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Marcus Miller – Catalina Bar & Grille – Hollywood, CA. – Saturday night 10pm show. May 3, 2008. …Marcus Miller entertained me thoroughly with a live performance supported by a band of five - plus special guests. His blend of jazz, and funk showcased his musical versatility in front of an estimated 200 or so at the intimate club on Sunset Blvd. Miller, (48), is an accomplished bass player known to me as the writer and producer of many of Luther Vandross’ best tunes. Miller was also a member of Miles Davis’ touring band, as well as a major cog in the Jamaica Boys.

The show was an hour plus. Highlights for me included a rousing rendition of Miles’, Jean Pierre, and a beautifully sublime version of When I Fall in Love. The latter featured Miller playing a unique instrument he called a “bass clarinet”. Miller also fiddled with a keyboard displaying a funky touch.

Trumpet player Patches Stewart wowed me with his subtle tone while Poogie Bell dazzled on drums. Keyboard wizard Bobby Sparks added incredible depth playing multiple parts, often in absence of a guitar player. While too much harmonica is not my cup of tea, Gregoire Maret gets kudos for a spirited solo during When I Fall in Love that seemed to impress Miller. Sax player Keith Anderson played like a pro.

Seeing so much talent working in harmony with a proper mix from the soundboard was inspiring.

Other songs I recall being played were: Blast! (first song – which showcases Miller’s unbelievably quick fingers), Higher Ground (the Stevie Wonder classic), Free (featuring Jean Baylor from Zhane), and What is Hip – which served as the encore. During the encore, Miller called up human beat box phenomenon Butterscotch who started the song, and then held her own mimicking horn sounds.

My ticket cost $35. I had the calamari appetizer which was just okay.

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