My Dad and I had a fantastic Jazz Night Out when we saw the Joshua Breakstone Trio play Natalie’s on Tuesday the 15th. Joined by Roger Hines on bass and Reggie Jackson on drums, the veteran guitarist and New Jersey native led the band in one long set that was a deep dive into classic jazz material. The set opened with a nimble take on Pat Martino’s “Lean Years,” where Breakstone set the tone for the evening with a beautiful solo that showcased his fluid style, and Hines and Jackson followed suit, especially the drummer’s confident attack on his breaks. Lee Morgan’s “The Witch Doctor,” a tribute to his bandleader Art Blakey as Breakstone explained, had an authoritative shuffle that put a different perspective on the hard bop classic. Dizzy Gillespie’s “And Then She Stopped” changed up the groove with a relaxed Latin feel, but the leader’s technical lines did not let up! “A Jamais,” a Breakstone original and the title track of his 2004 album, had the warm vibe of quintessentially swinging jazz guitar. It opened with an earnest and lyrical unaccompanied solo by Breakstone, and Hines took the first solo of the full tune with a sprightly passage. Bud Powell’s “Tempus Fugit” rounded out the night with cooking bebop that was equal parts graceful and explosive, with more excellent solos from the trio. This was a wonderful display of classic jazz guitar for the modern age – see Breakstone on tour if you get the chance! Read More →
