Drummer Vince Bartels knows how to put together assertively swinging groups, and this one — at the 2011 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee — was no exception. The session began with pianist Johnny Varro, bassist Jennifer Leitham, saxophonist Pete Christlieb, and trombonist John Allred — playing SOFTLY, AS IN A MORNING SUNRISE exuberantly rather than tentatively crepuscular:
LIMEHOUSE BLUES began as a slow drag then romped:
Before the fire marshals were called in, Pete offered the pretty CLOSE ENOUGH FOR LOVE:
and Vince (a proud grandfather) gave twelve-year old Mackenzie Rose Sullivan her chance in the spotlight for ALL OF ME:
The PLUS became apparent when vibraphonist John Cocuzzi joined the group for a rocking TOPSY:
Another delicate interlude — THE NEARNESS OF YOU — featured Cocuzzi, Varro, and Leitham:
And John stayed around for a frankly dangerous CHEROKEE:
Ferociously hot!
