Led by the brilliant pianist Bill Charlap and featuring exceptional players like tenor Ravi Coltrane, trumpeter Nicholas Payton and guitarist Peter Bernstein, this bunch really shines on the accompanying Mosaic, running through some classic Blue Note tunes such as Cedar Waltons title tune, Joe Hendersons Inner Urge, Monks Criss Cross, and others by the likes of McCoy Tyner, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock and Bud Powell. You know the sound.
Blue Note was the best of the best; nearly every record the label put out in its glory decades ranges from damn good to flat-out classic. And were talking severalhundred releases. Now thats a label. The players here have a lot to live up to, but with the material theyll be tackling, its hard to go wrong.
Now for the local cats in the local joints.
Larry Goldings hauls his Hammond B3 organ into Spazio on Friday, joined by an excellent quartet that includes saxist Tim Ries (the Rolling Stones reed man), guitarist Larry Koonse and very hard-swinging drummer Jason Harnell. Unlike most nights at Spazio, theres a cover for this one, but Goldings is a monster on that Hammond, and the groove will be furious.
Also on Friday, pianist Jon Mayer has his trio out at the Caf 322 in Sierra Madre. Youve seen him plenty backing horn players at Charlie Os, and hes got a wonderfully inspired technique.
Saturday is a toss-up between two hard blowers
The over-the-top Trane of Azar Lawrence at Vibrato or the just-right swing of Don Menza at Charlie Os. On Sunday, theres no need to pick, as you can do both: The Hank Mobleytinged tenor Rickey Woodard is at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach beginning at 11 a.m., and the Sonny Rollinsinfluenced Benn Clatworthys at Charlie Os.
On Monday, take it easy and hit just one gig
Drummer Matt Slocums stellar trio with pianist Bill Cunliffe and bassist Darek Oles at the Jazz Bakery.
Tuesday?
How does one catch a set of vibist NickMancini in a rare trio setting at 2nd Street Jazz (366 E. 2nd in Little Tokyo) and still make it to the wild-eyed alto Zane Musas gig at Charlie Os in Van Nuys? We have no idea youre the one driving. But that is nothing compared to....
Thursdays Conundrum
Hard-bop Cannonball/Coltrane Project doing their repertory thing at the Crowne Plaza down by LAX; the brilliant guitarist Bruce Forman at Vibrato up in Bel Air; or the exceptional vocal talent of Janis Mann in the middle of the San Fernando Valley at Charlie Os.
Take your pick.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
