Jazz Police - LA Beat: Kim Richmond Ensemble With Clay Jenkins at the Lighthouse

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.

The second set began with “Along Came Betty” and was played with exacting front line unison work from Richmond and Jenkins, a very exciting display from both. Emcee Kim Richmond introduced Korb, the singer. She started “This Can’t Be Love” with her own bass lines in an up tempo. She followed with “Darn That Dream.” The quintet played one of the best versions of “Body and Soul” I have ever heard. The chord changes were different but quite remarkable. “More Than You Know” stretched out expressively and the final second set number, “Hot House,” blew the audience away with burning solos from everyone. Jenkins was especially effective.

A real round of credit should definitely go to Gloria Cadena, along with husband, Ossie Cadena, who have developed and maintained their passion for live jazz by helping to book excellent performers at The Lighthouse for years. Kudos are in order to these steadfast aficionados. Visit Kim Richmond’s unique website: www.kimrichmond.com and the Lighthouse at www.thelighthouse.net .

Glenn A. Mitchell writes for L.A. Jazz Scene. This article is reprinted with permission from the March 2008 issue.