Practice Makes Perfect

The commanding nature of trumpeter Clay Jenkins’ performances with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, small groups and the Kim Richmond-Clay Jenkins Ensemble is no doubt due in part to his strong work ethic.

Jenkins, 45, a native of Lubbock, Texas, who lives in La Crescenta with his wife, Betty, spends plenty of time “shedding,” as musicians call practicing. He always has.

“My dad, who was an engineering professor and a trumpeter on the side, made me practice a lot,” said Jenkins, who has played with such greats as Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich. “He used to say, ‘You don’t have to practice every day, just every day you eat.’ But it was cool. I dug it. If you really want to play, you gotta practice. If I don’t do it every day, I still feel a little twinge of ‘oops.’ ”

The fruits of all that practice can be heard tonight when the Richmond-Jenkins sextet brings its aggressive improvisation to Rocco in Bel Air. “It’s very cool and a lot of fun,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins knows the value of study, as well. The trumpeter, who has a master’s degree in jazz studies from USC, recently studied with renowned trumpeter Uan Rasey. As a result, his already potent tone is becoming fatter and warmer.

“When my sound is happening and I’m playing the instrument correctly, my ideas tend to flow, among other things,” said Jenkins, whose playing reveals aspects of such masters as hard bopper Clifford Brown and the more experimental Booker Little. “I play more of what I’m hearing at the moment.”

Soon, Jenkins will be leaving Southern California to take a post at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. Though he’ll return occasionally to take part in some of his current affiliations, he’s excited about the change.

“I dig the scene here, but I’m anxious to try something else and learn from it,” said Jenkins. “It’s definitely an adventure.”

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In Brief: Singer Gretchen Parlato investigates her love affair with Brazilian songs each Sunday at 8 p.m. when she and her all-star combo, featuring guitarist Larry Koonse and bassist Tony Dumas, perform at Spazio, 14755 Ventura Blvd., in Sherman Oaks. (818) 728-8400.

BE THERE

The Kim Richmond-Clay Jenkins Ensemble plays tonight at 10 at Rocco Ristorante, 2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel-Air. $8 cover, no minimum. Call (310) 475-9807.

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Zan Stewart writes about jazz for the Valley Edition. He can be reached at [email protected].