At the Bowl, a Sentimental Journey

It’s ironic that the music known as “contemporary jazz” (a.k.a. fusion or smooth jazz) hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years. In fact, the JVC Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl concert Sunday gave indication that the genre’s enduring popularity is based mostly on nostalgia.

The three headliners--saxophonist Grover Washington Jr., guitarist Lee Ritenour and pianist Joe Sample (the Greyboy Allstars also appeared)--won the largest ovations from the 15,308 in attendance when the musicians played their familiar material, some of it dating back two decades or more.

Of the three, able saxophonist Washington made the most of his past, playing soprano, alto, tenor and baritone on a long medley of his hits, nearly all of which were recorded in the ‘70s. Material he introduced as “new stuff” from his last album included a cover of “Soulful Strut,” the ‘60s-era pop-instrumental popularized by Young-Holt Unlimited.

Guitarist Ritenour sampled more widely from his recorded history, playing acoustic and electric instruments to moody effect with a quartet that included saxophonist Eric Marienthal. Bassist Melvin Davis and drummer David Haynes gave familiar Ritenour material, including “Night Rhythms,” a harder edge than the originals. The band received hearty responses for a beat-heavy version of Sonny Rollins’ “Alfie’s Theme” and a reggae-influenced original “This Is Love.”

Pianist Sample, whose trio was the smoothest and smartest of the three acts, demonstrated a soulful, responsive style that emphasized rhythm, but never at the expense of melody. Ever resourceful with a riff, Sample invigorated material from his late-’70s solo releases, told the musical story of how he was humiliated by hippies in the ‘60s, and included singer Randy Crawford (who recorded “Street Life” for Sample and the Crusaders in 1979) in a performance of the single “Fly Away,” and a rockin’ “C.C. Rider.”

Opening quintet the Greyboy Allstars underscored the nostalgic appeal of contemporary jazz with a set that looked to the organ trio and jazz-funk movements of the early ‘60s for its inspiration. Led by saxophonist Karl Denson, the beat-minded electric guitar and keyboard ensemble provided some of the evening’s freshest moments by unabashedly embracing the past.