Concert Review: Jim Cullum Jazz Band in Sarasota, Florida

Jim Cullum (l.) and two of his band’s alumni: bassist Don Mopsick and clarinetist Allan Vaché, Sarasota, Florida, 3/14

Cornetist Jim Cullum and clarinetist Allan Vaché in concert in Sarasota, Florida, 3/14

The Jim Cullum Jazz Band in concert in Sarasota, Florida, 3/14

Jim Cullum Jazz Band members, from left: Mike Pittsley, John Sheridan, Jim Cullum and Allan Vaché in concert in Sarasota, Florida, 3/14

Jim Cullum, Sarasota, Florida 3/14

Pianist John Sheridan of the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, Sarasota, Florida, 3/14

The Jim Cullum Jazz Band’s performance in Sarasota, Fla., on March 15, and a concert the prior night in Ft. Lauderdale, turned out to be a reunion performance with two longstanding members of the traditional jazz septet.

Clarinetist Allan Vaché spent 18 years in the San Antonio-based band before moving to the Orlando area 22 years ago. Bassist Don Mopsick was with the Cullum outfit for 19 years before concluding that tenure in 2009 and moving to southwest Florida. The band also included veteran members John Sheridan on piano, Mike Pittsley on trombone, Kevin Hess on drums (who began working with the band several nights a week at age 14), and relative newcomer Clint Baker on rhythm guitar