Mean to Me is a jazz quintet that resurrects classic jazz of the 1920s through 1940s–sometimes twisted by the more modern stylings of Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and Ahmad Jamal–and an eclectic variety of soul-jazz and latin-jazz.

This mix reflects the interests of its three core members: Judy Butterfield, who trained as a cabaret singer but whose love is for soul music; Ben Slater, a pianist and saxophonist interested in exploring jazz’s roots after living in New Orleans; and Dave Shaff, a trumpeter drawn to more modern and funky sounds. All three grew up in San Francisco and have played together for over 15 years.

The core trio is usually joined by Scott Foster on guitar, Cairo McCockran on drums, and Sam Heminger on Bass.