High-Voltage Vets at the Jazz Bakery

An interesting thing happened at the Jazz Bakery on Tuesday night. Saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman and pianist John Hicks’ trio got together to offer an evening of straight-ahead jazz.

That may not seem especially unusual at the Bakery, which is, after all, one of the city’s major jazz venues. But the fact is that it’s become increasingly rare to hear bands in which the piano player doesn’t double on synthesizer keyboards, the drums are not surrounded by microphones, and the bass player never lays down his acoustic instrument to pick up an electric bass. Except for some modest amplification of Hicks’ piano and Jeff Littleton’s bass, that’s what’s taking place at the Bakery this week: an acoustic jazz set.

Both Newman and Hicks have been solid, dependable jazz performers for decades. Newman’s career was kick-started by a 10-year stint with Ray Charles in the ‘50s and ‘60s; he has backed Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole (on “Unforgettable”) and performed with dozens of the major names in jazz.

Hicks has been a first call player since the ‘60s, his versatility taking him through stints with the Jazz Messengers and Betty Carter; his diversified resume includes work with stylists ranging from Pharoah Sanders to Joshua Redman.

That’s a lot of firepower to put on the same stage, and the combination produced some high-voltage musical results. Newman played tenor and alto saxophones as well as flute in a program that ranged from attractive originals to standards (including an unusual version of “Willow Weep for Me” in 3/4). Deeply rooted in bebop, his well-crafted solos, arching imaginatively through chromatic harmonies, were enhanced by his warmly communicative sound.

Hicks is a bopper as well, his playing filled with animated passion, arms moving up and down as he worked the keyboard to produce bright flashes of melody and harmony. And his interaction with Newman, with fragments of melody tossed back and forth, was marvelous--two veterans swapping imaginative musical ideas.

Bassist Littleton and drummer Fritz Wise were solid and supportive, diligent participants in an evening of low-decibel, high-creativity music-making.

David “Fathead” Newman with the John Hicks Trio at the Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City. Tonight through Sunday at 8 and 9:30 p.m., $25. (310) 271-9039.