JAZZ REVIEW : Terry Blows Into Santa Monica

Clark Terry, the trumpeter whose exuberant virtuosity and indomitable spirit have been mainstays on the jazz scene for most of his 67 years, blew into town Thursday for three nights with the Ray Brown Trio at the Loa in Santa Monica.

Before an intimate gathering at the late set Thursday night, Terry entertained with his customary combination of wit and musicality--the latter outdistancing the former--applied to a repertoire of jazz and blues standards.

Terry has long been a respected trumpeter whose sense of swing dominates his every musical move.

Whether pulling round, full-bodied tones from his fluegelhorn or pushing gently staccatoed notes through a muted trumpet, Terry’s moves were appropriate to every musical cause. His melodic statements were made with remarkable fluidity and his improvisations, especially on Thelonious Monk’s “Straight, No Chaser” and Juan Tizol’s “Perdido,” were marked by unfailing sensitivity and intelligence.

Assisting Terry in his efforts were the equally remarkable bassist Ray Brown, pianist Gene Harris and drummer Jeff Hamilton, each of whom lent supportive accompaniment and fine solos.

Terry and company conclude their stint at the Loa tonight.