Jazz music can be presented many ways. Elegant, soulful and straight ahead are just a few of the adjectives that have been used to describe this music. But, when a group of players who have not played together in a long time reunite, it all amounts to the biggest fun!

Long time friend Vanessa Rubin made it from Brooklyn to Long Beach to The Inglewood Park Casino and ended at Charlie O’s for a show that was just like a musical family reunion. John Heard lead a trio that featured the world renowned Roy McCurdy on drums and LA native Danny Grissette, by way of Brooklyn. These cats have the best time when playing together. You can feel so much love in the music.

I walked in and Vanessa was tearin’ it up! She is as real a person as she is a singer and her personality beams like the true sister of jazz that she is. Pianist Nick Smith, CEO and magazine publisher Miller London along with producer Andre Fischer and others traveled some miles to have the opportunity to spend some time checkin’ out Vanessa do her thing.

The set was down home and loose as a jam session but, certainly tight when it comes to delivery. Danny has made the pilgrimage to the Big Apple and it has served him well. Playing even more confident than he ever has with the old school cats that put it down today and back in the day! Big fun and jazz were synonymous tonight! It is always a pleasure when East comes together with West for the best in jazz music!

 Click for Pics

LeRoy Downs