The Jazz Scene: Fusionists and genre-busters

The name Steve Katz might not mean much to jazz fans these days, but this talented and forward-thinking guitarist, singer, songwriter, and record producer broke new musical ground as one of the founders of Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1967. Alongside drummer Bobby Colomby and bassist Jim Fielder, Katz’s BS&T concept was fusing jazz and rock by pairing a rock-type rhythm section with jazz-focused horn arrangements that were more sophisticated than anything used in rock until that time. BS&T did not invent what became known as “fusion,” but Katz, who later produced Lou Reed and became an influential producer at Mercury Records, helped seamlessly combine elements of rock with jazz and ultimately brought rock audiences to jazz and vice versa. Katz, now touring with what he describes as a “storytelling-infused singer/songwriter performance,” is making a rare visit to this area on Friday, May 11, at 8pm at the Kennett Flash club in Kennett Square.

Guitarist Robben Ford, coming to Sellersville Theater on Sunday, May 6, at 7:30pm, is a fusionist of a different sort. Ford (whose first pro associations were with jazzers like Miles Davis, the L.A. Four, and legendary vocalist Jimmy Witherspoon) intelligently and effectively combines elements of jazz with blues. Musician magazine was impressed enough with his dozens of genre-busting recordings over the years to name him among its “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century.”

Jazz beyond jazz

Trumpeter Randy Brecker, a Cheltenham native who also started with Blood, Sweat & Tears early on, has appeared on so many recordings by so many different artists — from rockers like Aerosmith and Dire Straits to jazz traditionalists like Johnny Hodges and Jimmy McGriff — that he’s one of the few artists identified with the word jazz known to those way beyond the hardcore jazz audience. He’s won five Grammy Awards and just about every jazz poll in the world multiple times. Brecker doesn’t do a lot of small clubs, but he will be performing at Philadelphia’s South, with bassist Gerald Veasley’s ensemble, from Thursday, May 17, through Saturday, May 19. Shows are at 7pm and 9pm each evening.

PhillyCAM and Paris Bistro

The jazz singing of Ella Gahnt, much like her name, is elegant and exquisite. She’s a longtime, respected member and supporter of the jazz community, and sings with maturity, wisdom, and taste that only experience can bring. She’s got technique to spare — think of a lightly swinging Sarah Vaughan who picks her spots — but knows when and how to use it. On Friday night, May 4, from 7 to 8pm, Ella Gahnt and an all-woman jazz collective called Sistahs Attune will be a part of PhillyCAM’s Live Culture Fridays televised broadcast series (watch it on Comcast 66/966, Verizon 29/30, or streaming online). Fans are also invited to attend the live taping, beginning at 6:30pm at the Philly CAM studios on 699 Ranstead Street.

The popular Paris Bistro in Chestnut Hill is no longer owned by the Bynum Brothers, but the superb live jazz program will continue, with stylistic and scheduling expansions. During the month of May, new visitors include vocalists Lou Lanza (May 4), Dena Underwood (May 5 and May 13), saxophonist Mike Cemprola (May 10), the Philadelphia debut of Oklahoma vocalist/pianist Champian Fulton (May 18 and 19), the quartet of 22-year-old trombone prodigy Hailey Brinnel (May 25), and more.

Above: Trumpeter Randy Brecker comes to South in May. (Photo by John Abbott.)