JAZZ REVIEW : Red Mitchell at Grand Avenue

Red Mitchell’s annual visit to the Southland was highlighted by a pleasantly convivial set at the Grand Avenue Bar & Grill Thursday night. The Stockholm-based musician divided his time between piano and bass, with a few whimsical vocals thrown in for good measure.

Mitchell’s piano playing--best described, perhaps, as “composer’s” style--was rich in harmony, with some off-the-wall rhythmic accents. It was the perfect setting, however, for the characteristically witty lyrics of two originals, one devoted to his son, the other to the pleasures and perils of creativity. Equally unusual was a set of sardonic new lyrics for “All the Things You Are,” which countered the original devotional words with an anthem to the ego.

When he shifted to bass, Mitchell’s powerful jazz skills made a dramatic appearance. Sticking mostly with Ellington tunes--”C Jam Blues,” “Sophisticated Lady” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing”--he demonstrated that the years of European residence have, if anything, heightened his improvisational abilities.

Mitchell’s musical associates for the evening were Herb Mickman on piano and bass and guitarist Mundell Lowe. Mickman provided a perfect foil, shifting to piano when Mitchell shifted to bass, and vice versa. Lowe, currently a resident of San Diego, continued to demonstrate that he is one of the most underrated improvisers of his generation of players.

But the evening belonged to Mitchell. His jovial sense of humor, easy manner and superb musicianship are much missed on the local jazz scene. Mitchell, Mickman and Lowe closed last night.