Quotation of the Week: Hugh Hefner

“My life has been a quest for a world where the words to the songs are true.”

Hugh Hefner

Live Jazz: Playboy Jazz Free Concert — Diane Schuur, Ed Shaughnessy and Susie Hansen

By Devon Wendell

On Sunday afternoon and evening, the 2009 Playboy Jazz Festival held its third community concert, free to the public, at Warner Central Park in Woodland Hills. And the festivities began early with a short, but diverse set from the talented young jazz players of the El Camino High School Jazz Band. Among the high points – Chuck Mangione’s “Between Races,” Hank Levy’s “Chiapas” and a tribute to Thad Jones titled “Thaditude.”

Jazz violinist Susie Hansen took the stage next in celebration of the 20th anniversary of her Latin Jazz Band. And it only took a couple of numbers – “No Te Metas Conmigo” and “Suene La Clave” — to get the crowd off their blankets and beach chairs, up and dancing to the infectiously swinging salsa hooks and lavish horn arrangements by David Stout, the vocals by both George Balmeseda and Kaspar Abbo, and the almost telekinetically connected Latin percussion laid down by Papo Rodriguez, Victor Baez, and Tiki Pasillas.

Susie Hansen

Though the electric violin may not be considered a “typical” Salsa/Latin jazz instrument of choice, Hansen’s strong intonation and the unique and tastefully syncopated phrasing she brought to her melodies stayed true to the music’s rich heritage and history. Even in bold experiments like Bobby Darrin’s “Beyond The Sea” and a medley tribute to Frank Sinatra of “Fly Me To The Moon(Cha Cha),” ”The More I See You, ” ”It Had To be You”and ”All of Me,” Hansen never abandoned the music’s Latin jazz roots. Stellar trombone work by Stout, and Joe Rotondi Jr.’s understated yet complimentary piano stylings were perfect for these adventurous ballad choices.

Hansen and her band closed with a salsa take on the rock n’ roll classic “Vehicle” by The Ides Of March — easily the highlight of the band’s set — laying down an irresistible salsa funk beat, with Hansen and the horn section trading solos while keeping the groove intact.

Ed Shaughnessy

Ed Shaughnessy, long recognized as a sterling big band drummer (especially with Doc Severinson’s band on The Tonight Show) showed up this time with a dynamic and seasoned quintet consisting of Tom Peterson (tenor), Ira Nepus (trombone), Jennifer Leitham (bass), and Rich Eames (piano). Playing a large, double bass drum kit, Shaughnessy dedicated his set to the man who pioneered the set up, the great and recently deceased Louis Bellson. Launching into a refreshingly original version of Billy Strayhorn’s “Take the ‘A’ Train,” done in ¾ time with a nod to Charlie Parker’s version of “Just Friends,” Shaughnessy proved from the first bombastic kick that his technique and his love for this music have not diminished with time.

Peterson’s “Rear View” showcased his Charlie Rouse-esque, bop-influenced tenor style. Eames and Nepus were very mainstream-traditional in Tom Rainier’s tender balled “Seaward.” But Leitham proved to be the standout member of the group with her Charlie Haden-wrestles-Paul Chambers aggressive bass playing. Leitham locked into Shaughnessy’s in the pocket swing on another Rainier tune, the funky “I’m Home, Honey,” focusing all eyes and ears on her boundless energy and unparalleled skills.

Shaughnessy and company wrapped the set with “Salt Peanuts,” in a version that was closer to Miles Davis’ 1956 rendition in its frenetic qualities than it was to Dizzy Gillespie’s familiar original. Shaughnessy’s enthusiasm for the music and his affection for lost comrade Bellson made his set a touching celebration of the music’s immortality.

Diane Schuur

Diane Schuur’s evening-closing performance had special significance because it reunited her with Shaughnessy, who — in Schuur’s words — was, “The cat who got me my first national exposure,” introducing her at the 1975 Monterey Jazz Festival and on “The Tonight Show.” “Deedles” (as she is known by friends and fans alike) and her band were joined by Shaughnessy, Peterson, Scott Steed (bass), and Richard Aimes playing piano on two numbers. The set consisted mostly of standards from her latest CD, “Some Other Time,” opening smoothly with Vernon Duke’s “Taking A Chance On Love.” In Irving Berlin’s “They Say It’s Wonderful,” Schuur captivated the audience with her vocal phrasing, her vibrato and her percussive, blues-tinged piano playing. Though chestnuts like “My Favorite Things,” “It’s Magic” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It” have been thoroughly done in all genres of jazz, the warmth and familiarity or Schuur’s musical presence kept them fresh.

