JAZZ REVIEW : Drummer and Bassist Help Grafitti Put a Face on Fusion

With power drummer Dennis Chambers as the featured performer, fusion group Grafitti’s opening set Tuesday at Catalina Bar & Grill was a high-decibel whirlwind of nonstop rolls, rim shots and cymbal crashes.

Chambers is always a captivating player to watch, with his ability to generate a firestorm of percussion while maintaining a relatively cool-looking demeanor. Soloing on almost every number, flipping rhythmic bons mots back and forth with bassist Gary Grainger, Chambers brought constant fascination to Grafitti’s funk-driven compositions. In its better moments, his drumming recalled both the swirling multi-meters of Elvin Jones and the fiery rhythmic preaching of Art Blakey. Without Chambers’ perpetual energy and Grainger’s thumb-popping bass accents, the music might easily have drifted into faceless fusion.

The work of Europeans Haakon Graf on keyboards and Ulf Wakening on guitar demonstrated the borderless character of much contemporary jazz. Like so many young musicians around the world, their mastery of fusion’s rapid-fire technical qualities was total. What was missing was any real sense of emotional focus or creative individuality.

Aside from the vital contributions of Chambers and Grainger, Grafitti’s most appealing quality was its crisp ensemble work and the engaging modesty of the players. Smiling, relaxed and musically interactive, they never fell prey to the artificial posturing that plagues many contemporary jazz groups.

Grafitti continues at Catalina through Sunday.