‘The Dirt Is the Search’

For most jazz musicians, having their own voice is what separates them from the pack. While saxophonist Steve Tavaglione doesn’t want to just blend in, his definition of voice is more inclusive than exclusive.

Tavaglione, 50, an acclaimed artist in Los Angeles jazz and studio music circles, has played with George Benson, Diana Ross and John Beasley and co-founded the groundbreaking Latin-jazz band Caldera. He plays tonight with drummer Simon Phillips and pianist Jeff Babko at Rocco in Bel-Air.

“I’ve found that my voice includes what’s going on with the other musicians around me,” he said recently. “So I leave space open to respond. I don’t just put out. This openness means it won’t be perfect, but I like a little dirt in the playing. To me, the dirt is the search.”

He also eschews virtuosity, another goal of many players.

“It’s what you don’t play that counts,” said Tavaglione (pronounced tah-vah-LONE-ee). “If you follow that philosophy, you lose a lot of fans that want you to push the envelope rather than just make music. But if you do what you do with honesty, your audience will be there.”

With Phillips and Babko, Tavaglione will be coming in cold to substitute for regular sax man Brandon Fields.

“I like that kind of experience,” he said. “That kind of anxiety brings its own creative energy.”

On Saturday, after an all-star jam, Rocco Ristorante will be no more. Owner Rocco Somazzi and Matt Piper, Rocco’s music coordinator, have decided to search for another venue that better suits their needs. Among the amenities they are seeking is additional seating, retail space to sell CDs and related material, an ability to record performances and a full bar with no restaurant.

“We don’t want a club that is also a restaurant as Rocco is now, where the dining room is a competing entity.”

Somazzi and Piper said they are looking to open their new room in a few months. A location has not been selected yet.

BE THERE

Steve Tavaglione plays with the Simon Phillips-Jeff Babko Quintet tonight at 10 at Rocco Ristorante, 2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel-Air. $10 cover, no minimum. Call (310) 475-9807.

Zan Stewart writes about jazz for the Valley Edition. He can be reached at zansky@aol.com.