Pop, Jazz Reviews : Shaughnessy Quintet Works Out at Bakery

Like several other members of the “Tonight Show” band, drummer Ed Shaughnessy leads a double life. The quintet he brought to the Jazz Bakery on Friday has been together for six years, touring when time permits, and recording an excellent album, “Jazz in the Pocket,” on Chase Records.

Shaughnessy is not your ego-trip drummer who uses leadership as an excuse to show off his virtuosity. For the most part he does what jazz drummers were originally called on to do: keep a firm, swinging beat and play a supportive role.

The group has two of his “Tonight Show” colleagues, Bruce Paulson on trombone and Tom Peterson on tenor sax, as its front line. With the always-remarkable John Leitham on bass and the crisp piano of Tom Ranier, the fivesome is a virtual workshop, to which all the sidemen contribute originals or arrangements.

The two horns achieved a big, potent sound Friday as the men weaved in and out of unison and harmony. Shaughnessy was splendidly displayed in “Salt Peanuts.”