How is it that more people don't know about the wonderful jazz shows that are happening in PB? Right down the street from the original Rubio's, you can catch San Diego's best kept jazz series. Sunday night was The New Standard Jazz Quintet, supersized for this show from its regular trio format. Click on a photo to be taken to the full gallery.



You've read my thoughts on Ian Tordella's alto playing, but he stuck to the tenor sax for a change of pace this night.



This was my first time seeing John Reynolds on trumpet and flugelhorn. As much as I think I get out and see all the great players in town, it's good to know that there's still plenty of swinging cats who I can still discover- all I have to do is get off the couch!



Justin Grinnell acted as the leader this night, announcing the tunes to the audience and providing some commentary when appropriate. He is one of the founding members of the trio, along with John.



The drummer's name escapes me, but I know he's from L.A.



One of my mistake shots actually turned out pretty cool for once. The color and the straight blur lines is what makes it for me. It's abstract, yet holds just enough detail to recognize the subject.





Ian gave me his new CD, Magnolia, after months and months of prodding him for it. It's got his band, Jeff Denson, Brian McLaughlin, and Florian Weber, along with longtime Lens and Eyebrow subject Jeff Miles on guitar on a track. It almost goes without saying that it's an excellent debut effort, but what's especially interesting to me is that the relaxed feel of the tunes belies their complexity. It's good as both a background CD when you just need something to fill space, as well as an album full of harmonically interesting solos.

Ian favors the upper registers of the tenor sax, which gives his sound just a little bit of a bite. I've seen him go into more challenging territories live, hopefully the next CD showcases a more edgy collection of tunes. My favorite is the second track featuring Jeff Miles, D's Melody. I'm going to guess that Ian wrote this as a love song to his wife.



Not to take anything away from this group of players though. Everyone in attendance listened closely and showed their appreciation.