Howard Rumsey©Glenn A. Mitchell

A hugely successful 90th birthday celebration for Howard Rumsey was held at Catalina’s Bar and Grill, Monday, October 29, 2007.   At the completely packed and sold-out event, many musicians performed, some of whom Rumsey had helped over his long entrepreneurship both at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach and Concerts by the Sea in Redondo Beach.  These long lasting venues not only made their marks historically, but kept jazz aficionados happy throughout these times.   

Arriving early for appetizers, we were entertained by duo performers Ron Eschete on guitar and bass great Luther Hughes (who also served as musical director of the event) as they played music from the Great American Songbook.  Steamers’ owner and avid photographer, Terence Love, set up picture taking for patrons with Rumsey, giving everyone a copy before the close of the evening.

The dinner music was provided by pianist Bill Cunliffe, guitarist Frank Potenza,  bassist Dave Stone and drummer Tim Pleasant.  They played some great jazz for a full set including some well known standards.  Then Mike Melvoin--piano, Luther Hughes--bass and Paul Kreibich--drums gave us a musical tour of several numbers.  Their standout tune was “Long Ago and Far Away.” 

One of the main speakers, Joe Rothman (who produces both the Newport and West Coast jazz parties annually), made some introductions: Rumsey’s longtime friend, Nancy Simonian.  She and Merle Kreibich (entertainment agent) worked extremely hard together to make this wonderful night happen.  Jazz vocalist, Sue Raney, gave a stunning gift to Howard Rumsey, singing a heartfelt “Happy Birthday” to him a la a sultry Marilyn Monroe.  The audience loved it! Rumsey spoke for several minutes, telling of some memorable events, especially at the Lighthouse.  He mentioned relatives who had come in from Colorado for the event.  He paid special mention of friends, Ken and Dottie Reiner, for their involvement in the musical community and marvelous jazz parties they hold every so often.   Dr. Ken Koenig talked about a short movie that he produced for the occasion of celebrating Howard Rumsey’s 90th birthday, which we all got to see.  He reiterated info about his fine DVD that was made a couple of years back, Jazz on the West Coast: The Lighthouse.  (The website for ordering this very essential DVD is www.roseking.org.)  A lot of history is comprised of the extraordinary players at the Lighthouse who made their indelible mark on the jazz world.   

Howard Rumsey, 1955, courtesy LA Jazz Scene

Vocalist Raney took the stage again backed by Cunliffe, bassist Trey Henry and Pleasant, and sang an emotional, moving song she dedicated to Rumsey: “I’m Glad There Is You.”  Once again, the audience was ecstatic.  Henry played a number just for bass and vocal with Raney for the audience, entitled “Bassically Speaking.”  The rest of the trio joined in after the start of the number.

Special guest, legendary guitarist Kenny Burrell performed “There Will Never Be Another You,” backed by Cunliffe, Babad, Andy Martin (trombone), Smith and Pleasant.   This was an amazing night of jazz.  The audience gave its approval warmly throughout the celebration.   

Luther Hughes announced many luminaries in attendance.  Special mention should go to longtime greats Buddy Collette and Les McCann.  Then Hughes announced trumpeter/educator, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez, Andy Martin--trombone, Llew Matthews--piano, Kreibich--drums, Charlie Shoemake--vibes. Hughes joined them and they all played a tenacious version of Dizzy Gillespie’s “A Night in Tunisia,” which was re-titled for the evening, “A Night at Catalina’s.”  Rodriguez gave a sterling performance and literally blew the roof off with his solo, including hitting the highest notes truly possible.  Shoemake’s vibes solo was right in the pocket melodically.  Martin laid down an impeccable solo on his trombone.  Matthews’ comping and chordal voicings were absolutely phenomenal!  Hughes and Kreibich interwove and shared four, eight and twelve bar breaks for their soloing.   Their closer was a slower ballad, “If I Should Lose You,” featuring Martin’s suave trombone work. 

For the finale, the musicians were: Matthews, Scott Whitfield--trombone, Dave Stone--bass, Carl Saunders--trumpet, Eschete--guitar and drummers Denis LaPron and Frank DeVito.  They performed “In A Sentimental Mood,” and an uptempo created blues. It featured high -end solos given by spectacular trumpeter Saunders and trombonist Whitfield.  These two gentlemen also gave us a duo scatting exhibition at the tune’s end.  A standing ovation ensued for several moments by a very appreciative audience.  Hughes stated to everyone to begin signing up for Howard Rumsey 100th birthday!    
 
 Reprinted with permission from the L.A. Jazz Scene, December, 2007 issue.