1995: THE YEAR IN REVIEW : BILL KOHLHAASE’S FAVORITE JAZZ CONCERTS

In chronological order:

* James Williams, Spaghettini, Seal Beach, Jan. 17. The respected pianist overcame an unruly crowd with an intelligent set that moved through a variety of moods and tempos.

* Gary Foster with Doug MacDonald Trio, Kikuya, Huntington Beach, Feb. 4. The saxophonist played bop and its offspring styles with an impressive, natural flow that highlighted his free-floating, Lennie Tristano-inspired improvisational style. Guitarist MacDonald, as always, was tasteful and supportive, while providing a few fireworks of his own.

* Dave Brubeck, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa, Feb. 17. A mind-expanding performance from a pianist whose music is still evolving after 40 years in the public eye.

* Alan Broadbent, Kikuya, April 13. Broadbent is a two-handed master of the keyboard who injects his Bud Powell-influenced play with plenty of emotion. A handful of repeat performances at the Japanese restaurant were equally memorable.

* Les Hooper, Randell’s, Santa Ana, April 15. The former Crusaders drummer led an ambitious yet soulfully accessible set that showed what heights contemporary, beat-minded music can reach when written and played with intelligence.

* Gordon Brisker, Spaghettini, April 23. A cool, competent performance from Anita O’Day’s musical director and saxophonist. His pianist, Jon Mayer, was also a standout.

* Art Davis, Spaghettini, May 28. The spirit of John Coltrane presided over this session led by bassist Davis, the saxophonist’s friend and colleague. Under-valued saxophonist Michael Session called up the ghost, while pianist Nate Morgan displayed (most appropriately) his McCoy Tyner leanings.

* The Great American Music Company, “Night With Duke Ellington,” DeMario’s, Dana Point, Aug. 21. Any of this group’s nights honoring various composers could make this list. Masterminded by bassist Jack Prather and featuring vocalists Dewey Ernie and Stephanie Haynes, this session was both educational and entertaining.

* Charlie Haden’s Quartet West, Hyatt Newporter, Newport Beach, Aug. 25. Bassist Haden’s celebration of bygone Hollywood swung out of the past with Haden originals and classic pieces from Bud Powell and others, played with the beautifully contrasting styles of Haden, saxophonist Ernie Watts, pianist Alan Broadbent and drummer Larance Marable.

* West Coast Jazz Party, Irvine Marriott Hotel, Sept. 1-4. This Labor Day extravaganza featured such greats as Pete Christlieb, Jack Sheldon, Grady Tate, Frank Capp, Ron Eschete, Andy Simpkins, George Van Eps, Bill Watrous, Holly Hofmann, Red Holloway, Terry Gibbs and Buddy DeFranco in mix-and-match jam sessions that captured the spontaneous spirit of jazz at its best.

* Modern Jazz Quartet, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Oct. 14. Debuting their new drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath (who replaced the late Connie Kay), Messrs John Lewis, Milt Jackson and Percy Heath carried on with a distinguished program of classically influenced standards and Lewis originals.

* Wayne Shorter, Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, Oct. 26. Saxophonist Shorter, worshiped by some for his compositions and play during the ‘60s (notably with Miles Davis and Art Blakey), has found it harder to gain acceptance for his contemporary, beat-minded material. But his composing is ambitiously dense and layered, while the man himself is still one of the few saxophonists who consistently has something important to say.

* Vic Shoen-Les Brown “Suite for Two Orchestras,” O.C. Musicians’ Assn. Bash, Red Lion Hotel, Costa Mesa, Nov. 26. Schoen’s magnificent compositions for two orchestras were brought to life for the first time in 35 years and to great effect. Probably the year’s biggest musical event.