JAZZ NOTES : Something for Everyone at Playboy Fest

Something for everyone has long been the policy at the Playboy Jazz Festival. Obviously, the stance works financially, for the festival--which will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, at the Hollywood Bowl--has been selling out almost since its inception 15 years ago.

But does the selection process work aesthetically? Our answer: some years more so than others, and this year looks to be one of the best ever.

Sunday’s schedule boasts three 1992 Grammy winners--McCoy Tyner, Al Jarreau and Dr. John. Mainstream jazz fans will be treated to a slew of ace artists: Tyner’s dynamic big band; saxophonist Charles Lloyd’s quartet; Les McCann and Eddie Harris re-creating their classic music from the “Swiss Movement” album (remember “Compared to What?”); trumpet whiz Roy Hargrove; and Swedish trombonist Nils Landgren.

For Latin buffs, there’s Poncho Sanchez, who will bring along percussionists Mongo Santamaria and Willie Colon, while Dr. John, Jarreau and singer Patti Austin will no doubt please pop-leaning attendees.

On a scale of 10, Sunday’s bill is a 9.

Saturday’s program is not far behind. Pop/jazz will be delivered by the Rippingtons, blues by Buddy Guy, and swing sounds by Ray Anthony’s big band (with vocals by Mel Torme). Varieties of modern instrumental jazz will be offered by pianist Dorothy Donegan; Horace Silver’s Silver/Brass ensemble, with saxman Red Holloway; Wynton Marsalis; the Washington Preparatory High School Jazz Ensemble; the L.A. Sax Giants, with Buddy Collette, Bob Cooper, Teddy Edwards, Plas Johnson and Harold Land; and the GRP All-Star Big Band, fleshed out by such notables as Tom Scott, Randy Brecker, Ernie Watts and Russ Ferrante.

On paper, the show rates an 8 1/2.

Putting together a show that pleases both music fans and those attending the festival because it’s a great party, isn’t easy, said Darlene Chan, an associate producer for Festival Productions. “You’re always trying not to duplicate yourself, not fall into a formula and yet keep the audience happy,” said Chan, who along with her boss, Festival Productions president George Wein, and Playboy’s Hugh Hefner and Richard Rosenzweig, chooses the artists appearing at the festival.

Chan was particularly pleased to get Jarreau, who is making his Playboy debut, and Dr. John. “I’ve seen him at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival about 10 times,” said Chan of John, the pianist-singer also known as Mac Rebennack. “He’ll tear up the crowd.”

Each year, Playboy tries to present a hand-picked ad hoc ensemble and this year it’s the L.A. Sax Giants, an idea that grew out of the current emphasis on the saxophone due to President Clinton’s interest in the instrument.

“The guys are older, legends types,” Chan said of Colette, Cooper, et al., “and they’re hard to present with just their own groups. For this occasion, the men are going to put together some special arrangement. I hope it turns out well.”

Though the complete order of appearance won’t be known until just prior to the festival, Chan said that guitarist Guy and conga drummer Sanchez will close Saturday’s and Sunday’s concerts, respectively. “It’ll be party time at the end,” she said.

Ticket information: (310) 449-4070, during normal business hours.

Fund-Raisers: Peanuts Hucko and the 15-piece Benny Goodman Tribute Band and small groups led by Abe Most (with saxman Tommy Newsom), Earl Palmer and Herbie Harper (with Bill Perkins) headline a benefit for the family of drummer Alvin Stoller, who died recently. Proceeds from the affair, set for Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m. in the Imperial Ballroom of the Airport Marriott Hotel, will be used to offset medical expenses. Suggested donation: $10. Information: (818) 343-5777.

Vine St. Bar & Grill, which recently filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11, is still in business and is selling gift certificates to raise funds. The certificates, which go for $100, include a free dinner on the club, where the Woody Herman All Star Alumni band is holding forth tonight. Information: (213) 463-4375.

Wanna Make a Record?: “Developing Your Career as a Recording Artist” is the title of a seminar being held Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Billy Higgins’ World Stage. The program, sponsored by the National Jazz Service Organization and the International Assn. of Jazz Appreciation, is free.

Information: (310) 673-7541.