Trumpeter Mixing the Old, the New

The late Art Blakey built his bands around young players. In a reverse of that role, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, one of the leading lights of the current youth jazz movement, says it’s important to include older, established musicians on his recordings.

“I think musicians should support each other, so I plan to include players who are more seasoned than I am on at least one or two tunes,” said the 22-year-old Hargrove, whose latest RCA/Novus album, “The Vibe,” features guest spots by two longtime jazz vets: saxman David (Fathead) Newman and organist Jack McDuff. Hargrove’s previous album, “Public Eye,” spotlighted drummer Billy Higgins, one of jazz’s most recorded trapsmen.

Hargrove, whose quintet performs Tuesday through Sunday at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood, feels all parties concerned benefit from recording together.

“I learn from playing with these older guys,” he says. “Like with Billy (Higgins), I learned about the importance of dynamics, of being sensitive. People should know that these guys are out there.”

Hargrove feels that players such as Newman and McDuff--who recorded regularly in the ‘50s and ‘60s and whose quartet once included guitar great George Benson--will get new exposure from appearing on the trumpeter’s widely distributed albums.

More Schuur Today Than Yesterday: Dianne Schuur says that while she’s been singing tunes such as “ ‘Round Midnight” and “The Man I Love” for years, it’s only recently that she has been able to fully interpret the lyrics of those tunes.

“There’s so much more emotion expressed in things I’m singing about now,” she says.

The main reason for this new depth, says Schuur, who appears Saturday at UCLA’s Royce Hall, is that she’s no longer encumbered by alcohol abuse (she’s been sober for 2 1/2 years) or bad romantic relationships. “I’m living life’s experiences more now, so that my true feelings come out.”

Schuur says “ ‘Round Midnight,” which is included on her latest GRP Records release, “In Tribute,” is a particularly poignant vehicle for her these days. “I actually cried when I was recording that last September, because I had just ended a romantic involvement,” she says. “And now when I sing it, the same feeling comes up.”

Ace Lane Benefit: The late composer-arranger Ace Lane, who for years conducted weekly big band rehearsals at his San Fernando Valley home but rarely performed in public, will be honored at a tribute concert Sunday, 2 to 7 p.m., at the Musicians Union auditorium in Hollywood. Lane died March 9. On tap are the Lane band, Steve Huffsteter’s quintet, the Bobby Rodriguez-Larry Covelli band and many others. Information: (818) 349-1575.

Critic’s Choice: Bill Holman’s music is a fascinating cornucopia of opposites: subtle yet striking, thickly textured yet hard swinging, big band stuff with a small band feel. His creations for jazz orchestra are singular and his appearance Monday at the Catalina Bar & Grill will give ardent listeners an earful of sumptuous sounds.