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. 

Cross, doing the announcements, talked a little about the group and their schedule and introduced Farnsworth, who looked beautiful and sang “Just Friends.” She added some pizzazz, not only with her clear enunciation but her skillful scatting as well.   Her artistry in scatting was prevalent in both “Gentle Rain” and “Autumn Leaves.” I wanted to hear her piano playing but I’ll have to catch that another time.  She is also an Adjunct Professor of Jazz Studies in the Music Department at U.S.C.   

Several songs Farnsworth sang were from her CD, Saturday Morning, (www.jazzmediapress.com), including “Star Eyes,” “So Many Stars,” “All The Way,” and “Get Me to The Church on Time.”   A soulful “Muddy Waters” concluded the set.  The room was full of enthusiastic listeners who enjoyed the group.    

A little more about Cross and Hart:  Cross is a former student of late, great bassist Ray Brown.  You can hear Brown’s influence and power in his bass playing.  Hart carries on the legacy of his father, drummer Billy Hart.  Their recent CD Cross Hart Jazz Experience has some amazing grooves.  See: www.crossgrooves.com .   

Reprinted with permission from LA Jazz Scene, March 2008. Glenn A. Mitchell is a bassist and writer living in Los Angeles.