Grammy award winning pianist/composer Bill Cunliffe decked the halls of Vitellos with some swinging Christmas small group jazz and a stocking stuffer followup of big band Brazilian sounds that warmed up a cold winter night for a packed house of fans.
The opening quintet featured the genetically tasteful piano player leading a quintet with warm toned tenor saxist Harry Allen on material that went from an elegant “But Not For Me” to a stomping back beat of “I Like Being Here With You” with Yuletide ditties such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” squeezed in between. Through the set, the adroit rhythm team of Jake Reid/b and Jonathan Richards/dr skated along like Peggy Flemming while Cunliffe’s tasty ivories and Allen’s velvety horn weaved in and out of each other and John Chiodini’s wondrous guitar licks and fascinating rhythms. Mainstream jazz at its zenith!
Second set had about 12 more gents jump up on stage to present Christmas in South America, as Cunliffe conducted the LA all stars through an hours worth of cleverly arranged and delivered themes. Music from his upcoming album included an exciting “Affluencia” which featured some fiery trumpet work from Jonathan Dane and piercing soprano soloing from Bob Shepppard, while “The Ultimate Challenge” featured Cunliffe’s playful but melodic piano juxtaposed with the thick and rich reed section while Rob Lockhart’s alto yearned in passion. Extra treats of the evening included arranger Nan Schwartz jumping on stage to lead the band for a cozy take of “On the Sunny Side of the Street” just before the band galloped into full upped on the percussive “Bone Crusher.” The last highlight of the festive evening came when Allen returned to the spotlight and delivered a silky take of Jobim’s “Manha De Carnival” and Cunliffe’s infectiously grooved “On the Shoulders of Giants” from the movie Hoop Moves. In a day when most tenor saxist mistake cacophony for improvisation, Allen uses his sax to actually tell a story that’s worth listening to. Music as equally enjoyable for the head, heart, soul and feet is a rare accomplishment these days, but Cunliffe and company filled the stockings with Christmas cheer on this night fit for a Star over Bethlehem.
The year ends with a wonderful NYE gig with Billy Childs. Could be the best thing of the night!