Trumpeters Lead the Way at Jazz at Drew Fund-Raiser

Distinguished trumpeters all: Harry “Sweets” Edison, soon to celebrate his 83rd birthday, was barely in his 20s when he joined Count Basie’s band in the ‘30s. Oscar Brashear was also in his early 20s when he joined Basie 30 years later. Jon Faddis, now the director of the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, hadn’t yet been born when Art Farmer was playing L.A.’s Central Avenue in the late ‘40s.

These four musicians, despite their age differences, found common ground when they joined forces Sunday on the closing day of the two-day Jazz at Drew festival. Their joint appearance was most appropriate for an event subtitled “Legacy Music Series.”

The eighth annual fund-raiser for the educational programs of the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science drew a crowd of more than 4,500 on its second day with a lineup billed as “Jazz Legends Day.” In addition to trumpeters Edison and Farmer, 79-year-old vocalist Joe Williams was honored with a lifetime achievement award, as was composer-arranger Gerald Wilson, who has led bands in Los Angeles for more than 50 years, and tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards. The honorees responded with strong performances.

The historic gathering of trumpeters was most instructional. Backed by pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Tony Dumas and drummer Billy Higgins, the four worked the shared language of blues, ballads and bebop, showing empathy and attentiveness as they combined on themes. Only when they soloed did differences emerge.

Edison seemed to sail his tones out over the rhythm section, patiently floating phrases on the rhythmic undercurrent. Farmer’s tone was airy and considered. Brashear showed agility in the service of melody. Faddis, the most boisterous, showed the biggest sense of high-end humor.

Vocalist Williams--backed by Wilson’s 17-piece orchestra--was in fine form, singing the blues with strength, characteristic bounce and only a hint of roughness in his once-seamless tone.

Wilson’s orchestra also presented a rousing set of originals that included sections from his recent suite, “Theme for Monterey.” Edwards led his 17-piece Brass String Ensemble, a group that replaces the usual sax section with violins and a cello. Vocalist Freddy Cole, the brother of legendary singer Nat “King” Cole, carried a hint of his late brother’s tone and phrasing into presentation. Saxophonist James Moody, playing both tenor and alto, seemed in a particularly playful mood, even breaking out into a rap at one point.