JAZZ REVIEW : Benn Clatworthy, Walter Norris Bring Hard Bop to Biltmore
On Wednesday at the Biltmore Hotel’s Grand Ave. Bar, tenor-sax player Benn Clatworthy, who’s from London, showed off his raw, cutting-edge style.
For this gig something special was added. Regular pianist Kei Akagi was out of town, so Walter Norris, the distinguished composer and pianist now visiting here from Berlin, took his place. Because Norris normally devotes himself to experimental works and original compositions, he might have been expected to fit awkwardly into this context, but his eclecticism enabled him to adjust admirably.
Some of the group’s original works had an attractive hard-bop tinge reminiscent of the sound of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Trumpeter Tony Lujan shared the front line with Clatworthy. Lujan, though, seemed a trifle too explosive on the up-tempo pieces but did offer a relaxed and compelling treatment of “Angel Eyes.” The group also includes Darek Oles on bass and Jim Paxson on drums.
They will return to the Grand Ave. Bar July 29 with Lujan as the nominal leader. In addition, Walter Norris will lead a trio at this venue July 20.
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