Defying Categorization

The intersection between jazz and Latin music is a connecting point for myriad musical thoroughfares. And Jerry Gonzalez and his Fort Apache Band--one of the most under-appreciated bands in jazz--move freely from one to another, refusing to be restricted to any single combination of jazz and Latin elements.

On Tuesday, in the opening performance of a six-night run at the Jazz Bakery, Gonzalez played a set of music that might best be described as Latinized jazz rather than Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban or any of the other catchall descriptive phrases. Although the set of unannounced tunes seethed with propulsive rhythms, imaginative soloing and well-crafted arranging, the music was beyond category, a colorful compilation of disparate elements.

And that was precisely what made it so fascinating to the moderate-sized, enthusiastic crowd. In any given number, the music flowed through solos, ensemble passages and rhythmic interludes. Often, Gonzalez used his conga drums to double the rhythmic meter. Sometimes the stylistic emphasis would shift from straight-ahead jazz to edgy, outside sounds supported by a percussive, Latin undercurrent. Utterly unpredictable, the music offered up a continuous stream of surprises.

Gonzalez, who affected a hipster look, wearing a Chuck Mangione-style black hat and dark sunglasses, doubled on trumpet and fluegelhorn as well as congas. He was proficient on each instrument, sometimes setting the rhythm on his drums before moving to trumpet and fluegelhorn for the ensemble passages. As an instrumental soloist, he played fluegelhorn with the flowing ease of an Art Farmer, and muted trumpet with the burning intensity of a Miles Davis. As a percussionist, he interacted with powerful Latin-tinged rhythmic counterpoint to Steve Barrios’ surging drum patterns.

The other players worked together with the easy familiarity of longtime musical compatriots. Pianist Larry Willis came up with a series of off-the-wall, persistently provocative solos, alto saxophonist Joe Ford roved between boppish lines and avant-garde flights of fancy, and bassist Andy Gonzalez (the bandleader’s brother) provided the solid, in-the-pocket rhythmic foundation that allowed the Fort Apache band to stretch its collective improvisational wings.

BE THERE

Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band at the Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City, tonight through Sunday. Admission $20 tonight, Friday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; $18 Sunday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. (310) 271-9039.