The joy of sax - and trumpet - in a solid jazz setting

Mark Gould, Bob Switzer

Mark Gould's intense tenor sax artistry and Bon Switzer's lyrical trumpet and flugelhorn work blended beautifully at today's South County Jazz Club matinee concert at the Venice Art Center in Venice FL. The pair were featured in drummer Al Hixon's Underheard Herd, a revolving band who this time out also included pianist Dick Reynolds and bassist John Lamb.

Gould, who lives in the Tampa area, and Switzer, who splits his year between San Francisco and Clearwater, matched each other beautifully on Gerry Mulligan's classic jazz standard and Charlie Parker's 1945 bop anthem "Now's The Time." Gould was featured on the tenor sax staple "Body and Soul," while Switzer took the spotlight on "But Not For Me."

Reynolds, who was house pianist at Mr. Kelly's in Chicago for many years, was showcased on the afternoon's sole trio tune, "My Secret Love." Ex-Ellington bassist Lamb was rock solid all afternoon, playing with authority and whimsy as needed. Singer Dick Smolens sat in late in the second set on "Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me."

Dick Reynolds, John Lamb, Mark Gould, Bob Switzer, Al Hixon