Theo Saunders Sextet at Jazz Live, Lyceum Theatre: 2011

Theo Saunders represents San Diego jazz's next generation, musicians who grew up around the scene watching their parents perform and learning tradition while developing their own voices. As son of veteran bassist Jerry Saunders, Theo had direct access to jazz education and community from childhood. His Jazz Live performance demonstrated how that foundation translates to mature musicianship.

Following a parent in any profession creates unique challenges and opportunities. Theo benefits from Jerry's knowledge, connections, and musical example. But he also faces comparisons and expectations that musicians without famous parents avoid. Finding personal artistic identity while honoring family legacy requires balancing respect and independence.

Theo's music incorporated contemporary influences alongside jazz tradition. Younger musicians grew up with hip-hop, electronic music, and genre-fluid approaches that older generations encountered later if at all. This broader musical context informs their jazz even when playing relatively traditional material.

The sextet format allowed Theo to explore arrangement and compositional ideas. Leading an ensemble requires musical vision beyond just playing your instrument well. You must select material, arrange it effectively, and create environment where musicians can contribute while serving overall musical direction.

What makes local scenes sustainable is generational continuity. When younger musicians emerge from established scene rather than all leaving for major cities, the local community gains depth and longevity. Theo staying in San Diego to develop his career benefits entire scene.

The Jazz Live audience for Theo's show included people who watched him grow up, family friends alongside younger audiences identifying with musician their own age. This multigenerational support characterizes healthy local scenes.

Jazz's future depends on younger musicians engaging with tradition while bringing contemporary perspectives. Theo's generation will determine what jazz sounds like in coming decades, whether it remains primarily historical music or evolves into something recognizable but transformed.

The relationship between Theo and Jerry's music represents broader question about tradition and innovation. How much should younger musicians replicate what elders did? How much should they push boundaries? The answer lies somewhere between pure recreation and complete rejection, honoring tradition while asserting individual vision.

Theo Saunders Sextet at Jazz Live showed younger San Diego musician developing personal voice while building on family and community legacy. The performance demonstrated local jazz scene's generational depth and suggested promising future for San Diego jazz.

Thank you, Theo, for choosing to build career in San Diego and for contributing to local scene's ongoing vitality.