Welcome back to The Improv Cafe, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee always mixes perfectly with the sound of pure, unadulterated live jazz. That’s right, here at The Improv Cafe, and especially on our dedicated radio station, we believe in keeping the music alive and authentic. Every single note you hear, from the sultry crooning of a vocal jazz legend to the powerful blast of a big band horn section, is a live version. We’re talking about the real deal – spontaneous, vibrant, and full of the energy that only a live performance can deliver. So, whether you’re joining us for a latte or tuning in from home, prepare to be immersed in the unparalleled magic of live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz, 24/7.
Tonight’s Highlight: Swing with the Big Bands Radio Show!
Looking for some fun on Friday nights? You’ve found your perfect evening destination! Tune into our ‘Swing with the Big Bands’ radio show, where you’ll hear nothing but legendary live performances from the top big band artists throughout history! Make sure to dance, bop, and swing to the beat as you indulge in these incredible, vibrant performances. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend with a burst of energy and timeless music, all brought to you live!
A Sultry Summer Night with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and John Pizzarelli
Just last week, on a sultry summer night, the Geffen Stage at Kaufmann Concert Hall at 92NY in New York City played host to a truly unforgettable evening of live jazz as part of the Jazz in July festival. The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, featuring the incomparable John Pizzarelli, delivered exactly what jazz aficionados crave on a warm Tuesday evening: a short, swinging, and utterly delightful big band performance. And yes, it was air-conditioned – a crucial element for maximizing enjoyment of such a vibrant show!
This was a concert designed for pure enjoyment, a direct and amiable big band experience that prioritized a good time over an overly long one. In just over an hour, the 19-piece Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO) showcased their unwavering dedication to the art of swing. There were no convoluted time signatures or moody, extended suites here; just a relentless, joyful commitment to the groove. They kicked off their set with a punchy, energetic arrangement of “Georgia On My Mind,” immediately demonstrating the band’s sharp dynamics and that signature, creamy brass sound that sends shivers down your spine.
The Los Angeles-based ensemble, celebrating 40 years of making incredible music, is firmly anchored by its co-leaders, both of whom remain remarkably youthful in their early 70s. Drummer Jeff Hamilton, a true master of timekeeping, might easily be underestimated. His rhythmic style, often described as “rub-a-dub,” is more supportive than assertive, laying down a percussive carpet that allows the music to soar without drawing undue attention to his own playing. An exception to this subtle mastery was his remarkable solo on “Back Home Again in Indiana,” performed almost entirely on brushes – an impressive feat when driving such a powerful big band.
Co-leader John Clayton spent much of the set conducting the orchestra, a permanent grin plastered across his face. He moved gracefully in front of the band’s crisp white CHJO music stands, employing emphatic gestures to guide what were largely his own brilliant arrangements. His blend of goofy charm and undeniable elegance made his repertoire of signals – like pulling a hand from his jacket and firing a faux pistol to initiate a powerful brass blast – utterly entertaining rather than a distraction.
Clayton also showcased his impressive multi-genre talents on bass, a skill honed during his tenure as principal bassist of the Amsterdam Philharmonic. He traded turns on bowed bass with lead alto player Keith Fiddmont during a captivating arrangement of “And So It Goes,” one of Billy Joel’s more affecting ballads, demonstrating the band’s versatility and musical depth.
The band’s first special guest of the evening was the renowned John Pizzarelli, a long-time collaborator with the CHJO. Their shared history includes extensive touring and the 2006 album “Dear Mr. Sinatra,” a heartfelt tribute to the Chairman of the Board. Pizzarelli possesses a relatively small voice, which truly shines in more intimate settings like his own trio in cozy cabarets. While his vocals were undeniably charming, they occasionally struggled to fully assert themselves against the CHJO’s swaggering, powerful brass. However, Pizzarelli, the son of string stalwart Bucky Pizzarelli, is also an incredibly solid guitarist – in fact, as accomplished an instrumentalist as he is a singer. The evening’s brief program, however, featured only a few concise choruses of his impressive soloing.
Much like John Clayton, Pizzarelli’s warmth and wit truly brightened the night. At one point, he fondly recalled an 85th birthday celebration for his father held in the very same auditorium, noting that January would mark Bucky’s 100th birthday. “He’ll be back for that [celebration], by the way,” Pizzarelli quipped, a poignant and humorous nod to his father, who passed away in 2020. It was a moment that reminded everyone of the deep personal connection musicians have to their craft and their predecessors.
While many capable solos emerged from within the CHJO ranks – including a wonderfully fluid outing from trombonist Stephen Warren Baxter – the two standout solo performances of the night came from special guests. Trumpeter Terell Stafford delivered a blistering yet remarkably controlled solo on the wonderfully titled “Squatty Roo,” a Johnny Hodges composition that Jeff Hamilton himself had played during his years in the Ray Brown Trio. Then, the artistic director of 92NY’s Jazz in July, Aaron Diehl, took over the piano to bring the set home, with Pizzarelli rejoining the stage.
Diehl’s playing on the two closing numbers was simply gorgeous and economic. He moved effortlessly between lyrical and rhythmic modes, sometimes evoking the spare elegance of Count Basie, who was famously never averse to letting a lonely, perfectly placed chord linger. This Diehl-dominated finale provided the perfect transition to Jazz In July’s second big band program, promising even more live musical delights. Indeed, on July 26, Diehl himself will be the featured soloist with the Secret Society ensemble, led by his frequent collaborator Darcy James Argue.
So, whether you’re reminiscing about this incredible concert or looking forward to the next, remember that The Improv Cafe and our dedicated radio station are your constant companions for the very best in live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz. Tune in, dance, and let the pure energy of live music transport you!
