Ron Carter’s long time trio of guitarist Russell Malone and pianist Donald Vega delivered an evening of vintage jazz that was as classy and stylish as their sartorial attire. While he has been famous for his bands with legends like Miles Davis and Eric Dolphy, Mr. Carter seems most at ease in this sublime and sophisticated trio setting, and the long-time association between these three gents as evolved over the years to the level where they can communicate at a degree of (as one of his employer’s most famous albums states) ESP.
Mr. Carter stated that the evening’s music was “dedicated to friends who have passed to the next concert.” Russell Malone’s “Cedar Tree” was a mix of prancing piano, thick bass pulsations and Malone’s tone that was as dark and thin as Douglas Fairbanks’ mustache. A tribute to Tom Jobim featured Carter’s fingers samba-ing to Vega’s rolling and thoughtful waltz with the two stately in their infectious bounce.
A pair of tunes associated with Miles Davis had “Autumn Leaves” dressed to the nines. Russell’s polished chrome added percussive pops like congas to Vega’s full fisted melody. “My Funny Valentine” opened with Vega in a delicate mood before Carter’s dramatic strumming pleaded in a passionate duo, leading the way for Malone to stroll in for the team to interlock for a bel canto climax. But just when the audience thought that the final wave had crashed for the ending of the piece, Vega kept the tide in, leading a bluesy jam that drifted like a richly receding ocean foam. “I have a wonderful time with this band because of this song” beamed the leader.
Mr. Carter got an opportunity for a solo aria, displaying his digital prowess on a solo treatment on variations of a “You Are My Sunshine” theme. A relaxed “Soft Winds” started with calm coolness before the three popped the clutch for a double timed gallop to the finish line. Music so clever and appealing to both the heart and soul, one wonders who will take the mantel from this giant, as the encore “There Will Never Be Another You” adroitly reflected the audience’s attitude of this jazz legend
Upcoming shows at Catalina’s include Karrin Allyson 09/12-14, Calabria Foti & Bob McChesney 09/17, David Garfield 09/18, Jack Jones 09/20-21