Claudio Roditi Quintet©Glenn A. Mitchell

Brazilian-born trumpeter Claudio Roditi began his musical studies at an early age and later emigrated to the U.S., first to Boston and then to New York City.  Exposed to jazz in his teens, he began to infuse Brazilian rhythms with post-bop elements, working with many jazz greats along the way.   

Producers/organizers Joe Rothman and John McClure have made some wonderful outdoor summer concerts in the Rose Gardens at Marriott Newport on Wednesday evenings.  The Claudio Roditi Quintet performed August 10th with tenor/soprano saxophonist, Glenn Cashman.  Their stellar rhythm section included pianist Ed Czach, bassist Luther Hughes and drummer Paul Kreibich.   

Poncho Sanchez © Devin DeHaven

The Jazz Bakery Movable Feast presents Conguero legend Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 25th. Seasoned, versatile, finely meshed, and deeply, masterfully percussive, the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band is perhaps the premier Latin jazz ensemble working today. They’ve recorded prolifically and have been honored with a Grammy award and four Grammy nominations.  The band includes longtime members Francisco Torres (trombone), Ron Blake (trumpet), Javier Vergara (saxophones), David Torres (piano), Tony Banda (bass), George Ortiz (timbales), Joey De León (bongos & percussion), and of course the master conguero himself, Poncho Sanchez [click here for a review of a recent conert]. This final concert of the 17th annual Culver City Music Festival takes place on Thursday evening, August 25th across the street from the futue home of the Jazz Bakery at the Culver City City Hall Courtyard, located at 9770 Culver Blvd.  (corner Culver Blvd. and Duquesne Ave.). This is a free event.

David Angel Saxtet©Glenn A. Mitchell

This very unique musical ensemble performed Sunday, July 31st at the famed Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, CA.  Saxophonist, composer and arranger David Angel brought his saxtet (6 saxophones) and rhythm section to this gig celebrating the invention and liberation of the saxophone from back in 1845.  Belgian inventor Adolphe Sax brought the instrument to France to replace the oboe and other instruments in the French military.

The Saxtet included Tom Peterson (t/a sax), Roger Neumann (tenor sax), Phil Feather (a/s sax), Gene Cipriano (a/s sax), Bob Carr (a/b sax) and David Angel (bari sax); the rhythm section included Barry Zweig (guitar), Richard Maloof (bass) and Kendall Kay (drums).       

L.to R.: Ethan Helm, Chris Dawson, Dan St. Marseille, Luther Hughes, Kye Palmer and Thomas White©Glenn A. Mitchell

An exhilarating quintet led by long-time tenor saxophonist, educator and composer Dan St. Marseille performed Tuesday evening, July 12th at Steamers.  The quintet included Kye Palmer (trumpet), Chris Dawson (piano), Luther Hughes (bass), and Thomas White (drums).   

“Contour,” by Kenny Drew began the set, a kind of up-tempo bluesy bebop tune that provided excitement and solos from the entire band.  St. Marseille introduced the group and then followed with a number written by guitarist Steve Cotter titled “Inca,” a medium tempo, great driving minor-based tune that the audience appreciated.  Palmer took the first chorus and St. Marseille vivaciously drove through second and third choruses.  Dawson’s piano, Hughes’ bass and White’s drum solos were fantastic.