“This is the first time we’ve had a chance to play the kind of music that we grew up with together.”
While this wasn’t stated by leader Nathan East, the exuded shout out by drummer Steve Ferrone captured the mood as the bassist for the likes of Clapton and Fourplay lead a swinging trio along with son Noah on piano to deliver a tasty mix of soulful jazz and jazzy soul.
Before the packed house at the acoustically adroit Mr. Musichead Gallery, East pulled out his trusty six string electric bass and laid down a tasty line for son Noah’s beautifully lyric read of “ Winter Games.” Joking that this gig was serving as a going away for his son’s entering college up north, East switched over to acoustic guitar and gave lots of room for Noah’s rich melodicism on a cheerful “Sunny Side of the Street” while on a deep and reflective “Yesterday” father and son reached into mournful shadows while Ferrone’s brushes served as a soft landing. A reading of “Over the Rainbow” became a lovely aria for Noah’s impressively authoritative but still sensitive interpretation.
A take of Pat MEtheny’s “James” highlighted East’s suave bass work, blending in gorgeously for a lilting swing feel along with Ferrone’s sticks coaxing the ride cymbal, while East’s bass reached into a blue mood as the team dug into a groove on “Question and Answer.”
Heading back to his electric bass, East got grew his Afro back and took the crowd back into a funkfest as he got down on a headhunting “Watermelon Man” complete with vocal whistles and chirps. Even more fun was the relentlessly backbeating of “ Chameleon” which had the audience sing along the melody of the fusion classic. When was the last time a jazz instrumental was a radio hit?!?
Before closing up shop, alto saxist Donald Hayes leaped through the crowd and joined the band on stage for a snappy take of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” that featured the classic unison line in all of its bebopping glory. This is the kind of music that made you fall in love with jazz in the first place as Nathan East and company proved once again that “jazz” is a verb.
BTW-this was my first trip to the Mr. Music Gallery sponsored by LeRoy Downs, Fred Smith and owner Sam Milgrom. The place, with its walls covered with vintage music photos and plastic chairs, has a feel similar to the original Jazz Bakery. The patio in the back serves as a pre-show meeting place, which gives the audience a chance to hang with the artists. The Gallery has only been featuring jazz artists for two months or so, but don’t miss out on any more; it’s a great gig!
Upcoming shows at Mr. Music Gallery include Denny Sewell 08/15, Gerald Clayton 08/22, Guillermo Brown 08/29 and Kamau Daaod 09/05.