If you’re a jazz fan and feeling lonesome with all of the clubs that have recently closed down, you’re in for a treat, especially if you’re tired of fighting the LA traffic.
I’ve been hearing about The Grape in Ventura for awhile, and finally found an excuse to check it out, as tenor great Azar Lawrence brought his Experience Band their this weekend.
First the club itself-It’s got fantastic seating and acoustics, a no hassle staff and an excellent selection of things to drink. There’s plenty of FREE parking around (try not to pass out) and lots of great places to eat, either there or within walking distance.
The management does it right with band selection as well. They have a regular coterie of locals which include Fred Kaplan, Jimmy Calire and Monte Montgomery at the ivories various nights (along with other regulars). Sprinkled in between are some real ringers, such as Jeff Lorber, Poncho Sanchez and the aforementioned Lawrence. Did I mention that parking was free?
Legendary big toned and Coltrane-influenced Azar Lawrence brought his Experience to town, and to say the least, it was an experience! Together with his full band of Linne Fiddmont/voc-perc, Dale Williams/g, Chris Lowery/tp, Robert Turner/keys, Wes Lowery/dr and Michael Alvidrez/b, Lawrence delivered an evening that ranged from forward thinking modern modal to vintage R&B with a dash of gospel thrown in for good measure.
Lawrence and company started things off with the horns creating a wild clarion call intro before the rhythm section popped the clutch and created a stamped of rhythm on “Novo Ano”. The mix of Lawrence’s searing tenor, Lowery’s bebopping brass and Fiddmont’s passionate vocals were an intoxicating blend of harmonies and solos over the avalanche of percussive energy. Playing both soprano and tenor, Lawrence glided over the calypso’d “All In Love” as Williams wacka-wooka’d through, around and above Turner like a series of prepositions.
From there, Lawrence emphasized material from his latest album New Sky, with Fiddmont delivering some upbeat lyrics and Williams picking some tasty treats as Turner soul strutted out a deep groove. From there, complete with choreography that would have impressed Don Cornelius, the front line of Lawrence, Fiddmont and Lowery gave an upbeat and uplifting “Just Because of You” before Lawrence produced a dreamy ballad while mourning gloriously on the bluesy “Fatisha”. The band then got everyone ready for church the next morning with a gospel drenched “ Ain’t No Doubt About It” as Lowery preached it from the pulpit and Lawrence closed with the “Amen” and benediction.
Even though this was my first time at The Grape, the vibe and the music made me feel like I was back home in the day when clubs like this were thriving. Don’t let this place get off your radar! I did tell you the parking was free, right?
Upcoming events at The Grape include Fred Kaplan 10/20, Danny Janklow 10/21, Teka 10/25, Andrew Synowiec 11/0, Poncho Sanchez 11/05 and House of Waters 11/15