At Rudy’s Jazz Room on Wednesday, it was a tale of two sets. Keyboardist John Novello’s band, a veteran of contemporary jazz and fusion, kicked off the evening with more than 40 minutes of engaging, very professional stuff, which was followed by another 50 or so minutes of spectacular, high-energy performances. It served as yet another reminder of the intrinsic fallibility of labels and presumptions because the term “lightweight” is frequently applied to current, smooth, or fusion jazz styles from the perspective of jazz theory.
The John Novello Band proved that they can compete with any mainstream or hard-bop combo in terms of melodic exposition, harmonic progression, and solo brilliance, especially in that second set. In fact, it seemed as though a hidden switch had been thrown, revealing the group’s dynamic essence, as its members’ playing was so excellent at moments that the background talk you usually hear stopped flowing.
Not that the initial set was in any way a failure. The Novello ensemble, led by the pianist and keyboardist who also plays acoustic and electric piano, fiery saxophonist Jeffrey Scot Wills, outstanding bassist Roy Vogt, and outstanding drummer Stacey Lamont Syndor, soon established their reputation as top-notch players.
With the fusion supergroup Niacin, the ensemble performed mostly Novello originals in both performances, including some of his fan favorites. A standout among those songs was “B-3 Soul,” which featured a strong melodic appeal, potent sax and piano solos, and excellent combo interaction—a characteristic that persisted throughout the entire performance.
Three excellent covers were also included, one of which, “In Your Quiet Place” by Keith Jarrett, had some of Novello’s finest piano playing in the first set. Prince’s “Purple Rain,” which Novello described as his late wife’s favorite song and “one I played for her virtually every day,” was also performed in a moving way.
But they gave a hint that things would heat up after the conclusion of the first set. The quintet performed a powerful cover of Weather Report’s most popular song, the Joe Zawiniul-penned classic “Birdland,” which immediately raised the temperature and made it clear that everyone should stick around for the second set.
Everyone who worked hard was rewarded well. The entire group emerged revitalized and prepared to move into a higher gear, especially Wills, who gave a number of powerful, spinning, and excellent solos, and the Vogt/Lamont rhythm pair, who brought more vigour.
Novello also gave his playing a fresh edge. Everyone in the packed house was now completely locked in by the time they arrived at “Blues for Barb.” The band continued to heat up as the set’s conclusion drew closer. After getting a standing ovation, Novello told the audience that they would be back in March, urging them to “come fill the house up again.” Although the date hasn’t been revealed just yet, it would be wise to keep an eye on Rudy’s calendar if you have any interest in fusion, modern jazz that leans forward (and perhaps a few surprises).
