Everyone can join this party

Something extraordinary is happening at the Jazz Bakery this weekend. If the name Kahil El’Zabar doesn’t ring a bell, don’t let that stop you from experiencing an evening of jazz as unfettered, free-flying, musical joy. And since El’Zabar’s group -- violinist Billy Bang, baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett and bassist Yosef Ben Israel -- is named the Ritual Trio, expect to also hear jazz in its celebratory, congregational form as well.

Their opening set Wednesday night recalled the adventurism of the ‘60s, when doors -- and ears -- were open to every imaginable new jazz sound and idea, when the bottom line was creativity and record companies were not all run by bean counters. El’Zabar’s music did not, however, have the feeling of someone simulating, or even reviving, a style from the past. There was instead the sense of a musical through-line, of the continuation of a still-vibrant form of jazz expression, without degenerating into the superficialities of post-modernism.

In the group’s version of Miles Davis’ “All Blues,” for example, Ben Israel maintained the flow of the tune’s familiar bass line, clearing space for Bang to stretch out in a solo that scoured every inch of the violin. Call it an improvisational soundscape juxtaposing passion and intensity against the instrument’s intimate, crystal clarity. Bang was followed by El’Zabar playing the mbira -- one of the rare instances in which this African instrument (sometimes described as a “thumb piano”) has been used in an improvisational jazz context.

Another highlight featured a stunning impromptu exchange between Bang and Bluiett. Veteran free jazzers, they used all the resources of their instruments (with especially stirring multiphonics and high harmonics from Bluiett) in a visceral display of the compelling, open space music that can be spontaneously generated by gifted improvisers.

The climactic number in the set featured El’Zabar playing a large African hand drum to accompany his singing, chanting and rapping (“Goodbye, Rumsfeld” was one of his mantras). Interspersing his vocalizing with sudden shouts and shrieks, he encouraged the other players to join in, sometimes in emotional counterpoint, sometimes via their own envelope-stretching, solo excursions. It was a fitting ending to one of the most gripping musical performances of the fall season.

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Kahil El’Zabar & the Ritual Trio

Where: Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City

When: 8 and 9:30 tonight through Saturday

Price: $30

Contact: (310) 271-9039