Billy Mitchell Quartet, L.to R.: Roland Holmes, Frank Wilson, Billy Mitchell and Tom Gargano (Photo by Glenn A. Mitchell)

Musical mover/shaker/ pianist Billy Mitchell gave a magical presentation of his trio at the Westside Radisson Hotel. This new venue for jazz, called the “Culver Room, ” is booked by Merle Kreibich.  The ambience is mellow, has several famed jazz pictures around the room, and an affordable menu of delicious food, along with superb musicians. Mitchell’s group included Tomas Gargano on bass, Frank Wilson on drums, and guest Roland Holmes on percussion.  I have known Mitchell since the Pedrini Music Store concert days in Alhambra, CA.  He has been performing groovy jazz for many years and also runs an educational firm, SAPPA, to help train our youngsters in music, especially our favorite art form, jazz.      

The classic “I Remember April” began the gig.  Gargano performed a rousing solo after Mitchell’s long, flowery intro.  Wilson gave all the right accents and backing, making this rhythm section very workable.  The familiar “Yesterdays” and a very pretty “Girl From Ipanema” set the full capacity audience into a relaxed mood.  A fast-paced “JaDa” followed, featuring Wilson. The audience loved these guys and kept their applause going continually.  One of Mitchell’s guests, Roland Holmes, sat in for most of the gig on congas.  He is a retired teacher and still active, playing on a fairly regular basis.  His help on percussion added some nice spice to the musical affair.   

Before ending the first set, Mitchell got the audience involved in trading phrases along with himself and the band on “Bye, Bye Blackbird” and “Route 66.”  Everyone was having a great time.  They ended with “Straight No Chaser.” 

The second set brought us a vibrant version of “Things Ain’t What They Used To Be.” Rousing choruses by all players continued.  Mitchell sang a pretty rendition of “What A Wonderful World” before bringing up singer Yvonne Butler, who sang three songs: “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Wave,” and a dynamite version of “At Last.”   

The last set gave guest horn players, Tony White on tenor sax and trumpeter Ed Liddy, an opportunity to shine on “Killer Joe,” a killer jazz classic.  A student of Mitchell’s, Misaki Ushiyama, delivered a good performance of “Georgia on My Mind” and received a lot of applause.   Before ending the final set, Mitchell had the people join in singing alternate phrases of “Pennies From Heaven.”  The closer was “Centerpiece,” receiving a standing ovation from a very happy audience!  See: www.billy-mitchell.com  for more of Billy Mitchell’s activities and www.in-housemusic.com for future music events in this lovely room.    

Glenn A. Mitchell is a bassist and writer living in Los Angeles. This article is reprinted with permission from the September 2008 issue of LA Jazz Scene.