Saxophonist Lessman Goes Calling for Record Contract

San Diego saxophonist Mark Lessman hopes a new self-produced “calling card” album will land him a recording contract.

“More or Less” finds Lessman turning out the polished, radio-worthy sound that has made him a favorite on the local “Lites Out Jazz” club circuit. He’s joined by his regular band, including new guitarist Kiko Cibrian (formerly of Neon), plus other top local players.

Lessman’s sound on alto and tenor sax is silky smooth, filtered through mild electronics which lend a dreamy, slightly detached aura. Lessman wrote most of the music, and his songs tend toward light ballads or upbeat numbers consisting of Lessman’s hummable, though not spine-tingling, melodies, over a backbeat of funky bass and drums.

As light jazz goes, the album holds its own. Lessman plays with taste, knowing that silences can be as important as the notes themselves. Often, though, the music doesn’t take risks, and the musicians seem content to stay in safe “Lites Out” territory rather than press against the envelope. “My Man Mitch” catches fire due in part to some soulful organ work from Lessman band regular Rob Whitlock. Elsewhere, Cibrian’s searing guitar provides welcomed bite.

Two cuts were layered together with the aid of a computer, and on other numbers, Lessman “doubled” his tenor melody, laying down twin tracks. Somehow, the studio wizardry has taken Lessman’s saxes too far from their real-world earthiness and sucked away some of the raw emotional electricity of which he is undoubtedly capable.

Lessman, 32, has had his own band for three years, after working for 10 years in local rock and jazz bands, and playing behind singer Gina Eckstine (Billy’s daughter),

A tape of the new album has been getting regular play on KIFM’s (98.1) Sunday night “San Diego Spotlight” program, and Lessman hopes the recording will eventually make the regular rotation. He’d like to attract a label interesting either in re-releasing the album with broader distribution or recording a follow-up.

Lessman and his band play Humphrey’s on Shelter Island Sundays and Mondays through January, and the B Street Cafe in downtown San Diego on Dec. 7, 8, 28, 29 and 30.

San Diego pianist Mike Wofford’s current date with master guitarist Joe Pass at Elario’s in La Jolla is just another link in their long musical chain.

Wofford and Pass first played together in Los Angeles in 1966. They’ve often come together behind Ella Fitzgerald, as they did recently in Florida. Last year was the first time Wofford joined locals (and longtime musical associates) Jim Plank on drums and Bob Magnusson on bass to back Pass at Elario’s. Wofford said adding his piano to the mix causes a re-thinking of musical roles.

“Piano and guitar are different than the other instruments,” he said. “They’re melodic and chordal.” Unlike most instruments, both are equally useful for improvising and accompanying.

In less mature hands, this situation could create a battle for improvising time. But Pass begins each set on solo guitar, so when the trio joins him, he’s ready for generous give-and-take, with ample space for the locals to shine.

Wofford has been active in the studio this year. He played on albums by Fitzgerald and local flutist Holly Hofmann, both due out early next year.

Pass, too, has been busy. He’s fresh off a gig at Ronnie Scott’s in London, and after La Jolla, he heads for Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.

On solo guitar, Pass has few peers. His dexterity and mastery of harmony make his guitar alone a full ensemble of bass lines, chords and melodies. His melodic improvisations bear testimony to his own claim that such horn players as Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young and Charlie Parker were among his key influences.

Pass and the “Rolls-Royce rhythm section,” as they are known to local fans, opened a two-week run at Elario’s last night.

It’s been several months since San Diegans last heard local jazz singer Coral Thuet in a club. In the meantime, she played and recorded with guitarist Peter Sprague and other local musicians, lent her voice to a few commercials and acted in a couple of plays. Now she’s back with a long-term Wednesday-through-Saturday night schedule at the new St. James Bar & Grill near University Towne Center, owned by Paul Dobson of the popular Dobson’s downtown restaurant. Backed by Hank Dobbs on bass and Steve O’Conner on guitar, Thuet takes listeners through a tasty selection of Latin and jazz tunes.

RIFFS: Last weekend’s Dixieland festival at the Town & Country drew nearly 15,000 people, as organizers had predicted. Everything went smoothly, even when 654 people showed up for Thanksgiving turkey dinner opening night, instead of the 200 expected. With the success of the first-time Thursday meal and music, the festival will most likely continue as a four-day affair, instead of the old three-day format. . . . Program your VCR to tape Joe Pass’ appearance on KPBS-TV’s (15) “Club Date” jazz show, airing at 1 p.m. Monday. . . . The Mission Inn in San Marcos has replaced country music with nostalgic rock and jazz. Sunday and Wednesday nights from 8 to 11, San Diego’s Chicago Six plays a variety of traditional jazz tunes from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Jazz could become a regular staple if attendance is strong. . . . Diego’s Loft action: Friday night, singer Cath Eckert and a trio; Saturday night, Algo Caliente; Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5, trumpeter John Best and clarinetist Bobby Gordon, with Bob Haggart on bass, Mike Wofford on piano and Jay Hearn on drums.