Courtesy S.A. Jazz Workshop likes to try new things, like performing jazz renditions of songs from The Beatles and Radiohead.

THE BAND: S.A. Jazz Workshop

THE MEMBERS: Cedric Mayfield, saxophone and clarinet; Jordan Pollard, piano; Andrew Peck, bass; Chuck Kerr, drums.

THE SOUND: It’s the sound that comes from dimly lit bars and smoke-filled lounges — the soundtrack for a romantic movie scene or a smoothly executed heist.

It’s jazz music, nostalgic and pure.

They play the classic standards that are common among jazz musicians, but their experimental nature sets S.A. Jazz Workshop apart.

Unlike most jazz groups, they prefer playing their original songs and trying new sounds and instruments.

They’re not afraid to stray from their genre. Classical music is sometimes incorporated into their shows, and they have performed their own renditions of songs from artists such as The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and even Radiohead.

Mayfield switches between different saxophones, his clarinet and even the Chinese wooden flute and, along with drummer Kerr, enjoys adding electronics to the sound.

Peck switches between an electric and acoustic bass for different sounds, and Pollard reluctantly experiments with keyboard effects.

“She’d much rather be playing a straight-up acoustic piano,” Mayfield said. “That’s her bag.”

Steve Wilson, a local guitarist, as well as Jake Owen from Austin, occasionally perform with the quartet.

They hope their experimental sound will attract younger listeners and bring jazz to more venues in this city.

THE BACKGROUND: S.A. Jazz Workshop formed nearly a year ago when the groups the members were previously involved in disbanded.

Mayfield, 30, met Peck, the youngest in the group at 22, while serving in the Air Force and performing in a jazz group together.

“That gig is kind of a trip in itself,” Mayfield said. “Andy and I were just in Iraq and Afghanistan not too long ago, playing concerts for troops and out in communities.” Pollard moved to San Antonio from Duluth, Minn., around two years ago, and Kerr is originally from San Antonio and a graduate of St. Mary’s University.

“One of our beefs about San Antonio is that there aren’t a lot of venues for live jazz to grow and to thrive,” Mayfield said.

Venues such as Luna and Carmens de la Calle are host to their sound, as well as the occasional restaurant, such as the Boardwalk Bistro or Stefania’s Country Italian.

They hope to add Ruta Maya to the list of jazz-friendly venues with their Sept. 6 show, and they plan to record their first album next month.

THE WEB SITE: myspace.com/sajazzworkshop

CHECK THEM OUT: 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Ruta Maya, 107 E. Martin St.

Jonathan Munson | 210Sa contributor