The Jazzcat

Additional Photos

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” Watts on Drums.

 

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