February 2026

January 2026

One Year On

Clazzical Notes musical events are always noteworthy. “Out of the Ashes, A Journey of Resilience through Jazz” was exceptional even by Clazzical Notes standards. It was also outstanding for the event’s cosponsor, the Pasadena Village - perhaps one of the most significant in recent years. This performance was held on February 22, one year and two weeks after the Eaton Fire. The venue for the concert was the Collaboratory located on Woodbury Road in Altadena at the fire’s southern edge.

This event was not a gathering of strangers. These were Altadena and Pasadena residents who attended because of their shared experience with the fire and with the fire’s aftermath. This building, the home of the Collaboratory, is well known to those who lost their homes in the fire. This was where they connected with one another after the fire and shared the long hours, days and weeks navigating the various recovery services and exploring various resources. Many of these folks are now watching the reconstruction of their homes, while others are still working through the decision making and application process that precedes actual construction. But this time, they were here as a community to support fellow survivors: the members of the Louis Van Taylor Quartet who lost homes and musical instruments to the fire. And perhaps not even with their own knowledge, the people were there to be healed as the Quartet spoke powerfully through their art and music about their journey back from desolation.

The Louis Van Taylor Jazz Quartet is formidable. Reading through their vitae is like reading the “Who’s Who” of jazz. For example, the Quartet’s leader, Louis Van Taylor, has performed with Ray Charles, the Gap Band, Michael Bolton, Stevie Wonder and with Kool and the Gang.

Bobby Bradford, jazz musical legend, played in Ornette Coleman's band, followed by a decade-long musical partnership with John Carter. He also collaborated with Bob Stewart, Charlie Haden, George Lewis, and David Murray. He was a Professor of “Jazz Studies and Trumpet” at Pasadena City College for over 30 years and a “History of Jazz” lecturer at Pomona College.

Tony Dumas, bass, has toured, played, and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Carmen McCrae, Sarah Vaughan, Joe Williams, The Manhattan Transfer, Chick Correa, Etta James, and Mariah Carey.  

David Arnay, piano, played guitar and keyboards for the LA  production of the musical “RENT.” He is an USC faculty member and performs constantly in L.A. as a soloist and leader of his own jazz group.

Joel Taylor, Drums, has toured and recorded with Rick Springfield, Michael Bublé, Gloria Estefan, Andy Summers, Herb Alpert, Michel Legrand, Diane Schuur, and Chris Botti.

The Quartet played a selection of jazz standards by Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams and Kenny Garrett and an original composition by Louis Van Taylor. Their music that afternoon bonded everyone there in yet another shared experience, one of healing. Their music was soul-stirring and soul-mending. It had great strength and power and it had great beauty. When the Quartet played Louis Van Taylor’s composition, “The Kat,” Villager Bridget Brewster reported that “the music took me right to church.” We entered as a community and left as an even stronger community, one more like family.

One year on, the Eaton Fire survivors are still dealing with the fire’s aftermath. You could see it in the faces of those gathered. A few have found permanent homes; many are in various stages of rebuilding. Others are still moving from one temporary home to another. Missing are those who have moved on to the other communities.

No longer in shock, the audience, which consisted largely of survivors and neighbors, finds that the fire and its aftermath fills most of their thoughts. All of them have their own struggles dealing with what is left or not left. There’s no need to explain why they chose to attend. It’s a “Year On;” they are resilient; they have been through a lot; and they know there is still a long way to go before a sense of stability and safety is restored.