Zoot Sims: Hollywood, 1970

Born in Inglewood, Calif., Zoot Sims was on the West Coast in 1970 for a string of Los Angeles gigs. One of those dates was at Donte's—a jazz club on Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood. Sims was accompanied by pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist Chuck Berghofer and drummer Larry Bunker.

JazzWax reader Jimi Mentis sent along this rare video of four tracks from the date. Produced by Jack Lewerke [pictured], a West Coast record entrepreneur, the film was made for Lewerke's company, Euro-Film Corp. My guess is that Euro-Film was in the business of creating pre-tour visual promotions to stimulate or support European bookings. But I'm not certain.

Be sure to dig Kellaway here...

 

Comments

[Mike Harris]

This footage of Zoot Sims, with a marvelous rhythm section, is a real find! Wouldn't have recognized Larry Bunker with that excellent beard!

[Denis Ouellet]

Great find. Thank you Marc.

[Alan Hill]

A marvellous film and, yes, it's quite rare.

It was shown by Australia's public broadcaster, the ABC, almost 30 years ago. I taped it and happily kept the tape, which I dubbed over to DVD a couple of years ago.

Does anyone know the name of the fast blues that opens the set?

The second song is a beautiful interpretation of My Old Flame. Zoot at his very best, and Roger Kellaway also.

In 1970, Zoot must have looked "square", with his dark blue suit and tie, his hair in its usual style. The other musicians personified "hip", with their hippy shirts, long hair and beards. In 2012, Zoot looks timeless and the trio look terribly dated.

But music as good as this never goes out of style.

[RRH]

I love this one, Zoot has such great tone (and thanks to the interview you posted last week I know it's the metal in his horn :) - Thanks Marc!

[David]

Allen, That opening tune is identified as "Zoot's Piece" on the Rhapsody DVD of this concert. It's actually not a blues, but is based on the changes to "Jada."