Heroes
By Kirk Silsbee
Dr. Lonnie Smith is a singular jazz organist. While others try to outgun saxophonists with their horn-like lines on the keyboard or become a one-man funk machine, this man has his own way. No one can take harmonically simple material and inject color and drama into it like The Doctor. His use of space, dynamics, and ethereal background figures is the work of a musical master. Smith descends on the Jazz Bakery until Sunday with a tremendous band: trumpeter Christian Scott, saxophonist Donald Harrison, guitarist Peter Bernstein, and drummer Smitty Smith for what should be a memorable weekend. Friday at the Pasadena Jazz Institute (260 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 206, Pasadena, 626-398-3344; 7p.m.; $10), the L.A. Jazz Collective Launch Festival celebrates the new organization with bands led by Damon Zick, Brian Swartz, and Josh Welchez. Gary Fukushima, Matt Otto, and Robby Marshall lead Saturday’s units, along with Option 3. Tuesday at The Mint, the musically incorrigible Dirty Dozen Brass Band brings New Orleans to L.A. Those bad boys always tear it up. It’s been 12 years since Barbara Brighton started her Young Artist Jazz Series at Catalina’s and the anniversary party is Tuesday, with vocal and instrumental bands from L.A. County High School for the Arts. Brighton’s been providing an important showcase for developing talent on a consistent basis, which makes her a hero any way you slice it.
For info, see Jazz, Blues, Latin; Rock, Pop, Acoustic; and Concerts listings.
Published: 04/02/2008
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