Jonathan Katz and Andy Wulf

Jazz Club Fontana

March 23, 2023

What so special about seeing these two guys in an intimate club is just how good they sound. These are musicians who often sink into a big band or electric groups but hearing them “unplugged” is a treat. The casualness and closeness of the club lets the music come out all the stronger.

A samba number written by the Brazilian pianist JoãoDonato kicked the first set and both Katz and Wulf clearly had a passion for his samba compositions. Two originals from Katz showed off his always impressive way of writing tunes, “Susono” and “Quarantine Strut.” The first captured the beauty of nature near Mount Fuji and the second, the difficulties of being in a sort of quasi-lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. The latter tune conveyed the durability needed to get through it all, especially as a musician.

Wulf’s original “Open Doors” was a tribute of sorts to Wayne Shorter. In the second set, the duo’s take on “Infant Eyes,” the classic from Shorter, was especially moving. The second set featured a lovely song written by Katz for his mother, “Gloria.” It was nice to hear the song with just the two musicians, though the bigger bands Katz leads also do a great take on it. “Watanabe Sensei Blues,” a great upbeat bouncer of a song, closed out the second set.

Hearing these two guys together close up was jazz at its finest. They both play with many larger ensembles and different styles of music, but it was nice to see their focus and dedication close up. They both have the right touch to be heard so closely, strong, sensitive, and full of all the subtle emotions that can flow from the tunes through their hands to the listener. A delightful evening.

Jonathan Katz Homepage

https://www.jkatz.net/biography

Andy Wulf Homepage

http://www.andywulf.com/profile_e.html

Other reviews of Katz

https://www.jazzinjapan.com/live-reviews-posts/3582

https://www.jazzinjapan.com/cd-reviews-posts/2859

https://www.jazzinjapan.com/live-reviews-posts/tokyo-big-band