 |
An
irrefutable case can be made that jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt is the most
polished and charismatic trumpeter of his generation — hell, perhaps of any
era. He swings with equal aplomb across every register of the horn, a skill he
demonstrated during his 90-minute Wednesday evening concert at the Aretha Jazz
Café in downtown Detroit. Pelt was in strong form, backed by his
swing-conscious band: bassist Leighton Harrell, vibraphonist Jalen Baker,
guitarist Misha Mendelenko, and drummer Dana Hawkins. Hawkins, subbing for
Pelt’s regular drummer, kept impeccable time, as if making a case for a
permanent spot in the drum chair. The band performed songs from Pelt’s
extensive discography, opening with two tracks from his 2025 album Woven. They
then swung below sea level on “Princess Charlie,” “Michelle,” and “Suspicion.”
Pelt played beautifully on each tune, but Baker’s playing stood out most. His
command of the vibraphone recalls the late Bobby Hutcherson. Baker’s
colorful, muscular lines also recall Stefon Harris in his early,
reputation-building years. Pelt’s band is attractive because he
gives his bandmates freedom. Mendelenko, a former student of Pelt, used that freedom.
His cool demeanor and meticulous execution of each note place him in the lineage
of greats such as Pat Martino. Although Pelt generously showcased his
bandmates, he claimed the spotlight during a ballad medley featuring “Time for
Love,” “I Will Never Stop Loving You,” and “Who Can I Turn To.” On each, Pelt
played with such warmth that the trumpet seemed to melt in his hands. It was a
moment of pure virtuosity, offered for the capacity café to savor.
