In Carlton’s hands, blues are buoyant
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A couple of things are guaranteed to take place at any given performance by guitarist Larry Carlton: A good portion of the program will consist of blues, in a variety of forms. And everything will be delivered with a buoyant, upbeat sense of swing.
On Tuesday, in his opening set at Catalina Bar & Grill, Carlton delivered on both counts, starting with a brisk minor blues and adding variations along the way. Despite the ever-present blues component, however, Carlton’s straight-ahead jazz chops were on display, with each of his extended solos looping easily from blues licks to long, flowing, bop-tinged lines. In a jazz-associated number such as “Summertime” the results were intriguing, a set of improvised choruses encompassing both the deep roots of the song and the jazz-based extensions of its harmonies.
The set was further enhanced by the presence of a virtual all-star accompanying lineup: pianist Terry Trotter, bassist Abraham Laboriel and drummer Greg Bissonette. Trotter’s subtle ear for exquisite chordal colorations brought a constantly fascinating subtext to many of the pieces, especially in his introduction to “Summertime.” Laboriel can always be counted on to produce at least one finger-snapping, string-strumming solo, in this case accompanied by crowd-pleasing, dance-like gyrations. And Bissonette was a model of rhythmic decorum, contributing, supporting and propelling without overwhelming.
If there was a problem with the program, it was a tendency toward sameness in some of the material. One couldn’t help but wish for a least one extended ballad from Trotter. But for the near-capacity audience, Carlton’s happy approach to the blues was more than enough.
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Larry Carlton
Where: Catalina Bar & Grill, 1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
When: Tonight-Sunday
Price: Tonight, 8:30 p.m., $25; 10:30 p.m., $20. Friday, 8:30 p.m., $30; 10:30 p.m., $25. Saturday, 8:30 p.m., $35; 10:30 p.m., $30. Sunday, 7:30 p.m., $30; 9:30 p.m., $25. With two-drink minimum.
Info: (323) 466-2210
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