On Sunday, April 19th the Jon Mayer Quartet featuring Ricky Woodard on tenor sax, Chris Conner on bass, Roy McCurdy at the drums and Mayer leading from the piano, held forth at SOhO for the Santa Barbara Jazz Society’s monthly concert.
The first set started with Mayer’s “Round up the Usual Suspects,” followed by “Day By Day.” As usual, Jon’s ensemble was in top form with a high standard of musicianship and the joy of live jazz. Next was a crisp version of “My One and Only Love” and Mayer’s original, “Rip Van Winkle.” “My Secret Love” and a stylish version of “Fungi Mama” closed out the set.
The second set opened with, “Like Someone In Love” with Roy McCurdy clearly demonstrating why he’s been at the top of the list of jazz drummers for so many years. L.A. jazz vocalist Janis Mann was in the house and sat in for a strong treatment of, “On a Clear Day (you can see forever).”
The set continued with, “Stolen Moments” and “Polka dots and Moonbeams.” The crowd gave the band a well-deserved standing ovation and they responded with a hot tune I could only identify as, “Rhythm Changes.” Everyone left happy.
Stanley Naftaly
Jazz Straight Ahead
KCSB-FM
Here are some great photos by Mark McDonald.
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