Jazz Review : Weckl Quintet Explodes at Catalina

Drummer Dave Weckl, who had longtime success working with Chick Corea, opened Tuesday at Catalina. He’s such an explosive percussionist that some of his solos suggest orchestrated thunder.

His quintet, playing mostly original material, is a tightly knit unit that seems to substitute energy for elegance and rhythmic convolution for melodic innovation. The standout sideman, without question, is John Patitucci. Equally brilliant on upright bass, electric bass and bass guitar, he left the upright home on this occasion because the group’s character doesn’t call for it. Nevertheless, he was in superlative form, particularly in a feature number that had a haunting raga-like quality.

Steve Tavaglione is the other key player, using various saxophones and an electronic wind instrument that was effectively employed on a West African-influenced tune called “Afrique.” Two keyboard players, Dave Goldblatt and Jay Oliver, complete the group, adding their sounds to a powerful, tension-building ensemble.

If the quintet has a fault, it’s the excessive use of repetition of the theme. The riffs are satisfactory up to a point, but then comes the point of too many returns.

* Dave Weckl Quintet at Catalina Bar & Grill, 1640 N. Cahuenga, Hollywood, (213) 466-2210. Two sets nightly at 9:15 and 11 through Sunday. $12 door charge ($15 Saturday) plus two-drink minimum.