The Jazzcat

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Last set, last night, I stroll into just what I expect at Catalina Bar and Grill, the lovely sound of vibe music. Hutcherson on Monk is a wonderful thing. Tonight Bobby is here with some of the Los Angeles

local heroes; Joe Bagg on piano, Tony Dumas on bass and Ralph Penland

on drums. The second set is full of mellow swing as the four date stint

winds down to a close. Bagg certainly tears up an organ and proceeds to

do the same on the piano. I am sure that every pianist is inspired by

Monk. I spoke with him after the gig and he said that he felt something

different the last time he played with Bobby. It seemed as if his

playing elevated to a higher level that was significantly noticeable to

him. That just goes to show you that all of the pros keep learning some

thing new every time they play, especially when you have the

opportunity to play with such a jazz master like Bobby Hutcherson.

 

Bobby has got to be one of the sweetest, nicest,

coolest and most loving musicians in this business. He always travels

with Rosemary, his wife, and this time his son Teddy was on hand to

check out the set. Bobby’s laugh and smile are unmistakable. When he

plays, you feel all of the joy his character emanates. As a new tune

begins, Bobby starts to play and the room is as quiet as 12 inches of

snow outside on a Brooklyn night. (I

bet you did not know that I knew what that was like!) Something sparked

Bobby to play a solo lullaby version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little

Christmas” and the audience was enamored. For me, it was the official

beginning of the Holiday Season and this was the absolute most

beautiful way to bring it in!

 

Bobby and Joe traded in a wonderful duo

conversation before handing it off to Ralph for his charismatic solo.

Bobby stood there nodding with acceptance as Ralph rolled out his

thunder. Always there underneath of it all holding down the rhythmic

bottom is Tony Dumas. Dumas is a constant source of creativity that

allows the other musicians to hear his intricacies leading them on to

more creative directions. Just the thing that a great bass player can

provide, space and creativity. Bobby plays with such brilliant colors,

no doubt one of the most delightful and enchanting sounds in jazz.

 

As always I am on hand to enjoy and pay my

respects to such a great master of this music. Don’t miss out on your

next opportunity to see Bobby Hutcherson. Experience real music!

 

Coming up at Catalina Bar and Grill this month will be Charnett Moffett (Solo), Cedar Walton Trio w/ David “Fathead” Newman, Bill Charlap Trio and more….

Check them out online at www.catalinajazzclub.com. Also, take a look at the virtual tour that I shot for them. I think that you will enjoy it!

LeRoy Downs