The focal point of her set was Leonard Bernstein’s melancholy ballad “Some Other Time,” as Shauhnessy played brushes and lovingly gazed over at her in awareness of the lyrical significance of this special moment. The band’s accompaniment, especially the deep foundation of bassist Steed, was subtle and respectful, giving Schuur space to stretch out on piano as well as her scat singing.

As the sun dipped below the trees, Schuur and the band closed the show with “Deedles’ Blues,” with Schuur scatting along with each band member as they soloed, keeping them all on their toes. Instead of scurrying to beat the traffic, the audience, reluctant to have the evening end, danced with delight in the cool summer night’s breeze as “Deedles’ Blues’ came to a climax with a double bass bang from Shaughnessy — the perfect conclusion to the third and final free concert series of the 31st annual Playboy Jazz Festival. Next up, the Festival itself, on Saturday and Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl.

Picks of the Week: June 9 – 14

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

- June 9. (Tues.) Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra. The sixth annual KKJZ-sponsored Wine, Jazz & Moonlight Series at Hollywood & Highland features a performance by saxophonist Kim Richmond’s 23-piece Concert Jazz Orchestra. From 7 – 9 p.m. in the Central Courtyard. Free admission. A donation of $10 to Project Angelfood will get you two classes of wine and a box of cheese and crackers. Wine, Jazz & Moonlight. (323) 467-6412.

- June 9. (Tues.) The John Altman Quartet. Altman’s resume reaches from composing and arranging for films (“Titanic”), television (“Peak Practice”), thousands of commercials and writing the now famous arrangement for Monty Python’s “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” to leading a big jazz band, as well as session work and gigs with the likes of Jimi Hendrix Phil Collins, Sting and Fleetwood Mac. Amazingly, he also manages to keep up his chops as a first rate jazz alto saxophonist. Charlie O’s. (818) 994-3058.

- June 10. (Wed.) Elaine Miles’ velvet-dark sound and exquisite way with a song aren’t nearly as well known as they should be. Here’s an opportunity to experience the gifted, Connecticut-born singer’s compelling take on standards, both old and new. Steamers. (714) 871-8800

- June 10 (Wed.) Ron Stout Quartet. A third generation musician and a professional since he was 15, Stout’s first call skills combins imaginative soloing with superb craftsmanship as a section player. Here’s a chance to hear him stretch out on his own. Sangria. (310) 990-0323.

Brian Blade

- June 10 – 13. (Wed. – Sat.) Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band. Blade has been at the top of everyone’s list of musically sensitive drummers – and performing superbly as a regular member of Wayne Shorter’s quartet. But he’s also reserved some imaginative creativity for his own Fellowship Band and, most recently, for his debut as a singer/songwriter on his new CD, “”Mama Rosa.” Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- June 11. (Thurs.) Playboy Jazz on Film. Every year, jazz film historian Mark Cantor assembles a fascinating array of clips displaying jazz artists in action. The program is the final event in the free jazz programs leading up to this weekend’s Playboy Jazz Festival. Expect to see clips of Freddie Hubbard, Duke Ellington, Bill Evans, Louis Bellson, Fats Waller, Lennie Tristano and others. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

- June 11. (Thurs.) Dale Fielder Quartet. The versatile Fielder handles four saxophones with ease, from soprano down to baritone. And he does so with the rare ability to play in a style that is characteristic to each of the instruments. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400

- June 11 (Thurs.) Denise Donatelli applies her captivating vocal style to selections from her latest CD, “What Lies Within,” backed by an all-star band – guitarist Larry Koonse, pianist Bill Cunliffe, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, bassist Hamilton Price and drummer Mark Ferber. Upstairs at Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

- June 11, 12, 13 and 19. (Thurs., Fri. Sat. and Fri.) Boston-based jazz singer Amanda Carr makes a string of Southland stops. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Thurs. (310) 642-7500; Spaghettini in Seal Beach, (562) 596-2199, Fri.; Café Metropol, Sat. (213) 613-1537

- June 11 – 21. (Thurs.,… ) La Didone. Cavalli’s 1641 Baroque opera from 1641 is performed by the Wooster group in a radical production that blends in electric guitar, elements from Mario Bava’s 1965 Sci-FI Cult film, Planet of the Vampires. REDCAT (213) 237-2800.

