Sophie Milman © Andrea Canter

The Orange County Performing Arts Center's 2008-2009 Jazz Club Series opens with Russian-born vocalist Sophie Milman. At 25, she has won a 2008 Juno Award and headlined sold-out shows in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Japan and Europe. Milman's self-titled debut album was released in 2004, hitting the Billboard Top 15 in the United States and Top 5 in Canada. On her second album, Make Someone Happy, she applies her sophisticated vocal style to everything from the standards to Stevie Wonder's "Rocket Love" and Kermit D. Frog's "(It's Not Easy) Bein' Green." Her band, with whom she has forged a solid connection through 2 ½ years of solid touring, includes multi-instrumentalist  Cameron Wallis, Paul Shrofel on piano, John Fraboni on drums, and Kieran Overs on bass. Tickets for Sophie's OCPAC performances, on October 17 and 18, are on sale now.

Matt Politano Trio at Steamers, L.to R.: Matt Politano--piano, Dan Lutz--bass and Jody Giachello--drums. (Photo by Glenn A. Mitchell)

Although the crowd was ligher than normal on the evening of Thursday, 9-11-2008, the very adept trio of pianist Matt Politano brought in some delicious jazz. He is a young native of California who studied music at the University of North Texas, where he performed in the One O’Clock Lab Band with visiting guest artists Bob Brookmeyer, Benny Green, Conte Condoli, Joey DeFrancesco and Chris Potter. Later, Politano went to New York to study further at Manhattan School of Music.  Since coming back home to L.A. he has worked with vocalists Kathleen Grace, Sara Gazarek and many other jazz artists and fine sidemen.  On this particular night his trio was made up of a strong rhythm section, Dan Lutz on bass and Jody Giachello at the drums. 

A rousing rendition of Cole Porter’s “I Love You” gave a fabulous showing of upbeat choruses from Politano and an excellent solo by Lutz with strong rhythmic and melodic notes.  They left room for Giachello who graced the tune with sixteen-bar (half chorus) solo drum breaks, which was very interesting and exacting to say the least.  One of Politano’s originals, “Leisure Nation,” was not only jazzy but had a maximum amount of rhythm.  I cannot emphasize enough the solid strength of Lutz’s bass playing.  It linked the trio cohesively, helping them to play as one solid voice. 

Jack Wood Quartet at Kobe Steakhouse, L-R: Denny Dennis--drums, Luther Hughes--bass, Joel Scott--piano and Jack Wood--vocals. (Photo by Glenn A, Mitchell)

Jack Wood is a seasoned singer of American Popular Songbook. A singer from the “old school,” he demonstrates how both the melody and lyrics are important to tell a song’s story.   Wood had a terrific trio with him August 30th: Joel Scott, piano; Luther Hughes, bass; and Denny Dennis, drums.  The trio began with Jobim’s “Wave” for an eager base of fans supporting live jazz and enjoying Kobe’s Japanese Cuisine, located in Seal Beach. 

Wood opened with a stunning version of “Days of Wine and Roses.”  His voice is expressive and clear.  They followed with “‘S Wonderful” as arranged by the late George Gaffney from the movie classic, An American in Paris. They continued with “Come Rain, Come Shine,” “I Remember You,” “The Way You Look Tonight” and “My Funny Valentine,” with Scott’s flowery piano work shining through and Hughes playing a lovely bowing solo.  Longtime drummer Denny Dennis kept the time tastefully throughout the night.

“Watts plays in a virtuosic post-Coltrane style, with a fine, distinctive tone and an expansive technique that permits him to generate long, cleanly articulated lines that dance along confidently even at challenging tempos …” - JazzTimes Magazine

ErnieWatts © William Claxton

Ernie Watts and his quartet will return to the Jazz Bakery Wednesday, October 7th trhough Saturday, October 11th. The Jazz Bakery wasthe scene of a live recording of the Ernie Watts Quartet latest CD, To The Point.  The Quartet features Ernie Watts on saxophones, David Witham on piano, Brice Lett on bass, and Bob Leatherbarrow on drums.  The  Jazz Bakery is  just South of Venice Blvd. at 3233 Helms Ave. in Culver City.  There are two sets nightly, at 8:00 and 9:30. Their box office opens one hour before show time, you can also call for reservations at 310-271-9039. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15.00 price for students 21 and under.