A solo by Charles Perkins over a bed of strings on Duke Ellington’s “Heaven” at the Westport CoffeeHouse on Thursday was one of the most divine things I’ve heard in recent months.
The saxophonist's sublime effort was part of the second concert by Gerald Spaits’ Sax & Violins ensemble. The bassist’s group includes a string quartet, saxophonists Perkins and Rich Wheeler and drummer Brian Steever.
My fear that the arrangements would favor treacly compromises was unwarranted. Nothing I heard during the 30 minutes I spent among the 40 people who paid a $10 cover charge was overly sentimental.
A swinging solo by violinist Adam Galblum and a robust tandem statement from the saxophonists were among the other highlights. Sax & Violins has claimed a spot near the top of the list of my favorite bands in Kansas City.
(Original image by Plastic Sax.)
