AN EVENING OF INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE
I love being an MC at Frankie’s Jazz Club. I get to meet interesting players from around the world, as well as hang out and support the local musicians who deserve widespread recognition and beyond. Last Saturday was no exception. I’ve only heard Tamir Hendelman perform as a band member in other combos, such as The Jeff Hamilton Trio and John Clayton’s group, but here on the last leg of his West Coast tour, he brought his own brand of tasteful improvisation with his incredible trio that housed the power of a big band while maintaining a soft precision and attention to every tender detail. Tamir and his guys highlighted the fact that dining at Frankie’s feels like you have been transported somewhere between Dizzie’s and Smalls- minus the the New York skyline backdrop- thanks to a well-placed stage and a properly-managed sound system.
Tamir gets around; from Alaska to Thailand, New York to Israel, the Tel Aviv born, L.A. based pianist, composer and arranger’s playing boasts an unlimited international influence. Along with his long-time intuitive drummer Dean Koba and nimble-fingered, lyrically-inclined bass player Alex Frank, I heard elements of the famed Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, a pinch of Debussy and Oscar Peterson- tinged blues moving with the muses that were hovering over the stage Saturday night. It was a wonderful evening for an appreciative audience. How wonderful to have such a classy joint in our little town providing us with the best jazz in the world, coupled with great food and good company.
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