SML (Small Medium Large) is a Los Angeles-based supergroup consisting of Anna Butterss, Jeremiah Chiu, Josh Johnson, Booker Stardrum, and Gregory Uhlmann. Formed around a residency at the now-defunct Highland Park venue ETA, the quintet represents the vanguard of the 'New LA' jazz scene.
Their sound identity is defined by a hybrid of free improvisation and meticulous post-production, often compared to the 'edit-heavy' jazz of Teo Macero or the modern rhythmic collages of Makaya McCraven. The group's debut album, 'Small Medium Large' (2024), was culled from hours of live recordings, which were then treated as raw material for studio manipulation. This process results in music that retains the spontaneity of live performance while achieving the textural density of electronic music. Critically, they are positioned as a bridge between the jazz world and the experimental electronic community, influenced as much by modular synthesis and krautrock as by the spiritual jazz tradition. Their work is a testament to the thriving improvisational community in Southern California, serving as a focal point for listeners who value both technical proficiency and sonic exploration.
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