MP3 Explorer Kahn Ventures Into a Rare Live Performance

Pianist George Kahn is one of the jazz explorers of MP3 music delivery over the Internet. Although his first, self-released CD, “Out of Time,” is available from Amazon.com, he also has actively, and with considerable success, promoted his music via the MP3 channels.

On Monday, in a one-night performance at Catalina Bar & Grill, Kahn made a relatively rare live appearance, leading a first-rate ensemble that included saxophonist Eric Marienthal, trumpeter Bobby Rodriguez, bassist Karl Vincent and drummer M.B. Gordy.

Kahn describes his music as a reflection of the ‘60s sounds from Blue Note and Prestige. But it was a bit difficult to hear the resonance that he seems to have in mind. More likely associations, from a listener’s point of view, might have been West Coast jazz of the’50s, with a sprinkling of ‘80s new age thrown in for good measure.

Much of the material was melodically pleasing, with the titles of some pieces--”See Cruise” and “Samba by Starlight”--suggesting a whimsical intent that didn’t always surface in the music itself.

There’s no questioning Kahn’s choice of musicians, however. Rodriguez, as always, balanced his fiery, high-note trumpet excursions with the sweeter sounds of his fluegelhorn (especially on a ballad, “Say Goodbye”). Marienthal’s fusion and smooth jazz associations were completely set aside in a dark-toned tenor saxophone romp through the blues. And the rhythm team of Vincent and Gordy was exceptionally supportive, crisply capturing the sometimes disjunct rhythmic accents of Kahn’s music.

Kahn’s piano work was less distinct. Occasionally reminiscent of Dave Brubeck, it also verged dangerously close to George Winston, especially during a rhapsodic solo showcase number. But he deserves credit for his continuing exploration of the growing number of alternative delivery channels available to jazz artists who have not yet made a major-label connection.