JAZZ REVIEW : Fambrough Leads Sextet

After a successful week with the Ray Brown Trio, Catalina has turned over the bandstand to another bassist, Charles Fambrough .

A relative newcomer as a leader, he heads a sextet of local musicians that will be appearing through Sunday. Two of the members, pianist Kenny Kirkland and drummer Jeff Watts, are members of Branford Marsalis’ “Tonight Show” band and played on a couple of cuts in a recent Fambrough album.

It is rewarding to hear Kirkland given a chance to stretch out as he seldom does on the TV show. His technical ability, his knowledge of tradition and broad experience (with Elvin Jones and Sting among others) lends value to his every solo.

The most significant among the three horn players is Oscar Brashear, a trumpeter whose powerful, pithy solo forays have long since established him as a Southland treasure. Alongside him are Bob Sheppard, the saxophonist known for his excellent work with Freddie Hubbard, and Art Webb, whom Fambrough unwisely introduced as “the greatest flute player on the planet.” Such dangerous superlatives are apt to boomerang. Webb’s long suit is technical flash rather than inspiration.

Most of the Fambrough originals played were of modest interest only. As a bassist he works well enough with Watts and Kirkland, but his solos lack the tonal impact of a Ray Brown. This group is worth hearing mainly because of Brashear and Kirkland, its two strongest players.