JAZZ REVIEW : Fans Pack Callender Benefit

If any proof were needed of the affection in which Red Callender is held, it was stunningly evident at the benefit presented by the Los Angeles Jazz Society on Sunday for the ailing bassist at the musicians’ union headquarters in Hollywood.

Wall-to-wall admirers jammed the room to what seemed like twice capacity as dozens of performers took to the bandstand, among them some who had known Callender as far back as the late 1930s.

Predictably, pianist Dorothy Donegan drew a standing ovation. Gerald Wilson’s orchestra, rising above the swell of audience chatter, was in typically masterful form.

The Cunninghams, one of the Southland’s most engaging vocal duos, sprinted down “Route 66” while the composer of that hardy perennial, Bobby Troup, took a bow from the sidelines.

Al Aarons, Harold Land and other longtime associates were followed by several specially assembled groups, notably an ad hoc guitar trio with Kenny Burrell, John Collins and Al Viola steaming their way through standards and blues. A surprise hit was the spirited bop trumpet of Sal Marquez, who, according to emcee Chuck Niles, will be a member of Branford Marsalis’ band on the “Tonight Show” starting in May.

A fitting finale brought together such virtuosi as trumpeter Harry (Sweets) Edison, saxophonist Eddie Harris and bassist John Clayton.

Funding raised by donations at the door was augmented by sales of Callender’s records and autobiography. In a touching moment, Michael Woo, the jazz world’s best friend on the L.A. City Council, described an all-star jazz group (including Callender) that played at his wedding. Mary Lou Callender, the bassist’s wife, accepted a scroll from Woo on behalf of the honoree, who is still confined to his home in Saugus.