My title is not original: it comes from a V-Disc recorded by Nat Cole in 1945, and perhaps you would have to be a certain age to recognize the wordplay on Betty Smith’s then-famous novel A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN. But the musical connection is strong: if I could time-travel Nat, Oscar Moore, and Johnny Miller forward to the jazz club Ornithology to hear double bassist Dan Weisselberg, pianist Iftah Kary, and drummer Aleksi Heinola, there would be uncontrolled approval.
Whenever I’ve heard Dan — with Felix Lemerle, Michael Kanan, and other heroic types — he’s impressed me greatly. Not with volume or velocity: his sound is mellow, his phrases thoughtful, his harmonic and rhythmic sense impeccable — but with his thoroughly melodic approach to the instrument that is sometimes asked to masquerade as a guitar. In the most eminent of ensembles, I’ve found myself paying attention to what he is doing, which I submit as high praise. So I had asked him to let me know when he had a leader gig, and it happened on a rainy night earlier this month. He was joined by his long-time collaborator, pianist Iftah Kary (who’s responsible for the surprisingly perky arrangement of BORN TO BE BLUE) and the newcomer from Finland, drummer Alexsi Heinola. In this set, they offered their own versions, respectful but singular, of jazz classics. I was delighted and went home feeling rewarded. You’ll understand why.
PERDIDO:
FRAN DANCE:
BORN TO BE BLUE:
BLUES:
All I will say is that if you see Dan’s name, Iftah’s, or Alexsi’s on an upcoming gig, find your shoes and get there. You will be uplifted. Even if it’s raining.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 