Clouds Obscure Mark Murphy’s Pyrotechnics

Mark Murphy has been around so long, performing in so many different settings, that it’s hard to believe that his singing continues to be somewhat of an acquired taste. And especially so when he is not particularly on his form, as was the case Tuesday at the Jazz Bakery in the opening set of a six-night run.

The essence of Murphy’s art--present virtually since his first Capitol recordings in the late ‘50s--has been an insistence upon stretching the envelope of jazz singing, moving without restriction between balladry, scat, standards and bop. And he has not hesitated to mix and match those elements, often transforming a standard ballad into a vehicle for outer-limit vocal riffing.

But his opening set at the Bakery was plagued by a variety of problems. The sound of his voice, first of all, was muffled and indistinct, the product either of an inadequate sound check or a microphone that couldn’t deal with his far-ranging vocal technique. The problem was exacerbated by Murphy’s practice of using the microphone for musical effects, often waving it in front of his mouth, producing an unsettling effect.

Nor did Murphy ever seem quite in sync musically with his backup group, an estimable trio consisting of Alan Broadbent (piano), Putter Smith (bass) and Paul Kreibich (drums).

Still, this accumulation of distractions aside, Murphy’s talent often managed to break through. His improvisations on tunes such as “Boplicity,” “All Blues” and “If You Could See Me Now” were alternately edgy and intriguing--best when he kept his focus and steered clear of his tendency toward musical wandering. And his ballad singing on his own “Miles” and “Heartfelt” and Stephen Sondheim’s “I Remember Sky” were reminders of the rich texture of his vocal powers, which, hopefully, will once again emerge in full-blown fashion as he continues his run at the Bakery.

* Mark Murphy with the Alan Broadbent Trio at the Jazz Bakery through Sunday. 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City. (310) 271-9039. $20 admission tonight and Saturday at 8 and 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 7 and 8:30 p.m.