Cathy is a 30-year veteran teacher-composer-producer-performer. Critic Zan Stewart of the Los Angeles Times summed up her talent: "In Control: Jazz singer Segal-Garcia's style leans toward heavily melodic vehicles that show off her flowing, at-ease, rhythmic sense ? A voice that's soft and warm as cashmere." Visit her website: www.cathysegalgarcia.com
Where did this crowd come from, on a Monday night in Los Angeles?! Pianist Bevan Manson is sitting next to me at The Blue Whale's Monday night Jam Session run by drummer Kevin Kanner. Not only is it packed, but most everyone is actually listening -- to Matt Politano on piano, Ryan McGillicuddy on bass, Charles Altura on guitar, Kevin Kanner on drums and Walter Smith III on tenor -- playing the best of modern jazz in L.A.
They open the night with about 1 hour of great music -- compositions by Duke, Walter, Horace Silver... so very musical, never boring. All of them adept and tasteful -- what a great combination!
No cover, no minimum -- people are nibbling on appetizers and drinking alcohol. The vibe in here is so inviting for a hang and to create. People just want to stay, as soon as they get here!
Each of the players are great soloists. Matt takes really musical solos on piano -- his rhythm chops are really tasty. Walter, with his awesome tone, starts on a slow burn and builds to smoke. Ryan, one of the best bassists in town; you love to listen to him -- he's melodic, he uses space, and he swings! Kevin is a most intriguing drummer -- a young man, he's extremely versatile, and makes the music come first -- his chops though, are quite impressive. Charles has a guitar style that's very fluid and horizontal, focusing on colors and lines.
The jamming begins on the 2nd set -- it takes off from where they left off. That's one thing that's cool about this session -- everyone here is into this style and wants to play it, and plays it pretty damn decently! And the evening continues like a train continually heading for its destination, exciting blowing keeps the energy in the place high.
The main band also features pianist Josh Nelson and bassist Hamilton Price every other week. This is such an exciting night, I'm a singer and I don't even want to hear any singers come up! It's a really great scene... be sure to check it out! And while you're at it, check out the lineup for Fridays and Saturdays, and an occasional Tuesday or Thursday... a modern jazz fan won't believe it!
The Blue Whale Location: 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka Street, Suite 301, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Phone: 213.620.0908. Times: Mon - Sat: 8:00 pm - 2:00 am. Hard to find the first time, go to the northeast corner of Los Angeles Street and 2nd Street. The Kyoto Grand Hotel is on the corner... go east, and you will find Weller Court, a Japanese 3-story mini-mall (with great sushi and noodle restaurants, by the way!). Underground parking (free with validation) can be found by a round yellow "P" sign, just east of the hotel. If they're full, park right across the street for $5. The Blue Whale is on the 3rd floor.
There's more bad music in jazz than any other form. Maybe that's because the audience doesn't really know what's happening.
– Pat Metheny
A young child says to his mother, "Mom, when I grow up I think I'd like to be a musician." She replies, "Well honey, you know you can't do both."
