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Mikan Zlatkovich photo by TOM HARTEN
Mikan Zlatkovich brought an all-star sextet to inaugurate the grand opening of the new Dizzy's, in the showroom of San Diego Jet Ski, in Pacific Beach last night to a packed-house.
The new venue already sounds great, meaning everyone could be heard clearly--and there were no extraneous sonic distractions--plus, there is a functioning piano! 80% of the seats were very comfortable--and there is even free parking and a concession stand where folks can buy coffee, bottled water and sodas.
Opening with the theme from "A Fistful of Dynamite," Zlatkovich set the table with multiple keyboard washes, the groaning bass of Bob Magnusson, airy flute of Tripp Sprague and the remarkable wordless vocals of Allison Adams Tucker who's range stretches into the stratosphere. Add the soulful violin of Jamie Shadowlight and the unobtrusive drums of Carlos Vazquez and the picture was complete.
Movie themes were the concept Zlatkovich brought to the gig--and his culling of scores by everyone from Enrico Morricone to Quincy Jones and Nino Rota made for a fascinating blend.
There weren't as many solos as the typical jazz gig--which was all part of Zlatkovich's plan--but when they did happen, such as Sprague's brawny tear through the "Pink Panther," theme, or Vazquez's burning romp on a piece from "Austin Powers," they stuck with you. Mostly it was Zlatkovich himself that impressed with short spots to break up the written material.
Tucker was very impressive on both "Singing In The Rain," and "Two For The Road," which sounded very modern--despite having been written decades ago. Magnusson's sound was gorgeous--as usual, and Shadowlight was indispensable. Her tone on the acoustic violin is yearning and pitch-perfect.
Zlatkovich moved to the acoustic piano for an affecting solo reading of "As Time Goes By," then special guest Daniel Jackson joined him for a haunting version of "Laura," which featured the saxophonist's deep, spiritual vibrations.
As an extra special treat, Chuck Perrin joined the group to sing "Everybody's Talking At Me," from the classic *Midnight Cowboy," his high tenor wafting into the night.
The excitement continues tonight when the incredibly creative Sketchy Black Dog makes their return to Dizzy's, this time at 98 Bottles.
Concert starts at 7 pm. Get there early for prime seats.
Mikan Zlatkovich photo by TOM HARTEN
Mikan Zlatkovich brought an all-star sextet to inaugurate the grand opening of the new Dizzy's, in the showroom of San Diego Jet Ski, in Pacific Beach last night to a packed-house.
The new venue already sounds great, meaning everyone could be heard clearly--and there were no extraneous sonic distractions--plus, there is a functioning piano! 80% of the seats were very comfortable--and there is even free parking and a concession stand where folks can buy coffee, bottled water and sodas.
Opening with the theme from "A Fistful of Dynamite," Zlatkovich set the table with multiple keyboard washes, the groaning bass of Bob Magnusson, airy flute of Tripp Sprague and the remarkable wordless vocals of Allison Adams Tucker who's range stretches into the stratosphere. Add the soulful violin of Jamie Shadowlight and the unobtrusive drums of Carlos Vazquez and the picture was complete.
Movie themes were the concept Zlatkovich brought to the gig--and his culling of scores by everyone from Enrico Morricone to Quincy Jones and Nino Rota made for a fascinating blend.
There weren't as many solos as the typical jazz gig--which was all part of Zlatkovich's plan--but when they did happen, such as Sprague's brawny tear through the "Pink Panther," theme, or Vazquez's burning romp on a piece from "Austin Powers," they stuck with you. Mostly it was Zlatkovich himself that impressed with short spots to break up the written material.
Tucker was very impressive on both "Singing In The Rain," and "Two For The Road," which sounded very modern--despite having been written decades ago. Magnusson's sound was gorgeous--as usual, and Shadowlight was indispensable. Her tone on the acoustic violin is yearning and pitch-perfect.
Zlatkovich moved to the acoustic piano for an affecting solo reading of "As Time Goes By," then special guest Daniel Jackson joined him for a haunting version of "Laura," which featured the saxophonist's deep, spiritual vibrations.
As an extra special treat, Chuck Perrin joined the group to sing "Everybody's Talking At Me," from the classic *Midnight Cowboy," his high tenor wafting into the night.
The excitement continues tonight when the incredibly creative Sketchy Black Dog makes their return to Dizzy's, this time at 98 Bottles.
Concert starts at 7 pm. Get there early for prime seats.