Frank Morgan achieves sax serenity at Catalina

Frank Morgan’s appearance at Catalina Bar & Grill this week was tantalizing on the basis of his playing alone. At 71, the alto saxophonist still commands a style charged with the energy of bebop, galvanized by his vivid imagination and ever-evolving musicality. This, despite a journey that has taken him from his hometown of Minneapolis to encounters with jazz as a teen in the musical caldron of Los Angeles’ Central Avenue, from the great promise of his early years to decades dominated by heroin use and jail time, from a stroke in the mid-’90s to an impressive return to action.

When Morgan came on stage Thursday, the downsides of that journey were apparent in his slight stoop. But his smile, engaging remarks and above all his articulate playing were characteristic of a man who not only has survived, but triumphed.

It’s consistent with Morgan’s sense of accomplished serenity that he choose a remarkably high-spirited group of associates -- trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and drummer Jason Marsalis, and the father-son team of bassist John Clayton and pianist Gerald Clayton. Exceedingly generous, Morgan allocated open expanses for each player to stretch out improvisationally.

On the opening blues tune, “Bags’ Groove,” Morgan didn’t take a solo until each player had done so. Here, as throughout the set, 20-year-old Gerald Clayton’s soloing was underscored by a remarkably mature grasp of tone, touch, invention and swing. Delfeayo Marsalis’ playing raised the question of why he’s less famous than big brothers Wynton and Branford. Jason Marsalis and John Clayton formed an empathic rhythm team.

But the heart and soul of this enchanting evening was Morgan’s marvelous alto saxophone and his ineffable zest for life.

*

Frank Morgan Quintet

Where: Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood

When: 8:30 and 10:30 tonight, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sunday

Price: $20 to $30

Contact: (323) 466-2210