Record Staff
Loose Gravel is becoming a common sight when one first enters Zocalo Café – and that’s a good thing.
This Loose Gravel won’t hurt your step; it will put some rhythm into it.
The Loose Gravel in question includes Tony Morrison on saxophones, Jay Havelaar on trumpet, James Lithgow on upright bass and Oscar Robles on percussion.
These four adopted the tradition started essentially by jazz sax great Gerry Mulligan in 1952, when the piano was removed from where he was playing in Hollywood. (In addition to Mulligan, that band featured a young trumpeter named Chet Baker.)
For these four friends, interaction on the spot during each tune when no one plays more than one pitch at a time is nurtured by the years they have been at this project.
Tunes unfold as the musicians listen to each other and interact.
They have developed some arrangements as well but make an effort to avoid overdoing any one formula. The original idea of Loose Gravel is so see what happens in a band with structure and spontaneity – An Evening at the Jazz Improv, so to speak. They tried it and got excited about the experience.
On Saturday night at 7 they will have fun playing a handful of hand-picked certified organic tunes. Bring your Valentine and watch your step.
Forbidden Friday
The weekend of jazz at the Zo begins on Friday, when the Forbidden Jazz Trio returns to the café’s stage.
Featuring Jake Masri on trumpet, flugelhorn and vocals, Rick Husband on guitar, Graham Edwards on bass and special guest Tom Tinsley on drums, Forbidden Jazz appeals to audiences of all ages while performing a wide variety of timeless jazz standards and original compositions.
Representing more than four decades of experience, their unique blend of voice, brass and strings will weave their collective magic through two sets of entertaining music.
Join Forbidden Jazz for a casual, entertaining evening of jazz. Music commences at 7 p.m. and admission is by donation. For more info on either show, or for reservations, contact Zocalo Café & Gallery at 250-331-0933, or drop by the corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Ave.
