Warriors, Virtuosos, and Legends
By Kirk Silsbee
Jimmy Scott, the greatest individual male vocal jazz stylist in the last 60 years, returns to the Jazz Bakery, through Saturday. He learned long ago how to pack all of the masculine emotions into his work, surrounded by a shell of high-note vulnerability. There aren’t many jazz legends left, but Jimmy qualifies. Another legend, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, is being celebrated at Catalina’s, also through Saturday. An all-star band with alto saxophonist James Spaulding – from Freddie’s Blue Note days – trombonist Slide Hampton, pianist George Cables, and others will gather to pay tribute to a trumpet warrior who played hard for the longest time, regardless of the consequences. Saturday at Gianelli Square (1945 Londelius St., Northridge, 818-772-1722; 8 p.m.; $15, 20), Alan Broadbent gives an object lesson in the art of the piano trio (with bassist John Gianelli and drummer Tim Pleasant), on a state-of-the-art instrument at a great recital hall. Lyricism, emotion, and facility all fuse brilliantly in Broadbent’s hands. Five, a new opera written by flute virtuoso Ellen Burr, premieres Sunday at Electric Lodge (1416 Electric Ave., Venice, 310-306-1854; 7:30 p.m.) It’s based on five poems by Dottie Grossman and has a vocal and wind instrument ensemble. Wednesday at Vibrato, East Coast pianist Joyce DiCamillo makes a rare stopover. She swings and finds the pretty notes. She’s also smart enough to graft a “Milestones” opening onto her arrangement of “The Lamp Is Low.” Joyce’s firm touch is always welcome in these parts.
For info, see Jazz, Blues, Latin listings.
Published: 04/09/2008
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