Harrell’s Quintet Opens Unfocused, Finishes Strong

Tom Harrell’s opening number at Catalina Bar & Grill on Tuesday night did not get off to a particularly auspicious start. Audio adjustments, still being made, clearly distracted the musicians, who had difficulties finding a sense of musical togetherness. And Harrell, playing fluegelhorn rather than trumpet for the set, seemed nervous and unfocused.

His demeanor, in fact, can often be a bit disconcerting to listeners unaware that Harrell’s trembling and facial expressions are the products of medication he must take for schizophrenia. But on this occasion, for the first few numbers at least, he appeared more affected by opening-night jitters than any symptoms associated with his disorder or its medication.

By the time his quintet dug into a few originals, however, Harrell’s playing became more grounded. Joined in the front line by highly talented young tenor saxophonist Gregory Tardy, he began to unfold his characteristically fluid improvisational lines. At his best--and there were traces of it in a duet with pianist Xavier Davis on “Everything Happens to Me”--Harrell is one of the most original, most immediately recognizable voices in jazz. By the set’s conclusion, his musical strengths were slowly beginning to emerge, although his horn playing still sounded a bit off center (affected perhaps by a mechanical problem with his instrument that kept capturing his attention).

Tardy was a good match for Harrell. Blessed with a strong, assertive sound, solid technique and an imaginative improvisational style, he played with mature assurance, often capping his rapid-fire runs with top-of-the-horn shouts of enthusiasm. He is a player to watch, one of three or four important new young saxophone arrivals.

*

Harrell’s rhythm section was solid and supportive. Davis played with a crisp touch reminiscent of both Barry Harris and McCoy Tyner. Bassist Ugonna Okegwu and drummer Rodney Greene kept the music together, even during the set’s early moments of instability.

* The Tom Harrell Quintet at Catalina Bar & Grill through Sunday. 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 466-2210. $14 cover tonight and Sunday, $16 cover Friday and Saturday, with two-drink minimum. Shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.