Gaffney and Co. Veer From the Standard Dinner Fare

Good jazz often pops up at unexpected moments. On Tuesday night at Spazio inSherman Oaks, for example, one might not have expected anything unusual from George Gaffney’s opening set.

Sure, he was working with some sterling players--bassist John B. Williams, drummer Paul Kreibich and guest Doug Webb on saxophone--but first sets in restaurants and clubs are generally expected to focus upon accompaniment for dining.

And, to some extent, that’s what Gaffney, a veteran pianist who spent years working with the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Natalie Cole and Carmen McRae, had to offer.

The tunes were generally familiar standards--”You’ve Changed,” “Sweet and Lovely”--served up in easygoing, accessible style. Webb delivered some lovely melodies, often reaching into the pure tones of his high register, and Gaffney held things together with his elegant musical touch.

*

But a pair of numbers provided a forecast of the sounds that would arrive with later sets, when the emphasis shifts from dining to listening. Thelonious Monk’s quirky “Rhythm-a-Ning” suddenly popped up halfway through the program in a brisk romp through the tune’s disjunct lines.

Webb opened up the improvisational floodgates and ripped off a vigorous set of choruses highlighted by long, complex phrases and superb articulation.

And the rhythm section, freed for a moment from the routine of ballad standards, swung into high gear, delivering a propulsive current of Monk-like swing.

A bit later in the set, Milt Jackson’s classic blues line “Bags’ Groove” triggered similar results, with Webb’s stirring tenor taking the lead.

Spazio has only had music in its spacious venue for a few months. But the programming--now seven nights a week--is bringing in some first-rate talent.

Add to that the room’s central location, attractive environment and no-cover policy, and all the signs are present for the emergence of an appealing new music destination.

BE THERE

Spazio, 14744 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Continuing music sets, Monday through Saturday, 9 p.m.-1:20 a.m.; Sunday, 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The Sal Marquez/Doug Webb Quintet tonight; salsa music, Friday; R&B; music, Saturday; singer Gretchen Parlato, Sunday; the Ron Kalina Trio, Monday. The George Gaffney Trio with Doug Webb returns Tuesday. No cover charge. Information: (818) 728-8401.