At the Lighthouse, Lto R: Andy Langham, Clay Jenkins, Kristin Korb, Steve Schaffer and Kim Richmond.©Glenn A. Mitchell

Although the famed Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach continues its jazz policy with a pared down schedule each month, Sunday, February 17th was a rare treat, with Kim Richmond’s cooking quintet.  They produced vibrant and swinging sounds as though the Lighthouse had never missed a day of live jazz.  There was a full house of jazz fans who listened intently during both sets.

Richmond is a consummate educator, musician, composer and arranger.   He performs on tenor, alto and soprano saxes.  He has conducted many clinics and jazz camps around the country and stays busy performing in musical groups, large and small, around the Southland.  His ensemble included special guest and longtime performing partner, trumpeter Clay Jenkins, who now lives on the East Coast and teaches at Eastman School of Music.  Rounding out the quintet was Andy Langham--piano, Kristin Korb--bass and vocals,  and Steve Schaffer--drums.  The nice standard, “The Best Things in Life are Free,” began the set.  On Mal Waldron’s “Soul Eyes,” Jenkins gave a very soulfully felt solo on the trumpet.  Korb’s rich bass tones made for some deeply balanced sounds for the group.  Richmond alto sax work sparkled.  Langham’s piano playing in a Latinized arrangement of Coltrane’s “Like Sonny” evidenced some brilliant choices of harmonic voicing with fine solos from each musician. Next came a unique arrangement of Richmond’s “Just Friends,” which contained a constant series of key changes of this highly recognizable number.  Brilliant solos were intertwined in the piece from Langham, Korb and Schaffer.

Cross-Hart Jazz Experience at the West Lounge--(L-R) Lorca Hart, Anne Farnsworth, Ryan Cross and Mika Krstic.©Glenn A. Mithcell

Bassist Ryan Cross and drummer Lorca Hart have been a musical entity for several years now as the Cross/Hart Jazz Experience.  Their presentations with special guest artists are definitely music worthy.  The West Lounge is a classy room atop the Angeleno Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn) in West L.A.  The view is spectacular and the food splendid!  

Vocalist (and pianist) Anne Farnsworth was Cross/Hart’s guest on February 11th, although she did not play piano, only sang.  Their pianist, a gentleman they’ve been using named Mika Krstic, did quite a good job backing and performing with the group throughout the night, using some strong, flowing right hand examples in his chordal lines.  The trio opened with the well known “Bags Groove” for a nice sound and good soloing all the way around.  Solid tunes, “Caravan” and an up tempo “Cherokee,” moved very well. 

L to R, Steve Hass (d); Ryan McGillicuddy (b); Judy Wexler (v) and Jeff Colella (p). Photo by Glenn A. Mitchell

Judy Wexler’s portrayal of songs is a sweet joy. This was her first performance at ‘S’ Restaurant in Orange County. She uses pianist Jeff Colella regularly on her gigs and he does a splendid job of accompanying her. Bassist Ryan McGillicuddy also works quite a bit with her and drummer Steve Hass rounded out the group.

Starting in a bossa fashion with “It Might as Well Be Spring,” Wexler’s voice is immediately distinct. She is a mezzo-soprano and stretched out well with her delivery. “Tomorrow Is Another Day,” by the famed King Pleasure, had some groovy lyrics and Colella and McGillicuddy provided strong solos. This and several songs are on her very successful CD, Easy on the Heart, which has received an excellent amount of air play on most jazz stations nationally.