Larry Vuckovich: Hector Lugo Jazz/Latin Trio feat. John Calloway

Pianist Larry Vuckovich leads his Jazz/Latin Trio through a repertoire that stands apart from anything else on the scene — a powerhouse combination of swinging jazz standards, Latin classics, and world music influences that showcases six decades of the veteran musician's eclectic artistry. Praised by Barry Harris as "one of the premier West Coast pianists," Vuckovich is equally at home in bebop, post-bop, and world music fusion, having performed with Dexter Gordon, Jon Hendricks, and Bobby Hutcherson.

This trio draws on a wide-ranging book that includes rare standards, Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie compositions, romantic boleros, hot mambos, cha-chas, Brazilian classics, funky boogaloo rhythms, and touches of Balkan and Middle Eastern sounds. Percussionist and vocalist Héctor Lugo — who has mastered Caribbean folkloric forms and Afro-Cuban styles — brings both powerhouse Latin percussion and a magnificent voice to the program. He swings hard in the bebop tradition, creating a strong 4/4 groove in the style of Ray Barreto, and has developed close chemistry with Vuckovich over several recordings together. Multi-instrumentalist John Calloway joins on flute, trombone, or percussion, bringing 35 years of experience performing with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, and Israel "Cachao" Lopez.

At Vuckovich's performances, audiences can expect extended introductions and reflections on the music and its composers — a rare educational element at jazz shows these days. Past concerts have featured Lugo romancing ballads on vocals while enlisting the audience to join in on refrains like "¡Quizás, solamente quizás!" The trio swings through the program with the kind of sure-footed, audience-engaging variety that makes it feel less like a concert and more like an exciting journey through the worlds of jazz, Latin, and world music.

Expect inspiring improvisation, spirit-lifting grooves, and a repertoire constantly refreshed with new selections — all delivered by seasoned musicians who know how to make the music both swinging and soulful.