Patricia Dean is a compelling singer and tasteful drummer.  She also leads groups and plays in husband Herb Bruce's band.  He quipped at the Oct. 13 concert, "I'm happy that I get to go home with the girl singer."

The Suncoast is swinging again as snowbirds begin returning to Florida. I covered five events since early October.

A Charlotte County Jazz Society concert at the cultural center in Port Charlotte on Oct. 13 presented Sir John Jeffrey's trio and Herb Bruce's quartet. The society has switched from a Punta Gorda hall to the Port Charlotte venue, and fans are enthusiastic about its double concerts.

Dan Heck is the strong bassist for the Jeffrey trio, comping well with other players and providing slap bass effects.  A fan said at the Oct. 13 concert, "It's been a long time since I heard great bass like he plays."

The Jeffrey trio from the Naples area is outstanding for members' musical empathy and creativity. It was formed a year ago and has achieved festival quality. Vibist Sir John (a native of England and longtime Floridian) was ably backed by Dan Heck on bass, and Rick Howard on guitar and vocals. "Green Dolphin Street," "Seven Come Eleven," "Frim Fram Sauce" and "Honeysuckle Rose" were among their tunes.

Virtuoso trombonist Herb Bruce was backed by his wife, Patricia Dean, on drums and vocals, Charlie Silva on bass and Chris Rottenmayer on piano. They opened with "Strike Up the Band" and closed with "Take the A Train." A highlight was Dean's emotional vocal on "The Nearness of You." Swinging instrumentals included "Blues in the Closet" and "Cherokee."

The Sarasota Jazz Club's season of monthly concerts, now at the Crossroads American Grille in Venice, opened Oct. 5 with pianist Don Riddell's Hep Cats, with vocals by Don and Bev Gerety. Jim Brenner was on trombone and flute, Sherrell McCants on bass, and Art Siegel on drums. Unfortunately, the band was over-amplified, and some fans left early.

Jazz at Two on Nov. 2 offered Joe Miller's quartet with Miller on trumpet and flugelhorn, Charlie Prawdzik on piano, Ernie Williford on bass and vocals and Henry Ettman on drums. Miller's tasteful playing was matched by members on such tunes as "I'll Remember April," "Tangerine," "Desafinado" and "Sweet Georgia Brown."

Sir John Jeffrey on vibes and Rick Howard on guitar and vocals had great musical empathy in their Oct. 13 Charlotte County concert. The one-year-old trio is making musical waves in Florida dates.

December 2008 issue | © 2008 The Mississippi Rag

P.O. Box 19068, Minneapolis, MN 55419.