician, composer, and bandleader based in Los Angeles, California. He released his debut record Attention Deficit under the Jonah Levine Collective moniker in March 2017 on the Alpha Pup Records jazz imprint World Galaxy Records. Attention Deficit garnished wide acclaim and attention from press as diverse as Bandcamp Daily to Forbes. LA Weekly featured it as an honorable mention in its lists of "Best Albums of 2017” and was also showcased on Noisey's radio station with Apple Beats 1 and Gilles Peterson's BBC Radio 6 program.
Levine is the type of dedicated musician and composer that maintains a busy schedule through all cycles of the year. His most recent recording credits include Jay-Z’s 4:44 and the Damian Marley featured track "Bam," and Mon Laferte’s “Norma” which won beat alternative album of the year at the Latin Grammys. He served as musical director for Josef Leimberg and his debut concert on the World Galaxy imprint, has performed with Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, and also writes, records, and produces regularly.
Ahmad DuBose-Dawson is a professional percussionist , producer, & recording artist from the Central Coast of California. His music style is a kaleidoscopic expression of Traditional African, Afro Cuban, World Music, Hip Hop and Jazz all. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he is heavily involved in the recording as we as the live performance scene playing for multiple talents platform around the city and for multiple LA Based Bands including The Katalyst Collective. His versatility, charisma, and passionate approach to all musical scenarios led him to master a myriad of sound and rhythms that make him a reference among artists, composers and producers in various genres of music.
Greg Paul is a Buffalo raised drummer, composer and band leader based in Los Angeles, CA. He is a graduate of the USC Jazz studies Masters program and currently tours the world with artist like Kamaal Williams (Henry Wu), China Moses and Mark de Clive-Lowe. Greg is also heavily involved in L.A’s recording community, playing on records for Gary Bartz, Roy Ayers, Joao Donato, Chronixx, Protoje etc..Along with a busy live performance and recording schedule, Greg’s primary focus is the Katalyst, a band of talented musicians, composers, producers and creatives that he established in 2014. Although the group is still in it’s early stages, the band has had many accomplishments on and off the bandstand and Greg plans on pursuing the full potential of the Katalyst for the duration of his career.
Marlon Spears has been a professional bassist since 2006 and has played for a variety of artists across various genres ranging from SiR to Lonnie Liston Smith. Marlon has performed at some of the country's great stages and events, including SXSW, Coachella, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, N.Y.E.L.A., and the Staples Center. as well as abroad, on tour with Kamaal Williams. In addition to live performances, Marlon has also recorded for numerous projects, albums, and singles ranging from Pop and Rock to Gospel and Jazz, including SiR’s album “Chasing Summer”. Marlon prides himself on his tone which is often described as full, rich, and warm, and his approach to bass playing is inspired by some of his favorite players, including Derrick Hodge and Pino Palladino.
