The Mort Weiss Quartet

The Mort Weiss Quartet: The Four of Us: Live at Steamers

by George Harris
April 30, 2006

Piano-less bands always grab my attention because the lightness and roominess of the music pull me in. This group, featuring 69 year-old Mort Weiss on clarinet and Ron Eschete on seven-string guitar, is quite reminiscent of the classic Paul Desmond quartet. Both lead voices have a cool and dry tone, with only minor influences by Charlie Parker, and they deliver straight-ahead jazz with no frills or gimmicks--simple, smooth sailing over a glassy sea.

Supported by Los Angeles heroes Roy McCurdy ...