JAZZ REVIEW : Supersax: Loyal to the Bird

When the motion picture “Bird” has its gala premiere later this year, producer Clint Eastwood could hardly choose a more fitting group than Med Flory’s Supersax should he decide that live music is needed to set the moood for the movie.

This nine-man band has devoted its 16 years to the preservation, even the amplification, of Charlie Parker’s music. Heard Friday evening at the Loa, the group seemed more than ever in possession of its unique faculties; the passage of time has set the five saxophonists so firmly in their ways that the performances are second nature to them.

Listening to Supersax once more, you are reminded what a superlative idea this was in the first place. The opening tune, “Au Privave,” showed every facet of the band’s personality: First, the original Bird theme played in unison, then a Bird improvisation, transcribed by Flory from the recording and harmonized for the five saxes; then some ad-lib blowing (always Parker-inspired but never slavishly avian), and a repeat of the theme, this time played in harmony.

All the soloists are in character: Lanny Morgan’s alto is post-Bird but pre-Ornette Coleman, just as the tenors of Jay Migliori and Ray Reed are pre-Coltrane. Jack Nimitz remains one of the few true masters of bebop baritone sax. Trumpeter Conte Candoli’s role is almost incidental, as if supplied for brass relief.

The sax section has remained unchanged for a decade. The rhythm team, still with Larance Marable on drums, had bassist Larry Gales making his maiden voyage with the band, and some commendably appropriate piano by the pianist Tom Ranier, who was only 5 years old when Bird died.

Flory’s dry wit set up the program as well as ever. He spiced it with several tunes the band rarely plays, such as “Dancing in the Dark” and “Dewey Square.” Even Buddy Clark’s arrangement of Parker’s flawed “Lover Man” record somehow came to life, reminding us that Bird at his worst was head and shoulders above most jazz men at their peak. Supersax, today as always, is a joyful and significant experience.