The legacy of William "Count" Basie echoes every time jazz musicians congregate in Kansas City. The legendary pianist, composer and bandleader is so closely associated with this town that it's easy to overlook the fact that he was born in Red Bank, N.J. Max Weinberg, another native of the Garden State, demonstrated his devotion to Basie's big band sound in the second of two sets Sunday at Jardine's.
"We're honored to play this music in the area where it all began," Weinberg said.
Weinberg's big band -- five saxophones, four trumpets, three trombones, bass, piano and drums -- spilled from the stage and onto the floor of the intimate jazz club. Best known as the longtime music director of television's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and for his tenure as the anchor of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Weinberg clearly relished the dramatic change of pace as the leader of a big band.
"Not that I'm a jazz musician," he quipped. "But I play one on TV."
Weinberg, 59, recalled that his introduction to Basie was the 1966 album "Basie's Beatles Bag." As the powerful band worked through a hard-charging rendition of "Help!" Weinberg rode his cymbals a bit too hard. It was the only time the sound in the room was less than ideal and the sole instance of Weinberg lacking tasteful restraint. Elsewhere, as on the audience-pleasing "Kansas City" that concluded the Beatles medley, his playing evoked Basie's great rhythm keeper "Papa" Jo Jones.
Pianist Danny Fox, who adroitly mimicked Basie's minimalist staccato swing, was just one of the band's standouts. During "Only the Lonely," alto saxophonist Jon Gordon captured all the melancholy associated with the version sung by Frank Sinatra. The solid swing of trumpeter John Bailey was also impeccable. In contrast, the talented bassist Carlitos Del Puerto threatened to steal the show with shameless showboating during "Mr. Lucky."
Much in the dynamic style of Springsteen, the jovial Weinberg lavished appropriate praise on each of his band mates. He also told compelling stories and amusing jokes. He aimed one zinger at a former rival during his introduction to the theme of the television program "M Squad."
"I love shows about criminals," Weinberg kidded. "For example... Jay Leno."
The only jarring patter came in an introduction to a cutting contest between saxophonists Brandon Wright and Joey Berkley.
"You're going to see something that hasn't been seen in Kansas City since the '50s," Weinberg promised.
The ensuing tenor battle was completely engaging, but it's nothing that isn't regularly featured at clubs like Jardine's. If Weinberg had a better grasp of what still transpires in area venues, he'd know that Kansas City boasts at least six active big bands, ranging from the elegant Kansas City Jazz Orchestra to the edgier People's Liberation Big Band. While Weinberg's ensemble lacked the meticulous maturity of the former and the experimental leanings of the latter, their excellent performance merited the capacity audience's constant shower of applause.
Most appeared to be Springsteen fans who, like Weinberg, grew up enjoying both jazz and rock and roll. Weinberg rewarded them by closing the 90-minute set with two Springsteen songs. Trumpeter Brian Pareschi's swing arrangement of "Born To Run" was cleverly crafted to allow Weinberg to play his original drum part. A rollicking rendition of "Kitty's Back" sounded as if it was destined for a big band format.
"Rock and roll!" a fan had whooped enthusiastically earlier in the evening.
Not exactly. But Weinberg's big band completely satisfied both partisans of rock and roll and Kansas City swing.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
No fair--the early show didn't get "Born to Run."
Posted by: Randall | November 02, 2010 at 08:27 AM