Jazz Review : Watts’ Experimental Trio Has a Sense of Humor

“I don’t know what it is, but it’s not jazz” were the words of caution firmly spoken by a member of the audience between sets Friday night at Le Cafe, where a drum-less trio fronted by saxophonist Ernie Watts began a two-night stint.

The caution was overstated as Watts, pianist Peter Robinson and bassist Joel DiBartolo provided an impressive second set of original compositions that challenged the ear and stimulated the mind. True, the group did not present jazz from any of the traditional bags, but the concepts and improvisational spirit evidenced the players’ familiarity with the territories of bop, blues and the mainstream.

The late-night set before a full house at the intimate Sherman Oaks nightery began with “Echoes,” an attractive swing piece from Watts that recalled the influence of John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley and other jazz saxophone greats. The piece, wide ranging in scope and style, provided an apt setting for Watts’ inspired tenor sax melodies and established the trio’s ability to create distinctive, propelling rhythm patterns without the aid of drums.

Just as compelling and effective were several moments when an arrhythmic approach was taken, as in Robinson’s beautifully wrought “Lullaby” and the following “Phoenix Rising,” the former played without DiBartolo’s bass. Both compositions featured stark, plaintive melodies that Watts, playing both tenor and soprano, and Robinson explored with deft musicality.

DiBartolo’s musicianship was extraordinary throughout the set, his walking lines providing rhythmic impetus and harmonic movement on such tunes as “On the Border,” which featured a funk backdrop from Robinson, and “Blues in H,” a note-laden piece that showed there is indeed room for humor in jazz.

The teaming of Watts, Robinson and DiBartolo is a good one. Lacking in pretense (as so many experimental groups are not), this trio successfully served inspired musicianship in an entertaining format. Who could ask for anything more?