A Player Worth Hearing
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Ojai-based guitarist and longtime local hero Raj Rathor has a knack for coaxing dazzling technique and musical expression out of his instrument. Whether playing progressive folk music or jazz, he’s a player worth hearing.
When Rathor hits Wheeler Hot Springs in Ojai this weekend, he will wear two different hats.
Friday night, he will play in solo mode, offering his own personalized voice on the theme of jazz standards. Then on Saturday night, he will be joined by Diana Smith, the seasoned jazz vocalist from Santa Barbara.
Smith has been singing for several years with the group Jazz Cache, heard early every Friday evening at Joseppi’s. With Rathor, Smith covers jazz standards and soft R & B tunes. Together, they create an intimate yet flexible sound not unlike Tuck and Patti.
The duo made their debut at Wheeler’s last month. While the musical policy there normally favors instrumental music over vocals, because of dinner crowd dynamics, manager Lanny Kaufer was impressed by the end result and is having them back for more.
Wheeler Hot Springs is at 16825 Maricopa Highway in Ojai. For information, call 646-8131.
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