Italian jazz singer Roberta Gambarini, continues to reign supreme in the jazz world, as demonstrated by her electrifying performance at Catalina Jazz Club on Saturday August 10, 2024. Her voice, rich and velvety, transcends conventional boundaries, turning each jazz standard into an intimate, almost sacred experience, where every note she sings resonates with emotional depth and artistic mastery.
Gambarini’s performance was elevated by the presence of a trio of jazz legends, each bringing decades of expertise and a profound understanding of their craft. At 87, Chuck Berghofer is nothing short of a jazz bass icon. His playing, characterized by both technical precision and innate musicality, provided a rock-solid foundation throughout the evening. Berghofer’s ability to lay down an irresistible groove while simultaneously enhancing the performances of his fellow musicians is a testament to his status as a cornerstone of countless memorable recordings.
Equally remarkable was Roy McCurdy, another 87-year-old legend whose drumming remains a masterclass in rhythm, subtlety, and dynamic range. McCurdy’s deft touch on the drums provided a perfect backdrop, offering both power and finesse, which has made him a sought-after collaborator for a wide array of jazz greats. His extraordinary skill and versatility were on full display, underscoring the exceptional quality of the evening.
Tamir Hendelman‘s piano playing added yet another layer of brilliance to the performance. An exceptional talent, Hendelman’s compositions and performances demonstrated a profound understanding of musical complexity and innovation. His ability to weave intricate harmonies and engaging melodies created a captivating listening experience, highlighting his impressive creativity and technical prowess. Together, these three musicians formed a dream team that not only supported Gambarini but also shone individually in their moments of solo brilliance.
Gambarini’s performance was a study in the beauty of restraint and elegance. She began the evening with an unaccompanied rendition of “Monk’s Prayer For Peace,” her voice resonating through the room like a Franciscan chant, setting a tone of reverent simplicity that captivated the audience from the start. Her interpretation of “It’s A Lovely Day” was equally enchanting, as she playfully teased out the lyrics with minimal accompaniment from Hendelman. The duo’s collaboration on “You Must Believe in Spring” was a delicate, nuanced exchange, with Gambarini’s voice and Hendelman’s piano intertwining in a display of understated drama that left the audience in awe.
Their rendition of Billy Strayhorn’s “Something to Live For,” a tribute to the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, was a masterclass in capturing the essence of wanderlust and longing. Gambarini’s ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace made this performance a standout of the evening, showcasing her deep connection to the material and her reverence for the greats who came before her.
When the full trio joined in, Gambarini’s performance shifted gears, taking on a livelier, more dynamic tone. She swung and scatted her way through a bopping “Theme For The Eulipions,” her ad-libbed lyrics adding a layer of spontaneity and fun that delighted the audience. A Jobim medley saw Gambarini transition seamlessly from a bel canto style to playful improvisation, particularly on a double-timed “Chega De Saudade.” Her blend of vocalese and scat on “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” swirling around McCurdy’s rhythms, was a joyful, exuberant display of her versatility and command over her craft.
As the evening drew to a close, Gambarini turned to the blues, delivering a simmering rendition of “Centerpiece/Everyday I Have the Blues” that added yet another layer of depth and emotion to an already unforgettable performance. The night’s final surprise came when Gambarini invited fellow jazz luminary Tierney Sutton to the stage for a duet on “Just Squeeze Me.” The two voices, blending effortlessly, provided a fitting end to an evening that was truly a celebration of jazz at its finest.
This performance was more than just a concert; it was a masterclass in jazz artistry, a night where every note, every phrase, and every interaction between musicians was imbued with meaning and emotion. It’s evenings like these that remind us of the enduring power of live jazz, and I’m profoundly grateful to Catalina Bar and Grill for providing Los Angeles with such an opportunity to witness world-class talent in such an intimate setting.
photos by Michael M. Landman-Karny
