Viva Carlos Vega
Carlos Vega’s drumming on the 1993 recording, James Taylor (LIVE), exemplifies startlingly his supportive, dynamic, and unfailing commitment to groove and song. With huge ears and deep pocket, his playing disappears into the musical whole and rises into focus at just the right moments; eliciting his taste and discipline as a first-call L.A. session master and his technical attributes as an original member of David Garfield’s fusion mainstay, Karizma. It is my favorite—of many—Carlos Vega recordings. He would commit suicide five years later at the age of 41.

Seaton rearstage for the 13th Annual Carlos Vega Memorial Concert, Sunday, December 5th

Garfield hosted the 13th Annual Carlos Vega Memorial Concert this past Sunday, December 5th, at Cafe Cordiale, where many of his friends and admirers gathered in remembrance and celebration of the man and his gifts—gone tragically too soon. Not surprisingly, some this town’s best musicians can be counted among them, and the overflowing, floor-level stage included Paul Jackson Jr., Jimmy Earl, Denny Dias, Lenny Castro, Jimmy Vivino, Alex Ligertwood, and, of course, Garfield. The drum throne was the natural focal point this evening and was graced by Oscar Seaton, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Walfredo Reyes Jr, in order.

Vinnie. Period.

Peaceful Succession
Seaton, a long-time Garfield cohort, hosted the throne—opening the set and proffering his instrument for the evening: a pop-y bass and snare, de-tuned floor tom, and angular cymbal array including auxiliary-hat positioned in lieu of a mounted tom. He delivered correspondingly bold and angular groove behind the inspired band, often to the delight of an otherwise intense Garfield.

Vinnie. He relieved Seaton, didn’t touch a wingnut, and proceeded to play in effortless tribute to his old friend. It was interesting watching him navigate the foreign set-up fluently as he adjusted his stick angle to accommodate the aft-tilted ride cymbal; mostly avoided the prominent x-hat; and generally adapted seamlessly to the voices, angles, and heights at hand—never compromising his Vinnie-ness. Notably, he even seemed to coax an extra inch or so out of Seaton’s cranked 5.5″ deep snare. Really, with the hall-of-fame body of work behind him, it would be exciting to watch the guy dial a phone.

Seaton and Colaiuta pretty evenly divvied up the bulk of the show, with Walfredo Reyes Jr. sitting-in for the final two or three tunes. His easy, soulful pocket and savvy musicality ensured a soft-landing for a high-flying night of music, and offered satisfying resolution to an evening dedicated to Carlos Vega.

Wally’s World

Cordially Yours
Cafe Cordiale is testament to the enduring power of good music and exceptional musicianship to attract a crowd in a scene as saturated and spread-out as Los Angeles’. A no-cover policy doesn’t hurt. The restaurant/bar has earned a reputation as a musician’s hangout through its commitment to music with a stage-centric room, consistently high-quality calendar, stellar jam nights, and open-door hospitality.

Of the many times I’ve been there, this was the first I’d actually reserved a table for dinner and sat proper-like in the dining room. We were seated practically in the horn section, front stage right, and half-expected to have to double on flute at some point. We relaxed, settled in, stretched out, and mocked the poor bastards crammed at the bar. It was packed.

Yuletide Treasure
There is something special about Cafe Cordiale at Christmas time. The white walls and white open-ceiling, tasteful glowing lights, white flowers, and splashes of greens and reds combine to turn the place into a striking and warming Holiday sanctuary. Add the chill and rain outside this night, and it made for an especially cozy communion and tribute. If you missed it, and even if you didn’t, you might consider dimming the lights, fixing a glass, and sitting down with James Taylor (LIVE) for a cozy communion and tribute of your own.

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Photo © Lissa Wales