JAZZ REVIEW : Sax Man’s Home Is Where the Hot Is : Popular O.C.-based musician Eric Marienthal returns to the Studio Cafe on Wednesdays, leading a first-rate ensemble. Together, they reach great heights.

Hey, Eric Marienthal! You’ve just spent six months touring Europe, South America and the United States, with Chick Corea, David Benoit and under your own name. Now whaddaya goin’ to do?

The answer, in Marienthal’s case, ain’t Disneyland. When the popular Orange County-based saxophonist comes home from a stint on the road, he returns to the Studio Cafe, where he’s been appearing on and off for some 11 years.

Though he’s best known for his work with the Elektric version of keyboardist Corea’s band and his own string of fusion-oriented recordings for the GRP label, Marienthal takes a dip into the mainstream when he plays Wednesdays at the Studio.

His first set there last week featured a savvy rhythm section working with him on an ambitious string of standards: Joe Henderson’s, “Isotope,” “My One and Only Love” and “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise.” Even the most tired warhorse, in this case, Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood,” was given a fresh treatment with a rollicking, Latin-flavored beat supplied by drummer Paul Kreibich.

Fans of his contemporary work will recognize the Marienthal style in this setting. Switching between tenor and alto, the saxophonist applied an insistent attack with little room for breath-catching. Despite the insatiable nature of his playing, there was plenty of rhythmic variation, with long, fleet lines punctuated by strategic, sustained tones and the occasional repeated lines for emphasis.

Not one to rely on cheap thrills, Marienthal developed drama with strong melodic connections and the sheer persistence of his playing. His high-end bursts, or repeated, low-end honks were the logical extension of his statement, not the statement itself. And when it comes to playing prettily, the saxophonist has few peers.

Another attraction of these ongoing appearances is the company Marienthal keeps. Pianist Dave Witham, the musical director for guitarist George Benson who also has done production for saxophonist Tom Scott, is Marienthal’s equal in ambition, bringing long, flowing lines to his improvisations and sharp, cleanly cut accompaniment that is neither too spare nor too busy. Bassist Paul Gormley, an active member of the Los Angeles club scene, provides firm footings and lyrical solos of his own.

But the band’s standout is Kreibich, the in-demand session man who was practically the house drummer during last season’s Jazz at the Hyatt series in Newport Beach. Kreibich is active both on and off the beat, establishing rhythms with confidence while providing accent and shading that’s almost harmonic in its sound. Together, the foursome makes for one of the most satisfying musical presentations available on an ongoing basis.

The other attraction of this engagement is its size. While the rest of the world sees Marienthal in oversized clubs, outdoor settings and concert halls, Orange County fans can move right up into the bell of his horn in a row of chairs set against a counter that divides the bandstand from the rest of the room.

Wednesday’s small crowd was attentive and appreciative, something that spurred the combo to even greater heights.

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This intimacy leads to magical moments. Between sets, the band sat around talking about their careers and the long stint at the Studio.

Kreibich remembered how he appeared at the Studio’s first show back in the mid-’70s with saxophonist Vince Waller. Gormley, after moving from Las Vegas, played his first Southland gig here with pianist Frank Strazzeri. Collectively, the band recalled the days when such greats as the late pianist Hampton Hawes and one-time Miles Davis saxophonist Gary Bartz worked the room.

But even with these kinds of precedents, it’s apparent, especially after 11 years, that Marienthal and company are making history here of their own.

* Eric Marienthal plays every Wednesday this month at 9 p.m. at the Studio Cafe, 100 S. Main St., Balboa. No cover. (714) 675-7760.