A Wailing Juggernaut

Though Frank Capp has played drums in many small bands, including an acclaimed trio led by pianist Andre Previn, he’s better known in our climes as a big band drummer.

Long before he formed the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut Orchestra with his partner Nat Pierce in 1975, he had played with such swing-era notables as Benny Goodman, Stan Kenton and Harry James.

“There’s nothing more exciting, both for the audience and the musicians playing, than a big band that’s really wailing,” Capp said.

The Juggernaut, which Capp has led alone since Pierce’s death in 1991, appears Wednesdays at Arlequin Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, formerly the Moonlight. The band mostly plays the music of Count Basie, including charts arranged for the late jazz giant by Sammy Nestico and Neal Hefti. Despite having played the music for decades, the drummer said he never tires of it.

“It’s all toe-tapping, happy music,” said Capp, a native of Boston who lives in Studio City. “It’s not a clinical exercise. It’s fun and a joy and music you walk away from with a smile.”

A lot of big band drummers love to grab the spotlight, but that isn’t Capp’s agenda.

“I keep my solos short,” he said. “My job is to swing the band, providing fills and a good beat, and to back the soloists, helping them create.”

At Arlequin, Capp will be joined by his regular, top-drawer crew, including saxophonists Pete Christlieb, Lanny Morgan and Rickey Woodard, trumpeters Bob Summers and Carl Saunders, trombonist Andy Martin and pianist Gerald Wiggins.

“These guys really play great together, and when the band is cracking, when it’s like one instrument, well, that’s ecstasy,” Capp said.

BE THERE

The Frank Capp Juggernaut plays Wednesdays at 8 p.m., at Arlequin Restaurant, 13730 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. $15 cover; no minimum. Call (818) 788-2000.

Also noteworthy: Jax, 339 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, hosts solid drummer Danny Pucillo’s quartet tonight, bluesy pianist Karen Hernandez on Saturday and trombonist-violinist Dan Weinstein and Latin-based Viva on Tuesday. All shows at 9 p.m. No cover, no minimum. (818) 500-1604.

Dave Pell’s dandy Octet continues Fridays at 6 p.m. at the Paradise Cafe at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, 4224 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. No cover, no minimum. Call (818) 985-6567.

Julie Kelly sings tunes from her excellent new CD, “Into the Light,” on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. at Spazio, 14755 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. No cover, no minimum. Call (818) 728-8400.

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