25

SATURDAY

Kenny Garrett is one of those jazz musicians whose extraordinary facilities and expansive musical both excite and infuriate many listeners. When he’s in a post-bop mode, his alto spits fire with the exhilarating intensity of Jackie McLean, but when he’s in a groove mode, like on his new album, Simply Said, the heat simmers down considerably. Although Simply leans heavily on groove and funk, venomous songs like “G.T.D.S.” contain some of Garrett’s patented serpentine lines. Unfortunately, the record also pours the syrup thick over sentimental piffle like “Words Can’t Express” and “Sounds Like Winter.” The white-hot bop excursion “3rd Quadrant” will leave bop fans asking, “Why in the hell isn’t the rest of the album this damn good?” while smooth-jazz aficionados will be screaming, “This complicated shit is going to fuck up my booty call.” With any luck, Garrett will explore the likes of “3rd Quadrant” more extensively tonight at 8 and 10 p.m. and midnight at Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Rear. $16. (202) 337-4141. (John Murph)