Not Dueling Pianos

Sessions at Stained Glass: Carey Frank, Josh Nelson, Peter Smith, Joe La Barbera

When we arrived at the front gate for Peter Smith’s Sessions at Stained Glass concert last night, a friendly woman greeted us and gave us directions to the studio.  “There are signs,” she said. “Just snake your way up.”  Even though we had previously been, the reminders were appreciated.  We snaked our way up dim stairways, down shiny floored hallways, around corners, past chapels, meeting rooms and a basketball court to the very top of the massive First Baptist Church on Marengo Avenue in Pasadena. 

Peter Smith has created a unique recording and concert venue and is programming some very interesting music at his Stained Glass Music Studio.  Last night we experienced three of the most prolific and important keyboard players on the scene along with a legendary jazz drummer.

Peter Smith, Josh Nelson and Carey Frank were joined by Joe La Barbera in a joyful and adventurous ninety-minute set.  Keeping it loose and relaxed, the three keyboard players did round robin duty from the Hammond B3 to the Fender Rhodes to the acoustic grand piano, taking turns on each.  The program was as varied as it was musically solid.  Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sounds of Silence” was given a surprising and fresh treatment. Carey Frank’s arrangement of “Claire de Lune” took it places Debussy never could have imagined.  His original “Palm Desert Blues” showcased Frank’s virtuosic, audience rousing connection to blues and funk.  Another standout was a rollicking, deeply funky and energetic treatment of the Yellow Jackets “Revelation” by Russell Ferrante.  We were treated to the title cut of Nelson’s 2011 release “Discoveries,” as well as “Jogging Day” with its kinetic underpinning and Nelson’s signature angular, evocative lines.  The set closed with a blues infused “God Bless the Child” and Nelson’s “Mint Blues.”

Joe La Barbera as always was perfection, in the pocket while at the same time driving the energy, never overbearing, always supportive and in synch with not only the rhythmic underpinnings of the music, but also with the story telling. 

It was a very special experience seeing four equally gifted jazz masters interacting, urging each other on and supporting each other in an intimate, acoustically excellent room.  Their joy of playing infused the music, translating directly to the very appreciative audience.

In closing, Peter Smith thanked the audience for their support and said, “Aside from getting married and having my children, this studio is the best thing that ever happened to me.”  It certainly is one of the best things to ever happen to the LA music scene. 

Do yourself a favor and check it out.https://petersmithmusic.com/stainedglassmusicstudio/