Heart and Soul Ensemble©Andre Torng

Appearing with a fantastic band of stellar musicians, Hart and Soul’s show Saturday, September 30th garnered a crowd of pleased Orange County’s jazz patrons. 

The Hart and Soul Duo--vocalist/pianist Jennifer Hart and pianist extraordinaire, Llew Matthews--have been together for several years.  This concert at O.C. Pavilion was a celebration of their music, but with an ensemble of the best musicians around.  Matthews wrote specialized arrangements for the group, which included Luther Hughes – bass, Ralph Penland – drums, Jeff Jarvis and John Bradley – trumpets, Dave Woodley – trombone, Gary Gould and Colin Wenhardt – wind instruments, including penny whistle (Gould), and Edmund Velasco – baritone sax.  Hart introduced the musicians throughout the show and talked about their individual musical credits.   

The nine-piece ensemble opened with a newer tune to me, “That Night in September,” played in a samba context.  Hart introduced the ensemble and they played a medley of  “Diamond Girl,” “Moon Dance,” “Nice and Easy,” and “Taking a Chance on Love.”  Hart and Matthews did a duo number they’ve been performing well for a good while, “Side by Side.”  The audience showed great interest in this number, the ensemble’s playing and Matthews’ wonderful melodic lines and dynamic piano playing skills. Unfortunately the sound crew people at O.C. Pavilion failed to do a proper sound check beforehand.  As a result, the sound was too loud for the first quarter of the show.  Later, it came into proper balance.   

Continuing in the show, most of the band took a break, leaving the stage with the only the trio and Gary Gould doing a soulful clarinet intro for Hart singing an illustrious version of “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You.”  In another duet, Hart and Soul sang the ritzy jazz piece, “Cernterpiece.” Jarvis delivered an eloquent muted trumpet solo.  Hughes dug into his magical bass technique and gave us another of his terrific solos.   

Hart’s voice is inviting and has a smooth texture in all her songs.  Wendhardt played the flute for her beautiful interpretation of “Besame Mucho.”  The audience loved it. 

Matthews introduced Hart for a special solo number, “Here’s To Life,” which she dedicated it to the late, great Shirley Horn.  Hart played the piano while singing this very emotional song, making it a definite highlight of the evening. 

The trio returned to do a composition by Matthews, “Caribbean Lullaby.” Gould was featured on this gorgeous number on penny whistle.  It has a fascinating sound, giving the song a dreamy element.  Matthews sang “This Can’t Be Love” with the trio and Velasco playing a very impressive baritone sax solo. Matthews did some surprise scatting as well.  On another Hart and Soul duo, “Moonglow,” Woodley showed everybody how captivating the trombone could sound in this sweet standard.   Hart commented on both  drummer Penland’s long tenure in the business and also a newer musician, 22-year-old trumpeter Bradley and his many accomplishments.             

Closing tunes with Hart and the ensemble were a vivacious “Mambo Italiano” and a heartfelt and emotional “Everytime We Say GoodBye,” starting with piano accompaniment only and then just the rhythm section to complete the number.  The final number, “I Lost the Right to Sing the Blues,” brought a standing ovation from the Pavilion audience and a groovy, longer encore of “How Sweet It Is,” ending a grand concert.  Hart and Soul are in the process of making a DVD of the event and should be ready before the holidays.  Check www.jenniferhart.net for information.     

                                                                     
Reprinted with permission from L.A. Jazz Scene, November, 2007. Glenn A. Mitchell  reports for LA Jazz Scene and plays bass in the LA area.