There are several layers to D.C.’s jazz scene, and each boasts its own set of musicians and strengths. National acts generally play at the larger halls, such as the Kennedy Center, or Blues Alley, if they choose to play a club date. As far as the local scene, the older musicians tend to play the same rooms, or places where the crowd is generally older as well, such as Jazz Night in Southwest. The most exciting aspect of the local scene, however, is the explosion of young talent that has developed over the past five to ten years. These musicians tend to concentrate along the corridors of U Street, or 18th Street in Adams Morgan. Though only blocks apart, there are subtle variations between the two destinations that give the jazz listener in the nation’s capital a surprising number of musical options.

On U Street, one can find the best music at Twins Jazz, the historic Bohemian Caverns, and small restaurants like Jojo’s and Utopia. The music at these clubs is rooted firmly in the African American experience and is at the core of the city’s musical heritage. On 18th Street however, the music has a much more international flair. Bars such as Bukom Cafe, Ghana Cafe, and Rumba Cafe offer among the city’s best in traditional Latin, reggae, and African music, and the strip’s jazz life is concentrated in one of two places, Columbia Station and the Bossa Bistro & Lounge.

While Columbia Station favors a more traditional sound, one of the most interesting developments in D.C. jazz is the scene for which Bossa acts as a hub. Some of the most innovative music coming out of the city is played there on a nightly basis by a growing group of highly trained musicians who have studied musical tradition, but also embrace a forward looking ethos.

Plus, the food ain’t bad either.

DCist interviewed Rob Coltun, an owner and frequent performer at Bossa, in what is hopefully the first in a series of interviews with those responsible for presenting the fine talent we have here in the District.