- June 12. (Fri.) James Newton The virtuosic jazz flutist, composer and educator makes a rare appearance. The World Stage. (323) 293-2451.

- June 12 (Fri.) “When Love Happens: The Loving Day Concert.” Singer Sandra Booker, pianist Tamir Hendleman and the Elevation Strings in a performance “celebrating the legalization of interracial marriage, couples and families in America.” The Madrid Theatre. (818) 347-9419.

Highlight: The Playboy Jazz Festival

-June 13 & 14 (Sat. & Sun.) It’s that time of year. The annual two day, non-stop, let’s-have-a-ball jazz party featuring a pair of gold anniversary celebrations. First: the 50th anniversary of the first Playboy JazzFestival in Chicago, in 1959. Next: the 50th anniversary of the release of Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue,” the best selling jazz album of all time – with Jimmy Cobb (the sole surviving member of the original “Kind of Blue” ensemble) leading his So What Band in a celebration of the music from that classic recording. Saturday’s festivities include (in addition to Cobb’s group) the Neville Brothers, the Jon Faddis Quartet, the Jack Sheldon Orchestra, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, the Pete Escovedo Orchestra, Esperanza Spalding, the New Birth Brass Band, Summer Storm, the Cos of Good Music and the L.A. County High School for the Arts Jazz Ensemble. Sunday’s line-up includes the Wayne Shorter Quartet, Kenny G, Patti Austin, King Sunny Ade, the Dave Holland Big Band, Monty Alexander’s Jazz & Roots, Oscar Hernandez and the Conga Room All-Stars, the Anat Cohen Quartet, Alfredo Rodriguez and the North Hollywood High School Jazz Ensemble. Bill Cosby is in his usual role as Master of Ceremonies and the conductor (and organizer) of the Cos of Good music group. The Playboy Jazz Festival. The Hollywood Bowl. (310) 450-1173.

San Francisco

- June 8 – 10. Charlie Haden, Bobby Hutcherson and George Cables. The first ever meeting of a group of veteran all-stars who describe their trio as “The Three Friends.” (Yoshi’s has a special deal for this and other Charlie Haden shows. Buy one ticket and get a voucher for a future Yoshi’s San Francisco show — at equal or lesser value.) For information, click here: Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.

- June 9 – 27. (Tues. – ) “Porgy and Bess.” Eric Owens and Laquita Mitchell star in Francesca Zambello’s highly praised Washington National Opera version of the classic Gershwin work. The San Francisco Opera version will include an expanded chorus and orchestra and an expanded scenic setting. The War Memorial Opera House. San Francisco. (415) 864-3330.

- June 10 – 12. “Kind of Blue at 50” Jimmy Cobb’s So What Band. Recalling the pleasures of “Kind of Blue,” the best selling jazz record of all time. With Wallace Roney, Javon Jackson, Vincent Herring, Larry Willis, Buster Williams. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.

Lee Konitz

- June 12 – 14. (Fri. – Sun.) Charlie Haden, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Lee Konitz. A rare combination of seemingly disparate elements – in an exclusive set of performances that someone will hopefully have the good sense to record. (This also is another of the special deals for Charlie Haden shows. Buy one ticket and get a voucher for a future Yoshi’s San Francisco show — at equal or lesser value.) For information, click here: Yoshi’s San Francisco (415) 655-5400.

- June 13 & 14. (Sat. & Sun.) Christian McBride and Inside Straight. Bassist McBride’s new group – featured on the just-released album “Kind of Brown,” brings him back into the acoustic contemporary mainstream, after various flirtations with funk and groove. But McBride, as any musician who’s worked with him will tell you, can play anything with authenticity and imagination. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 2389200.

