‘Playboy Jazz’ Starts a Pasadena Summer

The free “Playboy Jazz in Central Park” programs at the Old Pasadena Summer Fest usually have as much to do with pleasant outdoor partying as they do with the music. And this year was no exception. With an expanded array of food vendors, children’s entertainment, clothing, jewelry and art booths, Saturday’s afternoon program was packed with people, all ready to participate in the amiable, musical welcome to summer that the day had to offer.

Trumpeter Rick Braun was the headliner. A stalwart of contemporary jazz, he has brought his instrument back to the pop-jazz spotlight, after decades in which it was primarily visible in rock and R&B; back-up bands. Braun concentrated on his familiar numbers, displaying a style that revealed his interest in Miles Davis and Clifford Brown, but also resonated with recollections of Herb Alpert.

More mainstream jazz was provided by the Jimmy Owens Jazz Ensemble, with bassist Leslie Baker and blues singer-guitarist Ray Brooks also offering some crowd-pleasing selections. Brooks’ set was particularly enlivened by the stellar contributions of tenor saxophonist Artis Gilmore. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was the lesser-known salsa group, Ilyana & Habaney. It took no more than one number for Spanish-Cuban vocalist Ilyana, backed by the stirring rhythms and crisp horn work of the band Habaney, to set the crowd dancing. And, in characteristic Latin jazz style, the music blended impressive jazz soloing with its irresistible beat.

The otherwise entertaining afternoon of music and celebration held one disappointment. The scheduled appearance of 83-year-old violinist Johnny Frigo, who had broken his arm, had to be canceled, depriving festival-goers of the opportunity to hear one of jazz music’s most gifted and under-recognized jazz violinists. (He was replaced by vibist Dave Pike, performing with the Frank Collett Trio.) Frigo is reportedly in good shape.

The Playboy Jazz in Central Park series concludes today, starting at 11 a.m., with another free concert, featuring saxophonist Candy Dulfer, the Matt Catingub Big Band, Art Davis, B.J. Sharp, Long John Oliva and the Spotlight Award Jazz Ensemble.

Bela Fleck Adds Humor to Jazz Mix Give banjoist Bela Fleck credit for persistence. The jazz world has not been especially receptive to his instrument since the early days of New Orleans music. On Friday night at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, however, he made a strong case for the capacity of the banjo to play convincing contemporary jazz, with a few other musical styles thrown in for good measure.

Perhaps more importantly, he and his group, the Flecktones, also demonstrated a view of jazz that seasons its attractive musicality with a droll sense of humor, an easygoing interaction with the audience, and an omnivorous musical intelligence.

The Flecktones, who have functioned as both trio and quartet (harmonica player Howard Levy was a member for several years), are now back to the quartet format, adding saxophonist Jeff Coffin, and showcasing material from their about-to-be-released new Warner Bros. album, “Left of Cool.” At its best, their music was a sterling example of what can result when four individually gifted artists place their talent at the service of a collective effort.

Fleck was remarkable. Playing several different banjos, he employed them as jazz instruments without attempting to force them into, say, a guitar style.

Coffin added drive and enthusiasm to the mix, on one number doing an impressive simulation of Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s technique of playing two saxophones simultaneously. Bassist Victor Wooten demonstrated easy versatility, and Future Man, playing his self-invented, guitar-shaped percussion instrument the Synth-Axe Drumitar, was fascinating both to watch and hear.