New Jazz, Old Blues and Even a Christmas Guitar Jam on the Westside this Week

Friday, December 7-Thursday, December 13—Santa Monica’s own House of Folk (AKA McCabe’s Guitar Shop) sometimes reaches beyond the usual genre it presents, and this Saturday is one of those instances.

Two of the proponents of "New Jazz" -- guitar great Charlie Hunter with his Quartet, and the Tulsa-based trio The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey -- team up for a double bill of daring improvisational performance for two shows, at 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. Both groups list among their influences John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Louis Armstrong.

Master of the eight-string guitar, Hunter bought his first axe at the age of 12, and proceeded to take lessons from no less an expert than Joe Satriani himself. Among his notable recordings is Natty Dread (Blue Note), an instrumental interpretation of the entire classic Bob Marley album. Joining Hunter in his band are saxman John Ellis, percussionist Chris Lovejoy, drummer Stephen Chopek and special guest vocalist Dean Bowman.

With no member named Jacob or even Fred, the JFJO consists of groovemeisters Brian Haas (Rhodes piano), Jason Smart (drums) and Reed Mathis (bass). The trio’s latest release is Self is Gone (Accurate), and the album doesn’t just push the envelope of jazz, it folds, spindles and mutilates it.

Things get back to normal at McCabe’s on Sunday, with an 11:00 a.m. children’s show by L.A. performer Jacki Breger. Later in the evening, it’s the umpteenth McCabe’s Annual Holiday Show, when the Guitar Shop’s teaching staff, employees and friends get to strut their seasonal stuff. Admission is free.

Other shows of note this week include:

FRIDAY
Vinyl and Hamsa Lila pack the house at Temple Bar in Santa Monica.

Homegrown bluegrass group The Laurel Canyon Ramblers pick and grin at Boulevard Music in Culver City.

Get wrecked at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica, courtesy of Paul Warren and the Wreckers.

SATURDAY
World music stylists Common Sense are joined by Plan R for a double bill at Santa Monica’s 14 Below.

R&B mama Barbara Morrison works her considerable musical magic at Lunaria in Century City.

Rusty’s on the Santa Monica Pier gets the blues times two with The Ravens and Blues Head.

MONDAY
Reedman Mike Barone brings his Big Band to the Jazz Bakery in Culver City for a one-night-stand.

Electronic music composer and Cal Arts prof Morton Subotnick engages in informal conversation at the Writers’ Bootcamp at Bergamont Station in Santa Monica at 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY
Pleasure Club featuring James Hall celebrates the release of its new CD at Temple Bar, with special guests Toddy and Robin Moxey.

WEDNESDAY
Tonight’s quadruple bill at 14 Below consists of Tabularasa, The Booty Boys, Novak and Tracy Ellington.

The guys from Bottle Noise get into the spirit when they host a Christmas Guitar Jam at Rusty’s.

THURSDAY
The Superbroke Jazz Ensemble gigs at Lunaria.

Janis Joplin-style blues from Christina Vierra and the Whipping Boys at Harvelle’s will get your weekend off to an early start.

AVALON BLUES: A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT

Featuring: Peter Case, Dave Alvin and Bill Morrissey

Where: Harold M. Williams Auditorium

The Getty Center, Sepulveda Pass

When: Friday, December 7, 7:30 p.m.

David Alvin	Peter Case

Hurt so good, indeed. One of the best tribute albums of the past year, Avalon Blues (Vanguard) celebrated the musical legacy and guitar-playing genius of Delta bluesman Mississippi John Hurt.

The brainchild of the thinking man’s folkie, Peter Case, who produced and performed on the collection, Avalon Blues also featured the contributions of Dave Alvin and Bill Morrissey, both of whom join Case for this live version of the tribute. The three musicians were unabashedly influenced by Hurt’s vocal and instrumental magic, and are only too happy to repay the debt.

On the disc, Case and Alvin duet on "Monday Morning Blues," while Morrissey cashes in on "Pay Day." Other musicians on the album include John Hiatt, Gillian Welch, Taj Mahal, Victoria Williams, Steve Earle and even Beck. And with many of them L.A.-based, don’t be surprised to find a special guest appearance or two.

This live "Avalon Blues" show concludes the free fall "Friday Nights at the Getty" series, and ends the schedule on a high note. Get Hurt at the Getty!