Steve Allen Theater, at the Center For Inquiry West (Los Angeles, CA)
Jazz guitarist John Reynolds and his washboard-playing brother, Ralf Reynolds, perform an evening of "upstairs" hot jazz in Hollywood Hotshots. Reynolds, who has played alongside legends such as Cab Calloway and Thelonious Monk, frequently welcomes special guests to the show.
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I always sit through the Hotshots' show with a big smile on my face. One of the most joyful musical experiences ever! A must-see for any jazz/roots/vintage music fan.
The Hollywood Hotshots are five men playing vintage "hot" music -- the show I saw centered around 1932. Instrumentation is violin, guitar, bass, percussion and cornet; the guitarist doubling on 4-string banjo and the cornetist on trombone. The guitarist does most of the singing.
While the music is fun, it's not (nor is it meant to be) funny; think of a non-dixie Firehouse 5 + 2; the early Bonzo Dog Band without the satirical elements; or Spike Jones without the noisemakers. The guys have a good time, but are serious about their music. I wouldn't say they're all virtuosi, but they're plenty good.
Special guests are a recussing feature of the Hotshots show; generally announced in advance. The performance I saw included vocalists Johnny Crawford (the child actor turned bandleader) and "Family Guy" creator Seth McFarlane on vocals. Stylistically, Crawford was in a Bing Crosby vein; McFarlane (perhaps surprisingly good) channeling Dean Martin -- anachronistic, but fun. Both could have used a bit of rehearsal, but there was a certain charm to the spontaneity.
Additionally, Van Dyke Parks came onstage from the audience to play piano and sing an Al Jolson tune (I think it's called), "My Home in Pasadena."
Phenomenally fun music from amazingly skilled and funny musicians.
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<p>Jazz guitarist John Reynolds has played alongside many legends, including Cab Calloway and Thelonious Monk. Come watch John, his washboard master brother Ralf and their band of experts deliver a night of fun, light-hearted jazz. Past guests have included Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy), singing cowboy Will Ryan and more.</p>
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