JAZZ REVIEW : Buddy Collette Leads Octet at Catalina

Buddy Collette, the veteran saxophonist and flutist who inaugurated the music policy at Catalina Bar & Grill seven years ago, was back at his old stamping ground Thursday.

Leading an eight-piece group, he reflected values, both in his own playing and his arrangements, that were pre-Coltrane and at times pre-Bird. Music that has been around for decades may prove ageless--as it did in most of the individual blowing--or dated--as it did in the somewhat ragged ensembles on “Just You, Just Me” and “Perdido.”

Collette’s alto sax and flute have long been a reliable Southland fixture, as has his writing. A highlight was “Magali,” in which his flute shared credit with Bill Green’s soprano sax, James Smith’s adventurous fluegelhorn and the remarkable bass work of Art Davis, who by bowing and plucking in fast alternation seemed to be playing a duet with himself.

Garnett Brown, another longtime Angeleno, split the trombone responsibilities with Britt Woodman, the Los Angeles-born Duke Ellington alumnus now on a visit from New York. Completing the group were Clarence Johnston on drums and the fleet pianist Brian O’Rourke. Best known for his gigs with Gerald Wilson’s orchestra, O’Rourke was in spectacular form on “Perdido.”

In general, the Collette combo, which drew a full house on Thursday, projects a happy holiday spirit that will remain on tap through Sunday.