Santa Rosa

- June 12 – 14. (Fri. – Sun.) The Harmony Festival. Thirty-one years after founder Debra Giusti started it all at Sonoma State University, the Harmony Festival continues to the pleasures of a music festival with the values of “new ideas, community activism, environmental awareness, spiritual wisdom and holistic products.” The far reaching programs of music and seminars include Michael Franti & Spearhead, India.Arie, Matisyahu, The Refugee All Stars, Balkan Beat Box, The Spirit of Miles Davis (feat. Airto, Mike Stern, Eddie Henderson, Azar Lawrence, etc.), Kitaro, Julia Butterfly Hill, Starhawk, and many others. The Harmony Festival. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa.

Tennessee

- June 11 – 14. (Thurs. Sun.) Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. A four-day, camp-out, multi-stage, 100 acre, Tennessee version of Woodstock. The stellar line-up of acts includes Bruce Springsteen, Phish, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, David Byrn, Al Green, Snoop Dog, Elvis Costello, Erykah Badu, Merle Haggard, Ani DiFranco, Bela Fleck, Femi Kuti and dozens of others. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Manchester, Tennessee.

New York City

- June 8. (Mon.) Guitarist Andreas Oberg still doesn’t have very high visibility. But if there’s any justice in the jazz world, the spotlight should be brightening soon. He performs with pianist Donald Vega, bassist James Genus and drummer Billy Kilson. The Blue Note.(212) 475-8592.

Lisa Sokolov

- June 9 – 14. (Tues. – Sun.) The Vision Festival. As it opens its 14th year, the Vision Festival is now New York City’s only summer jazz festival. The six day event, with its strong orientation toward cutting edge music, features performances by, among others, Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra, Peter Brotzmann’s Full Blast, Roy Campbell’s Ayler project, the Milford Graves Quartet, Joe McPhee’s Trio X, the Lisa Sokolov Trio, Jason Kao Hwang’s Spontaneous River (a 25 piece string ensemble) and Lawrence (Butch) Morris’ performance of Conductions No. 187: Erotic Eulogy with a chorus of poets and a string ensemble. The Abrons Art Center @ the Henry St. Settlement. (212) 766-9200.

Highlight June 12 (Fri.) The Russians Are Coming

Cyril Moshkow, Russia’s best-known jazz journalist contacted me recently to let me know about a performance in Brooklyn by an especially interesting Russian jazz group, The Second Approach. Rather than say something about the band myself, I asked Cyril – who knows the players personally — to make a few comments, and he was kind enough to send some information about the band. Here are his thoughts:

The Russians Are Coming: The Second Approach in Brooklyn
By Cyril Moshkow

A great new jazz trio from Moscow, The Second Approach, is going to perform at Brooklyn’s Ibeam Studio on June 12. Yes, they are friends of mine, but that’s not the point. The point is that they are great musicians — not exactly straight-ahead jazz, but still thoroughly enjoyable, and their only NYC performance is not to be missed (they also play at the Rochester Jazz Festival on June 15 and 16.) Russia has a new jazz scene, however small it may be, with musicians who do not imitate anybody; they follow their own patterns. For that reason, it’s quite difficult to put the Second Approach on a narrow genre shelf. What they play includes jazz, modern classical, and post-modern ethno/jazz crossover at the same time, rooted in native Russian music rather than in anything else. For a few tunes the trio (Andrey Razin, the piano player and composer; Tatiana Komova, the singer; and Igor Ivanushkin, the bass player) will be joined by the great American trombonist Roswell Rudd, who is also featured on the Second Approach’s new CD, “The Light” (SoLyd Records, 2009). If you can come and see them, please do. It’ll be worth it. And if you can help spread a word about it, please do that, too. We want as many people as possible to experience and appreciate the musical values of Russian jazz and The Second Approach. Ibeam Music Studio.

- June 12 & 13. (Fri. & Sat.) Miles Okazaki’s “Generations.” With Dan Weiss, drums, Jen Shyu, voice, Hans Glawischnig, bass and David Binney, Miguel Zenon and Chrisof Knoche, alto saxophones. The Jazz Gallery. (212) 242-1063