Larry Vuckovich Trio: West End Cafe
 2911 Broadway, at 114 St. 

The Yugoslavian pianist Larry Vuckovich is a fleet-fingered beboper who can also play sultry, big-chorded blues. His repertoire includes both standards and more modern compositions, among them his own pieces, which reveal his Balkan heritage. Mr. Vuckovich's current trio features Mel Lewis on drums, in a different context from his well-known big band. 

Personnel
Larry Vuckovich, pano
Joshua Breakstone, guitar
Dennis Irwin, bass
Mel Lewis, drums

Jon Pareles

The Village Voice

Larry Vuckovich: West End Cafe

The Balkan bopper has a trio with Mel Lewis, and a book of piano gems that will keep you guessing. 

Gary Giddins

The New York Times

Charles McPherson Quintet, Village Vanguard, 178 Seventh Avenue South, at 11th Street. Like the be-bop pioneers who shaped his playing, the alto saxophonist Charles McPherson can breeze through the trickiest of harmonies and invent chorus after chorus of smoothly phrased melody, all in a tone that seems as casual as a weekend stroll. For his current engagement, he has a promising quintet, with the trombonist Curtis Fuller, the bassist David Williams, the drummer Billy Higgins, and the pianist Larry Vuckovich.  Mr. McPherson and Mr. Vuckovich work together on the pianist's new album "Blues for Red" (Hot House Import). 

Quotes.... What they're saying about Larry

Don Byas - 
"Larry Vuckovich worked with me tonight and he is something else" (Don Byas speaking to Quincy Jones at the Montmartre Club, 1963 Copenhagen)

Mel Torme -
"I had some great accompanists, but this guy (Larry Vuckovich) is like radar. I want him for the next Monterey Jazz Festival."  (Mel Torme speaking to Jimmy Lyons at the Safari Room engagement in San Jose, 1963)

Charlie Haden -
"Larry Vuckovich is an original voice on the piano. He plays with a lot of creative depth and feeling."

Tom Harrell -
"Larry really inspires musicians to give of themselves when they play with him. He has that effect on me."

Charles McPherson -
"Larry Vuckovich is a contemporary piano player because he uses devices that musicians use today, but he still has a firm understanding and respect for traditional jazz. When you put all those things together, you get a great musician."