A pretty relaxed crowd is all ready for the second set here at Catalinas. This week once again for me, the McCoy Tyner Trio with Bobby Hutcherson! They were on break when I came in and a few people from the first set were just leaving.
Bobby was in the back with wife Rosemary and son Barry. Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith came up and we were talking about jazz, movie projects and the Tonight Show. Smitty has been hittin’ for 9 years and still going strong.
Mr.Manny as I call him, one of Catalinas gracious host, introduced the second set and for another piece of art to be created. That is exactly what it is. Watching and listening to jazz is just like going to see a glass blower make a gorgeous sculpture. You can experience the magic from start to finish and leave with something that will not be created the same way again. That is life! Just make sure that you partake in its beauty along the way!
At
the center stage, a man that paints so many wonderful colors, moods and
dynamics, the master vibest, Mr. Bobby Hutcherson. It has only been a
few days since I have seen the band and the new additions were
exciting. On piano, the one and only McCoy Tyner, Charnett Moffett on
Bass and Jeff “Tain”
Charnett is phenomenal on bass especially his work with the bow. You have never seen anything like it. I love bow work and quite frankly, not too many players pull it out as often and with such ease as Charnett. Anytime you see McCoy and Bobby together it is history in the making. Tain brought some great energy to the band. He would hit a few notes; Bobby would look back with a smile as if to say,” I heard that, that was nice!”
I carefully concentrated on McCoy’s fingers while he played. His hands, and the way he drops his fingers to play a note are so precise. I imagined ten needles on a sewing machine, stitching and weaving on the music’s beautiful fabric. Bobby has the greatest expressions on his face when he plays. Have you ever heard him laugh? You just can’t stop smiling! You feel the love in every note. Watching the band play is extraordinary because you can see the decisions that are made a millisecond before the notes are even played. I was locked in and the music was full of endless possibilities of happiness!
There is no excuse for you not to miss great jazz music when it comes to your town. I hope you have a chance to check these guys out. Your life will be much richer because of it!
LeRoy Downs
