Matt Politano Trio at Steamers, L.to R.: Matt Politano--piano, Dan Lutz--bass and Jody Giachello--drums. (Photo by Glenn A. Mitchell)

Although the crowd was ligher than normal on the evening of Thursday, 9-11-2008, the very adept trio of pianist Matt Politano brought in some delicious jazz. He is a young native of California who studied music at the University of North Texas, where he performed in the One O’Clock Lab Band with visiting guest artists Bob Brookmeyer, Benny Green, Conte Condoli, Joey DeFrancesco and Chris Potter. Later, Politano went to New York to study further at Manhattan School of Music.  Since coming back home to L.A. he has worked with vocalists Kathleen Grace, Sara Gazarek and many other jazz artists and fine sidemen.  On this particular night his trio was made up of a strong rhythm section, Dan Lutz on bass and Jody Giachello at the drums. 

A rousing rendition of Cole Porter’s “I Love You” gave a fabulous showing of upbeat choruses from Politano and an excellent solo by Lutz with strong rhythmic and melodic notes.  They left room for Giachello who graced the tune with sixteen-bar (half chorus) solo drum breaks, which was very interesting and exacting to say the least.  One of Politano’s originals, “Leisure Nation,” was not only jazzy but had a maximum amount of rhythm.  I cannot emphasize enough the solid strength of Lutz’s bass playing.  It linked the trio cohesively, helping them to play as one solid voice. 

During his first set a groovy up-tempo “Cherokee” continued with all the stops pulled out as the audience filled the room.  “I Fall in Love Too Easily” is a ballad that can swing as well.  I noticed a lot of the great pianist Keith Jarrett’s influence in Politano’s playing.  The trio performed and swung Jarrett’s “BopBe” in a hard driving four feel on most of this number to the audience’s delight.  “Autumn Leaves” also was played with ultimate swinging to close the set. 

Politano is a regular on many occasions at Steamers as well as other gigs throughout L.A.  His website will be up and running soon.  Check him out as a “must see.” 

Glenn A. Mitchell is a bassist and writer for LA Jazz Scene. This review is reprinted with permission from the October 2008 issue.