One of the compelling attractions of the weekly Summer Music Festival in the Courtyard of City Hall is the way the producer Gary Mandell deftly changes the pace of the attractions every Thursday.
After opening with Afro- Cuban/salsa and following up with Celtic rock, Brazilian jazz and then the traditional jazz tones of Barabra Morrison a week ago, tonight’s 7 o’clock headliner is the John Jorgenson Quintet.
They specialize in hot Gypsy jazz, heavy on string sounds.
Mr. Mandell reports that the leader, Mr. Jorgenson, was one of the original Rhythm Brothers and brings an impressive resume to Culver City.
He is known for his work as guitarist in the Desert Rose Band and the Hellecasters, whose album was voted Guitar Album Of The Year by Guitar Player Magazine in 1993.
For three straight years, Mr. Jorgenson was voted Academy of Country Music Guitarist Of The Year.
Given his versatility — he plays the mandolin and sax in addition to the guitar — Mr. Jorgenson was asked to join Elton John’s band, and he stayed for six years.
The Jorgenson quintet is made up of standout Nashville players, and also features hot viola and upright bass.
