Terrasson Hits High Points but Misses His Usual Subtlety

A great number of jazz pianists fall into two general categories. Those who play the instrument as a kind of keyboard version of a horn, emphasizing right-hand melodies with minimal left-hand accompaniment. And those who are captivated by the allure of virtuosic technique.

The best, of course, are those who follow neither path. Jacky Terrasson, who opened a weeklong run at Catalina Bar & Grill Tuesday, is one of the exceptions. His recent work has suggested that he is ready to emerge as one of the most innovative new jazz artists of the decade.

Terrasson’s opening night performance, however, lacked the range and subtlety that make his latest album, “Reach,” such an appealing musical experience. And the difference clearly seemed to trace to the changing personnel of his trio, with drummer Marcello Pellitteri replacing longtime associate Leon Parker.

Instead of the pointedly minimalist interaction provided by Parker--who often works only with a snare drum and cymbals--Pellitteri played in standard, full-kit drum style. Which is not to question Pellitteri’s skills, since he is a strong, vigorous musician who made every effort to synchronize with Terrasson and his other longtime associate, bassist Ugonna Okegwo.

But the net result of Pellitteri’s aggressive, mainstream approach was to pull Terrasson into the more extroverted aspects of his improvising. There were plenty of grand climaxes, rhapsodic runs and thrilling high points. What was missing were the smaller moments, the brief, breathing pauses and understated emotional intimations that characterized the superb musical interplay that took place when Parker was an integral member of the trio.

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Terrasson only performed a few tunes--a couple of originals and the standards “Lover Man,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.” And each offered the potential for revelatory musical expression, especially in the settings for the standards. In nearly every case, the melodies materialized either from hypnotically repetitious rhythm patterns or via fragmented restructuring of themes. Unfortunately, Terrasson’s more subtle touches--the delicate dynamics produced by his careful use of the pedals, his control of tone--were almost always set aside quickly in favor of high-energy drive. Despite the problems, Terrasson is a powerful and inventive enough artist to warrant an attentive hearing under any circumstances.

But on this opening night, with this trio, he did not quite rise to the level of his own high standards.

* Jacky Terrasson Trio at Catalina Bar & Grill through Sunday. 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., (213) 466-2210. $14 cover tonight and Sunday, $17 cover Friday, Saturday with two-drink minimum. Terrasson performs two shows nightly, at 8:30 and 10:30.