John Hammond (far right) with guest Melody Dewine and (rear) drummer Ralph Penland and bassist John Gianelli © Glenn Mitchell

Visiting Henri’s Back Room in Canoga Park for the first time and listening to the John Hammond Trio and guest vocalist Melodye DeWine was a very worthwhile experience. Pianist Hammond schedules the best musicians and vocalists in town to play there with his regular trio. On reading his website (www.johnfhammond.com) I was amazed at the credits this man has!

Melodye DeWine has done quite a few successful musical presentations throughout L.A. Hammond invited her on a Saturday evening in early August to sing with his trio, which included bassist John Giannelli and drummer Ralph Penland. The trio began with “Diane,” a number I hadn’t heard for a while. It came out very flowing and beautiful. Giannelli’s bass work is a work of art on his five-string instrument. It has a delectable sound – perfect for backing sound, including his super low bass notes. It is one of the better basses I’ve ever heard.

Hammond introduced DeWine. Others have noticed, and I agree, her voice is reminiscent of both Shirley Horn and June Christy. The group began with “Cheek to Cheek.” Hammond’s illustrious piano stylings were gorgeous behind her singing. Melodye wowed the audience, soon a full house, with songs such as, “The Best Is Yet to Come,” “The Very Thought of You,” “I Thought About You,” and one of her best songs, “Come Fly With Me.” She closed the set with an old favorite, “Honeysuckle Rose.” DeWine really made the song swing. Giannelli performed a captivating and remarkable solo along with some bass chords harmonically worked into the mix. Penland is one of the most sensitive and reliable drummers around and he did a fine job as well. The audience was completely responsive to the group, applauding warmly.

“There is No Greater Love” began the second set. Penland provided his always smooth and superb time keeping while Hammond and Giannelli did more soulful jazz playing. DeWine says her signature song is “Black Coffee.” She and Hammond made an unusual arrangement of this bluesy tune. The audience liked it a lot. “Skylark” was sung beautifully by DeWine and the trio gave a great rendition, including Hammond playing some stride piano. “Day by Day” and “How About You” were also fine renditions and brought a great evening, a great show to its conclusion. Both Hammond and DeWine have their own CDs available. See her website: www.melodyesings.com .

Glenn A. Mitchell is a bassist and writer for the LA Jazz Scene. This article is reprinted with permission from the September 2007 issue.

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