Charles Lloyd at Catalina Bar and Grill
by jazzcat on Jan.16, 2004, under News
Charles Lloyd. This is one of those names that separates those who
know from those who don't. Yes it's jazz, at its highest form. One of
our masters visits Los Angeles and he came to play.
I finally got a chance to go to the new Catalina Bar
and Grill. There at the door to greet me was the lovely Catalina
herself. I certainly praise those who stand for and represent, or in
this case present, the best in straight ahead jazz music.
The new digs is wonderful. The atmosphere is just perfect for a jazz
supper club. Charles, after being in the studio with the cats recording
all day made his way to the stage for the second performance of the
night. Before he begins, he steps to the mic to check to see if his
peeps are in the audience. He calls out a few names and out of the dark
the voices reply. Now he is ready. Ready with not to mention some of
the best and no doubt some of the coolest players around. Geri
Allen on Piano, Big Bob Hurst on Bass, and my man Eric Harland on
drums.
Charles starts the second set with those long tones of beauty.
Heavenly and spiritual and so soul rewarding, you close your eyes
and you are in a fragrant garden of music. Eric was swingin' hard and
dynamic but, when he pulls out those brushes it's nothin' but lovely
love!
With the lyrical Big B holding down the bottom and Geri laying down
sweet melodies and intense solos, Catalina’s on that Sunday night was
the place to be!
“The Monk and the Mermaid” was one of the tightest tunes. Everyone got down. Awesome solos from the entire band!
Charles likes to listen as intently as he plays. You can see him
frozen in thought and so connected to the music. When it is time he
jumps back in with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The show ended with “You are so Beautiful” and indeed it was. I
know the guys were tired. The lights came on and the audience did not
budge. They just clapped and roared until emerging from a dark corner,
the great Charles Lloyd appears once again. He picks up the oboe and
blows a duet with Hurst.
It is your responsibility to support live jazz music, especially when the masters come to your town. Don't miss them!
LeRoy Downs