JAZZ REVIEW : Patterson, Rucker Take the Lead at Alfonse’s

Two women of noteworthy ability and seasoned authority took to the bandstand Monday at Alfonse’s in Toluca Lake.

Ann Patterson, the locally based alto saxophonist, and Ellyn Rucker, the pianist and singer who has been based for many years in Denver, had never before worked as co-leaders, but the group they headed lost no time establishing their empathetic credentials.

Patterson, best known for her years as leader of the superb all-female orchestra Maiden Voyage, had a far greater opportunity in this intimate setting to display her improvisational gifts. Opening with “Manha de Carnaval,” accorded a relaxed medium bossa nova beat, she at once showed her influences (Charlie Parker or any of Parker’s musical heirs) while revealing a personal sound and identity.

Most of the more mature bop musicians are well-versed in the adaptation of their styles to a ballad mood. Patterson proved the point during the first half chorus of “Polka Dots and Moon Beams,” for which she was accompanied simply by Rucker’s piano, without establishing a tempo. At the bridge, the bassist Bob Maize moved in quietly and effectively, joined in due chorus by the drummer Sherman Ferguson. This song has been worked over thousands of times, but Patterson managed to sublimate it successfully.

For “Emily” she switched to flute, playing capably, but it was Rucker who dominated the Johnny Mandel waltz with her exceptional blend of soul, subtle technique and incisive rhythm.

Regrettably, Rucker had only one vocal opportunity during the long set: “My One and Only Love,” a demandingly rangy tune, in which her phrasing was intuitively right and her timbre attractively husky.

Patterson or Rucker, though normally separated by geography, ought to work together more often; there is a chemistry here that brings out the best in their several considerable talents.