JAZZ REVIEW : Benefit for Allen Jackson

Though there was an abundance of blues played Sunday at the benefit for bassist Allen Jackson, the mood was far from blue. The long fund-raiser, held in the clubhouse of the Chester Washington Golf Course and produced by vocalist Lorez Alexandria, was an intimate jazz party that also served as a celebration of the Los Angeles-based musicians who turned out on behalf of their friend and colleague.

The event’s loose, jam-session feel made for a number of groups with mix-and-match personnel. Pianist Gildo Mahones took a turn with drummer Al Williams’ Jazz Society until regular pianist Bobby Pierce arrived. Mahones was back at the keyboard with trumpeter Hugh Bell for a rendition of “Bye-Bye Blackbird,” before Pierce took the piano seat again with Don and Alicia Cunningham. Art Hillery played with both Clora Bryant’s group and with Teddy Edwards. Vibraphonist Raphael seemed to stand in with just about everybody.

Edwards’ two-tune set, which featured the saxophonist’s slippery, thematic style, included a warm introduction to Walter Gross’ “Tenderly” and the pushy, bluesy lines of Edwards’ own “Get Up and Get It.” Both garnered long ovations for the soloists.

The evening’s most emotional moment came when Jackson, suffering from bone cancer, arrived and spoke briefly to the audience, thanking them for their support. Jackson’s words, fittingly enough, were followed by a lively performance from the vocal team of Don and Alicia Cunningham, with whom the bassist once worked.