On the evening of August 11th, 2023, the stage was set for an exhilarating experience that resonated across Southern California’s music scene. Amidst the vibrant ambiance of LA’s premier jazz venue, the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, a constellation of high-profile musical events ignited the weekend’s musical journey. Among these luminous stars, Kaylene Peoples’ performance stood out, offering a mesmerizing voyage through the realms of jazz.
“A Journey Through Jazz,” a transformative musical exploration curated by Peoples, unfolded against a backdrop of the club’s storied history. The crowd was transported into the heart of musical tradition as legendary bassist Bunny Brunel wielded his vintage upright bass with finesse, conjuring straight-ahead standards that embraced the essence of jazz’s golden era. Meanwhile, the incomparable Gwyn Foxx 2.0 Live graced the stage, channeling the spirits of James Brown and Al Green, infusing the atmosphere with soulful nostalgia.
The evening’s master of ceremonies, television writer and comedian Kevin Foster, effortlessly bridged the gap between audience and artists, setting the tone for the night’s electric atmosphere. As the dynamic all-star rhythm section and a five-piece horn ensemble launched into a soulful tribute to James Brown, anticipation buzzed in the air.
When Gwyn Foxx made her grand entrance, draped in a glittering hooded cape, the room became a playground of rhythm and dance. The ensemble breathed new life into James Brown’s timeless hits, with Foxx’s vocals boldly traversing the realms of classics like “Get Up Off of that Thing,” “Gonna Have a Funky Good Time,” and “Please, Please, Please.” The audience surrendered to the grooves, finding themselves dancing in their seats to the irresistible beats.
Foxx’s musical journey seamlessly transitioned into the lush soundscapes of Al Green, enriching the night’s experience. Her performance of her own single “Never Gonna Leave Me” brought the evening’s revelry to a crescendo, leaving an indelible mark on all who were present.
Reflecting on the transformative evening, Gwyn Foxx herself shared, “I never thought in a million years that my singing one James Brown tune from my set list would inspire talented Kaylene Peoples to approach me with the idea of performing an entire set of 90 percent James Brown songs. But it did… and so did I. I have to say, it was a funky and fun experience!”
Bunny Brunel’s masterful set resonated deeply, rekindling memories of jazz’s formative years. The quartet’s rendition of timeless jazz standards like “Some Day My Prince Will Come” and “Dolphin Dance” was a testament to Brunel’s unparalleled virtuosity. His evocative soloing held the audience captive, each note resonating with the essence of the genre’s roots.
Brunel reminisced, “Many people don’t realize that I actually started playing the bass on the upright. This show made me bring out the old friend that started it all. One thing I have learned through my musical career is that it doesn’t matter what kind of bass you play; what’s important is that you PLAY the bass.”
Kaylene Peoples’ entrance with a vodka martini in hand set the stage for an unexpected yet fitting twist. Abandoning the confines of a set list, Peoples embarked on an authentic journey through jazz, selecting tunes that moved her in the moment. Her rendition of “The Girl from Ipanema” paid homage to the late Astrud Gilberto, followed by the poignant “Lush Life.” The crowd was swept away by her spellbinding scatting, enchanting flute prowess, and the sheer charisma that defined her performance.
Throughout the night, the Catalina Jazz Club radiated an atmosphere of celebration, creativity, and shared appreciation for the timeless art of jazz. The event brought together a diverse audience, from notable figures to passionate jazz enthusiasts, all united by their love for musical expression.
As the final notes of the night’s encores resonated, a resounding echo of appreciation filled the air. The event was more than a mere concert; it was a testament to the enduring power of jazz, expertly curated by Kaylene Peoples and supported by the unmatched talents of Bunny Brunel, Gwyn Foxx 2.0 Live, and the All-Star Personnel. The Catalina Jazz Club had witnessed a night of sonic enchantment, reminding all in attendance of the unbreakable bond between artist and audience.
