JAZZ REVIEWS : Frank Capp Returns to Power Juggernaut

The restorative powers of jazz were handily demonstrated on Monday when drummer Frank Capp, only weeks after major heart surgery, resumed his place at the helm of Juggernaut, the ensemble he has co-led with pianist Nat Pierce since 1975.

This was the second in a series of big-band nights in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Capp and Pierce are half of a driving rhythm section that includes Chuck Berghofer on bass and John Pisano playing rhythm guitar in the Freddie Green tradition.

With “Moten Swing” as the Count-down, the Basie spirit hung buoyantly over the large, somewhat reverberant room.

Other reminders of the legendary Basie book were “Little Pony,” now a tenor sax battle for Rickey Woodard and Pete Christlieb; “Shiny Stockings,” taken at just the right loping pace, and “Dickie’s Dream” a solo vehicle for just about everyone in this star-rich gathering.

Pierce remains the undefeated champion of the Basie impersonators; in an extended blues solo his idol’s choice of notes, subtle beat and elliptical humor were flawlessly limned.

Bob Summers was the centerpiece in “I Remember Clifford,” his phrases exceptionally long and intelligently constructed. Bill Green’s soprano sax brought volatile life to an up-tempo blues. Barbara Morrison, the band’s regular vocalist, showed equal charm and authority in ballads and blues.

The Blossom Room still has a sound problem to deal with; additional drapes are needed to make the room less live. Nevertheless, an enthusiastic, near-capacity crowd left no doubt that the series (six more Monday sessions are due) is affirming the existence of an audience for this noble, durable music. The Capp-Pierce Juggernaut plays the Hyatt Newporter in Newport Beach on Friday.