Words like ''unbelievable," ''amazing," and ''inspiration" were uttered often by master of ceremonies Ron Della Chiesa and the star-studded array of performers who, during two shows overflowing with love, humor, and delectable performances, took turns paying tribute to a pianist whose generosity of spirit always matched his musical chops.
''Al plays at such a wonderful level, and I know that back then as a student at Berklee during the '70s, I didn't," recalled Natick native Mark Greel, who employed flute, trumpet, and his smoky swirl of a voice for a languorous reading of ''She Was Too Good to Me." ''But Al never made me feel anything less than welcome, and I'll always appreciate that."
The local jazz heavyweights who had first found their professional footing beside Vega's piano decades ago -- or just last month -- paid back that debt of kindness through the music. The roster ranged from the seasoned master vocal stylist Charlie Harris to13-year-old Grace Kelly, a multi-instrumentalist phenom from Brookline. But what stood out amid the testimonials and tasty performances -- Steve Marvin's breezy take on Frank Sinatra's ''Fly Me to the Moon"; Ellen O'Brien's bluesy reading of the Etta James standard, ''At Last"; DD Martin's lusciously torchy ''My Funny Valentine"; Cassandre McKinley's vamping, temperature-raising ''Fever" -- was the anchoring presence of Vega himself.
Supported by an alternating backing band that included his Al Vega Trio core of Erik Ojala on upright bass and Rick Klane on drums, the guest of honor was as versatile and vivacious on the keys as ever, a commanding catalyst. His band gave the fast-moving Miles Davis staple ''On Green Dolphin Street," an elastic, ecstatic groove that spiked the energy of the room. Vega, in his joyful element, darted nimbly through the measures and melody, as if outpacing the lengthening shadows of his accrued years, staying in the swinging sunlight of the music.
