John Harrington

Long before its mushrooming nightlife generated a city-hall migraine, Fullerton blew sweet and cool as OC’s jazz capital. Native son John Harrington isn’t letting anyone forget. Two years gone from Delta Nove, OC and Long Beach’s grooviest jazz-infused jam band, Harrington’s trumpet is still soaring and shredding. His second self-produced CD, Stop Time , is out, and his jazz quartet of the same name is the best free ticket in town. The 10-track disc is a melody-drenched gem that mines bebop, funk, progressive and Latin-accented jazz. His quartet’s live performances underscore the self-assuredness and polish that make Harrington such a charismatic talent, but they also showcase a frenetically creative ensemble always ready to venture into territory where compasses and key signatures do little good. It’s falling-off-the-edge-of-the-world stuff performed by seriously talented musicians. And the best possible excuse to venture into the maelstrom of Orange County’s most alcohol-drenched downtown.
Wednesdays, Fridays, 7:30 p.m., 2008