By Donald True Van Deusen
Larry McKenna and Bootsie Barnes, the two finest tenor sax men in this
area (some say in the country) were back in action May 10 at Chris' Jazz
Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, Philadelphia (215. 568.3131).
Sets went like a house afired from 9 p.m. to Midnight for an $8 cover,
$5 for students. Joining them were two of the most exciting up-and- coming
young local jazz players, Lucas Brown on organ and Dan Monaghan on drums.
Both were sitting in with Bootsie at a recent Wednesday night jam session at
Ortlieb's Jazz Haus that had the club crowd cheering. Monaghan has been
working with just about everyone in Philadelphia these days, a sure sign of
his performance credentials.
There is always a sense of steaming "battle of the saxes" excitement
when Bootsie and McKenna get together that reminds many old timers of the
great Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts of the 1940's. This seeming contest
is really just two first-class horn men having fun, playfully challenging
each other, exchanging ideas and building on each otherÃÂÃÂÃÂùs phrases. Fans
sometimes forget that both men play hauntingly lovely ballads and blues
which they have demonstrated in person and on various CDs. They took old
standards such as The Song Is You and served them up with steaming
renditions that reminded one and all just how exciting jazz can be when in
the hand of masters.
Jazz vocals were served up by Diane Schuur May 10th and llth at the
sophisticated jazz supper club Zanzibar Blue at Broad and Walnut Streets,
Philadelphia (215.732.4500). Sets go are at 9 and ll p.m. for a $35 cover
charge. Ms Schuur is billed as the "new first lady of jazz" reflecting her
long standing role as a top interpreter of class jazz and pop vocals. She
can put a twist on old standards that brings them back to life and is a
great favorite of the Zanzibar crowd as she demonstrated in her last
appearance here.
Blues fans got a special treat for $30 admission May at the Keswick
Theater, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, PA., at 8 p.m. (215.
572.7650) where the top flight, award-winning, young guitar-playing blues
vocalist, Guy Davis, will open up for the David Bromberg Big Band.
