Music
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Student Recital
Last night I went to the recital of one of my former students, Kristin Grassi. Kristin has always been an amazing musician, even since I knew her in Junior High School—that was about 10 years ago! Well last night at Kutztown University, she and some of her friends put on a terrific show. I was amazed at the variety of music: classical (in Italian and German), Baroque opera, show tunes and jazz. All of it performed incredibly well. Kristin has always had the gift to “sell” a song. And that she did, whether it be show tune or German art song. She has a passion for what she does, and it comes out in every note she sings and in her presence. She is amazing!!
Her accompanist was excellent. Sometimes an accompanist can get in the way, especially when they don’t understand what their role is. This guy does! There is a great dynamic between Kristin and her accompanist. She also sang a couple of art songs accompanied by flute. Also, very nice. Her jazz numbers were accompanied by a solo guitar. This set made for a nice contrast with the rest of the program. Kristin had one of her friends join her for two duets - from Side Show and Wicked. I really liked how their voices blended together. I don’t remember any of the names of her friends, but maybe she can add them in the comments section to this post.
The audience was very impressed and appreciative of what Kristin put together for her Senior Recital. It has been really great watching Kristin grow as a musician. I can’t wait to see where she goes next. I could have listened to her all night! So now the big question—- What is next, Kristin? Need a web site?
Friday, March 17, 2006
Great American Songwriters with Bill Charlap
Another visit to the Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center did not disappoint. This time is was pianist Bill Charlap, along with his trio (Peter Washington - bass; and Kenny Washington - drums), vocalist Ethel Ennis and tenor sax player Houston Person.
The evening was filled with American songwriter Vernon Duke. Charlap gave some interesting historical overveiw of Duke, revealing his decidedly un-American background - he was really from Russia. Duke is best known for such standards as “April in Paris,” “Autumn in New York,” and “I Can’t Get Started.”
All these and more (there was no song list and I can’t seem to remember exact titles) were presented in various combinations from piano solo, to trio, to saxophonist, to vocalist. It was definitely one of those performances that you get wrapped up in and lose all contact with the outside world - even though the New York skyline is in full view. The music in combination with the view and the hall all combined for an incredible evening. It is so nice hearing musicians who are talented and passionate about their art.
Ennis appears to be in her 60s and certainly hasn’t lost the control and range in her voice. I particularly enjoyed her scatting in one of her earlier numbers. Person played a silky saxophone that sounded as if he was singing. Charlap gets totally engrossed in his playing, often times making strange faces. But his sensitivity on the keys is almost unreal.
A truly excellent evening! I can’t wait to head back to Jazz at Lincoln Center soon!
(They’ve recently announced their 2006-07 season at Lincoln Center….
http://www.jazzatlincolncenter.org/jalc/news/060308b-news.html)
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Cyrus Chestnut Trio
Only in the last couple of years has Jazz at Lincoln Center had a new home, moving from using various spaces at Lincoln Center to several spaces in the new AOL/Time-Warner bulding on Columbus Circle. The space consists of three performing areas - Rose Hall, The Allen Room and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. I’ve seen Peter Cincotti as well as Audra McDonald in Rose Hall, Victoria Clark in the Allen Room, and now I can add Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola to the list.
On the platform was a group of exceptionally talented musicians - Cyrus Chestnut, piano; Michael Hawkins, bass; Neal Smith, drums; Steve Kroon, percussion; and Mark Whitfield, guitar. They played a fifty minute set of mostly high energy originals that provided a vehicle for each to display their incredible musicianship. I was particularly impressed with Chestnut’s technicial skill and his ability to use that to create the kind of musical performance that is so rarely encountered. It wasn’t just the technique, but the way that he used it. Hard to explain. It was also interesting listening and watching the drummer as he wove his rhythmic dissonances through the multiple layers of music. Some very interesting things to hear. These guys were so good that I was reminded why I like going into the city - the quality and level of performance, whether theatre, classical, jazz or whatever, is just so much higher than here in the Lehigh Valley. As the saying goes, these guys could be playing the phone book, and I would have enjoyed it.
As for the club itself, this is definitely an environment to be experienced. It is a fairly small, semi-circular room, stage to one side, with the New York skyline as a backdrop visible through windows. The room seats about 150 I’d say. Dinner was available prior to the show. Food was good and reasonably priced. The wait staff was good. And the cover charge was only $30 per person. If I ever end up moving to the city, I could see how a visit to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola could be a regular occurance. Great atmosphere and great music. What more can you ask for?