Here is an unprecedented pairing of two of our greatest living jazz singers and a Gershwin classic. Backed by Bill Charlap on piano, Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington at the drums, They Can’t Take That Away From Me is a memorable moment that isn’t likely to fade for a mighty long time.
Dat Dere is from the 2016 Zipper Hall Concert. Hubert Laws plays piccolo on this one with David Budway (p), Rob Mullins (kb), John Leftwich (b) and Clayton Cameron (d).
At Jazzwoche Burghausen in 2010, Laws gently combines Duke’s Sophisticated Lady with Corcovado, to create a wonderfully comfortable, laid back feeling. Russell Malone is featured on guitar with Lan Doky on piano.
Igor Stravinsky’s controversial ballet “The Rite Of Spring” caused a near riot with its introduction in 1913. More recently, Hubert Laws’ jazz interpretation of the score has become synonymous with Laws himself and his willingness to innovate with classical music as well as more traditional jazz and even pop.. This performance was recorded at Zipper Hall in Los Angeles during November of 2016. The players were Hubert Laws on flute, David Budway at the piano, Rob Mullins on keyboards, John Leftwich on bass and Clayton Cameron playing drums. Next week we’ll feature a pair of more traditional tunes that also demonstrate Hubert’s ability to move around comfortably within the jazz idiom.
In 2020, in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, pianist Patrice Rushen together with a trio of jazz giants doffed their masks and socially distanced in order to bring you a virtual jazz concert in a salute to The 25th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival in Los Angeles. It’s a bit strange not hearing any cheers or applause … but the artistry and energy of the performers leaves no doubt that a live audience would have torn down the house! The first song is Home Light, an original tune by Ernie Watts. The bottom video is Shorty’s Portion, written by Patrice herself.
Both performances from the concert feature the dazzling Patrice Rushen at the piano, Reggie Hamilton on bass, Ernie Watts playing sax and Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums.
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