The afternoon started off with a quiet and lovely version of Benny Golson’s composition “Whisper Not” However, whisper is just what Alan did when he spoke. Before the set started, Alan said a few words for Dorrance, who is the Master of Ceremonies and also books all of the performances at LACMA. He apparently is ill and we all wish him a swift recovery.
I have seen Alan perform a few times before but, I usually do a lot of meeting, greeting and networking at jazz venues so it was not until this performance that I really got to hear, listen and enjoy every wonderful note. Alan employs some of the best. Putter Smith on Bass and Kendall Kay on Drums. Putter emotions are expressed in the way he plays his notes. He makes you go to that cerebral place and feel the music. At one point in the concert, the transition from the intro to the A section was so sweet I just had to freeze and give thanks I listen to can appreciate great jazz music. Kendall brushed his way through the set with light, lovely, rhythmic strokes.
Alan in Wonderland is what came to mind as I experienced this set. All of these great tunes from composers like Benny Golson, and Bird to pieces written by Harold Arlen were played and arranged so beautifully. This was the most romantic set of music that I think I have experienced. <>The crowd was quiet, respectful, listening and enjoying the music. I got there at the beginning of the set and just about every seat was taken. At times during the performance I saw couples holding hands, drinking wine and gazing at each other with unspoken look of love. Smooth roads and clear days is the “Detour” that Alan guides us through as his wonderfully light touch graces the ivorys. Standards and classics never sounded so lovely. It is like watching a movie with a soundtrack that brings joyful tears to you eyes. Very emotional but, there are no tears today. Only joy and a love for great jazz music performed by musicians who are into the music. For a wonderful jazz experience, next time, don’t miss the Alan Broadbent Trio!
LeRoy Downs
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Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
Very nice as always LeRoy, thanks! Like a drink of cool water every time.
2 - godoggo
Aside from the music, the most exciting thing about the show was seeing the bald guy from "Just Shoot Me" trying hard to look inconspicuous, which made it very hard for me to resist my natural instinct to point and shout "Hey, look it's bald guy from Just Shoot Me, trying to look inconspicuous!" but resist I did.
In the same vein, I'm sort of ambivalent about pointing this out, because I really enjoy your posts, even when I don't have any comments worth posting, but... that was not the great Alan Pasqua, but, in fact, the great Alan Broadbent, who was the other (great) Alan's predecessor in the great Peter Erskine's group, which also plays frequently at LACMA. Totally understandable, and I'm just trying to help.
Speaking of Putter Smith, some years ago I saw him in the audience at one of the free Saturday concerts they used to have at the late lamented Pedrini Music in Alhambra (the performer was, if I recall correctly, Doug Webb, who, aside from being maybe the hottest tenor player in LA, was at the time invariable accompanied by one of LA's hottest women, which is, of course, saying something), when somebody brought up the topic of the Chet Baker movie, to which Putter (wearing his late lamented pith helment) responded "Chet Baker was a pain in the ass. Him and his buddy Art Pepper." Which is undoubtedy correct.
3 - LeRoy
Thank you for the correction. I have not seen Alan Pasqua in a long time but, I did not want to mention that the person I remembered had brown hair. You never know what can happen to people in such a short time. I am glad that I was wrong.
Thanks againg for the correction and for reading my post. Your comments are always appreciated!
LeRoy