Third Generation of Fans Discovers Pianist McCann

It has been 23 years since the “Swiss Movement” album helped pianist Les McCann and saxman Eddie Harris cross over from jazz to broader pop and rock audiences. For some reason, the witty, laid-back social commentary McCann delivered on the album’s signature tune, “Compared to What,” appealed to both middle-age ex-beatniks and their rock-loving, hippie-era offspring.

The album is still a steady seller in the United States and abroad, according to McCann. And some of his original young followers are now turning up at shows with their kids in tow, which means McCann is working on his third generation of fans.

But while McCann, who plays the Jazz Note in Pacific Beach (above Diego’s restaurant) Friday through Sunday night, appreciates the continued attention the album brings, he has long since moved on to other projects.

He still includes “Compared to What” in his sets, but his current band is young and most of the music is brand new.

Since “Swiss Movement,” McCann has explored musical modes, ranging from his 1970s experimentation with electronic keyboards to “Butterfly,” the soulful, romantic 1988 album that showcased his singing as much as his instrumental skills.

McCann’s latest release, the 1991 “Les Is More,” is an unusual amalgam of casual recordings McCann made of music and conversations with some of the prominent players he has been involved with over the years. There is a recording of singer Roberta Flack from the early 1970s, when McCann discovered her and helped her land a recording deal. There are conversations with cab drivers and snippets of dialogue between McCann and his fellow players, recorded backstage at various clubs.

There is also music from Harris, Carmen McRae, Cannonball Adderley, Stanley Turrentine--but very little of McCann’s own playing.

McCann’s next goal is to land a label for his current band, which has been together two years and features trumpeter/keyboardist Jeff Elliott and saxophonist Keith Anderson. (Anderson, however, will not make the trip from his Texas home for the Jazz Note dates.) McCann has recorded the group and is looking for a label and distribution. With his track record in jazz, one would think some label would snap him up, but so far, no such luck. But McCann isn’t bothered by the recording industry’s modest level of interest.

“I don’t get angry,” he said. “It’s not energy that uplifts me. That’s the way it is. I’ve been thankful to keep a lot of peace in my life. We just do what we have to do. Everything’s exactly the way it’s supposed to be. I have no complaints. I love my life.

“I would love to have a whole lot of money. Who wouldn’t? But I love what I do. I love the other things I do. I play tennis, paint. A new thing I’m just starting is making giant prints of photographs I’ve taken of jazz musicians.”

McCann has an undeniably spiritual outlook on life, but one not based on any standard doctrines.

“I’ve read a lot, studied all the religions,” he said. “My guru is me, the only one I know I can fully trust to be honest with me is me. I love myself beyond all others, and by doing that, I can love everyone else. I see myself as a channel of love.”

At the Jazz Note, McCann’s channel will be open during shows at 8 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday night, 7 and 9 p.m. Sunday.

RIFFS: New Mexico saxophonist Arturo Cipriano plays El Nopal in Tijuana (675 Cinco de Mayo) at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cipriano lays his probing, searing improvisations down over pulsing, Latin rhythms. . . .

As a contribution to Black History Month, KSDS-FM (88.3) presents underappreciated San Diego saxman Daniel Jackson as the headliner of tonight’s “Jazz Live” concert at San Diego City College. Jackson began his musical career with Air Force bands, recorded two albums with drummer Lenny McBrowne’s group, and went on to stints with Buddy Rich, Willie Bobo and Ray Charles. For tonight’s show, which will be broadcast live at 8 p.m., Jackson has assembled a cast of top-notch players including trumpeter Burnett Anderson, drummer Chuck McPherson, bassist Marshall Hawkins, saxophonist Manzo Hill, multi-instrumentalist Dave Millard and special guests including internationally known saxman Herman Riley, a former San Diegan. . . .

Del Mar guitarist Peter Sprague turns up three times this week at the Horton Grand Hotel downtown. Wednesday night, he and bassist Bob Magnusson play the music of guitarist Pat Metheny, who, like Sprague, has a longstanding love affair with Brazilian music. Friday and Saturday night, Sprague teams with flutist Steve Kujala. Their 1990 album, “Heads Hands Hearts,” is a melodic, engaging collection of original music. . . . San Diego saxman Ray Rideout plays the Jazz by the Way club in Rancho Bernardo at 8 p.m. Thursday. . . .

Jazz jock Tony D. will interview Latin jazz saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera on KSDS-FM at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. D’Rivera (who is not coming to town in the near future) will talk about his new release, “Havana Cafe.” . . .

In honor of Valentine’s Day, KSDS will devote Friday to all manner of love songs. . . .

The late Duke Ellington reminisces about his world travels on “Duke Ellington in His Own Words,” at 4 p.m. Saturday on KPBS-FM (89.5).

CRITIC’S CHOICE: DAVID BENOIT, RUSS FREEMAN AT THEATRE EAST

Two chameleonic mainstays of commercial light jazz will be in town Saturday night: pianist David Benoit and guitarist Russ Freeman and his band, the Rippingtons. Both Freeman and Benoit are capable artists who have reached broad audiences with music that doesn’t tax their skills.

Benoit’s 1989 release, “Waiting for Spring,” proved how effective his piano could be in a straight-ahead jazz setting that showcased his playing without the thick layers of studio goo that weighed down earlier recordings. But Benoit’s last release, “Shadows,” carried on the pop-jazz direction for which he is better known.

On last year’s “Curves Ahead,” Freeman and the Rippingtons loosened up more than on any of the band’s previous four recordings. There was more room for Freeman’s guitar, and he used it to good effect, stretching out to generate some genuine electricity.

This is the third of a series of four pop/jazz concerts at Theatre East (at the East County Performing Arts Center) that began last fall with guitarist Ottmar Liebert’s sell-out and concludes April 10 with singer Diane Schuur. There are two shows Saturday night, at 6:30 and 10. Benoit will open the first show, the Rippingtons will open the second.