JAZZ REVIEW : Randy Brecker at Catalina Bar

Randy Brecker, the trumpet-player half of New York’s famed do-anything-musical Brecker Brothers, has, for the moment, turned his back on things commercial to blow some straight-ahead jazz. It is, as they say, a good career move.

At the Catalina Bar & Grill on Thursday evening, where he opened a four-night stint fronting a quintet, Brecker’s post-bop efforts were greeted enthusiastically by fans who filled the tables and area musicians who lined the perimeters of the remodeled nightclub.

Working from a handful of original compositions that captured the flavor of a more tuneful past, Brecker instilled tremendous jazz spirit with a series of inspired solo improvisations. His clean, crisp trumpet sound and a decidedly melodic approach combined to offer an entirely delightful musical expression that could well serve as a beacon for contemporary jazz.

Contrasting Brecker’s succinct style was the equally effective tenor saxophonist Bob Sheppard. With a heartier approach and an earthier sound, Sheppard consistently broke new ground in his round of improvisations.

Backing the efforts on the front line was the formidable trio of pianist David Kikoski, bassist Tom Warrington and drummer Peter Erskine; each soloed admirably and lent unfailing support.

With the five tunes of the opening set, Brecker proved himself a credible composer. The context was that of the standard repertoire, with his linear melody lines providing good grist for the improvisational mill. “No Scratch,” described by Brecker as an “out calypso,” was an easily looping piece that had the composer and Sheppard in melodic concord. “There’s a Mingus Among Us,” which paid homage to Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk, provided great fodder for Kikoski’s imaginative soloing.