Between songs of his 1 ¾ hour concert, trumpet veteran Jeremy Pelt reminded the packed Kirk Douglas Theatre that it’s been 30 years since he started his career in Los Angeles. And though he’s currently living on the other side of country, it was obvious by his playing and interaction with the audience that his heart is still here.
Back when he first started playing at the “Old” Jazz Bakery, Pelt was the “up and coming” man of the horn, getting accolades as being the “next” Lee Morgan or Freddie Hubbard, when in fact, his career trajectory has shown that he’s always been his own man.
I’ve seen him in settings ranging from hard bop quartets to funky hip hop fusion, with this present team of Alex Wintz/g, Jalen Baker/vib, Leighton McKinley-Harrell/b and Jared Spears/dr comfortably in between the two, leaning towards the post bopping modernism. But it really never matters with Pelt, as it’s always his tone that you came to hear, and tonight he showed his strength in a variety of ideas, mostly via the songs of his upcoming album Tomorrow’s Another Day with the same band.
Pelt’s bold and beautiful horn soared over the lithe cadence of the rhythm team during “No AI” with his muted brass bopping around the tricky “13-14” with Baker and Wintz working up a sweat with formidable forays. The team galloped double time around the Giant Steps-ish “Labyrinth” with Spears hitting the ride cymbal like a hummingbird’s wing under the leader’s rapid run over the hurdles.
Pelt’s trumpet was open and clear as he cried over the lyrical and bluesy stroll of “Afro Futurism”, which set the stage for a glorious solo intro to the aria of “People/Who Can I Turn To” that displayed dynamics ranging from gentle coos to bel canto declarations, with Wintz joining in for an intimate conversation that no one wanted to end. .
With a slight R&B feel, Pelt produced a tune dedicated to his daughter in “Amma Is Here” that had guitar and vibes relaying back and forth like a handball tournament, building up fire each foray before delicately landing the plane of not only the song, but of the evening.
Now playing the role of “elder statesman”, Pelt has chosen wisely the players who represent the future of jazz, taking the place that he accepted during the turn of the century. As the appreciative crowd observed Pelt continues to carry the baton, as well as showing that he’s willing to pass it on.
Upcoming shows sponsored by The Jazz Bakery include Delfeayo Marsalis 10/20, Terry Gibbs/Shorty Rogers Centennial Celebration 10/25, Michael Mayo 11/09 and Cowherd/Patitucci/Blade 11/10