Jazz Reviews : Shearing, Pass and Williams in Concert

A good thing came in threes Thursday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with the appearance of Joe Pass, George Shearing and Joe Williams in a program billed as “A Gathering of Friends.”

Pass opened solo with a playful yet polished presentation of standards. The guitarist achieved an almost orchestral effect, backing single-note melody statements with smart chording and the infrequent bass lines, toying with rhythms and twisting familiar themes into something barely recognizable. “ ‘Round Midnight” opened at a gentle, reserved pace before shifting into swing. “Mood Indigo” evolved into “Satin Doll” with a line from “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” thrown in.

Shearing, in the company of bassist Neil Swainson, also stuck to familiar numbers, which he embellished with shifting textures and rhythms. Standouts included his moody reading of “Misty” and the crisp, unison statement between bass and piano on the theme to Miles Davis’ “Donna Lee,” the bop-era workhorse that Shearing managed to work into a barrelhouse rag. And yes, Shearing played his signature tune, “Lullaby of Birdland.”

Williams, backed by Shearing, Swainson and drummer Clayton Cameron, put his bouncy, brassy voice to blues and standards such as “Just Friends” and “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart.” Despite his reputation as a blues singer, Williams’ was most satisfying performing ballads, which he delivered with warmth and conviction. His reading of Thad Jones’ “A Child Is Born” was particularly moving.

Pass’ inclusion on the last few numbers almost seemed an afterthought. Nearly inaudible when providing accompaniment, the guitarist stepped out for short, slippery improvs before disappearing back into the mix. The three men closed with a tune from Williams’ Basie days, “The Comeback,” which the singer dedicated to those serving overseas.

Pass, Shearing and Williams will appear Sunday at UCLA’s Royce Hall.