Jazz in its essence represents change. Louis Armstrong revealed a new interpretation of popular music with his style and arrangements. He and his band were some of the first pioneers who established the jazz tradition. For decades the instruments used were acoustic. In the late ‘60’s a few elite jazz artists began to record using electronic instruments further expanding the scope of jazz music and forever changing the future of jazz at that time. However in the tradition, of all that is jazz, it is identified as acoustic.
The Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Band and the SF Jazz Collective are two bands steeped in jazz tradition and new ideas. Both of these “super groups” lived up to expectations during their Atlanta performances. Showcasing jazz standards with creative new arrangements and featuring newly commissioned compositions specific to each band. The SF Jazz Collective each year since ’04 has dedicated their tour to the music of a different jazz great. This year features the compositions of the legendary Wayne Shorter and the MJF Band featured the legend, James Moody. Both groups left me with the thought that the tradition is still alive and well.
The performance of James Moody on tenor saxophone, vocals and “story teller” was unforgettable on his rendition of “Benny must be from Heaven” with comedic timing and a vocal range, possibly, more broad than his tenor he amazed the audience at eighty-two years young. Benny Green on piano served as the punch line to the song’s reoccurring question, “where does Benny come from?” Terence Blanchard on trumpet treated us with two pieces from his Grammy winning CD, “A Tale of God’s Will” which was special as at the time he was only nominated for a Grammy. Benny Green on piano used to play in Atlanta at a club called Just Jazz, back in the day. I’ve been a fan for years and have witnessed his maturity as a player and leader. He is an accomplished maestro and a nice compliment to the ensemble. Christian McBride warned me about bassist Derrick Hodge who he enjoys listening to play. When he and Ms. Freelon, vocals, shared the stage for a duet, this young lion proved why he is one of Christian’s favorites. Ms. Nnenna Freelon was captivating! Her vocal stylings make her immediately recognizable with a soulful tone and awesome scat. She warned me about drummer Kendrick Scott’s compositions and lyrical play. He introduced a thought provoking composition he wrote, made familiar to me, from Sean Jones CD Kaleidescope called “Journey.” The unprecedented 54 city tour was hosted on the Atlanta Symphony Hall stage which made the perfect venue to experience these jazz masters represent the historic Monterey Jazz Festival.
Spivey Hall hosted the SF Jazz Collective which is one of the most interesting jazz ensembles I’ve ever heard. Joe Lavano (tenor sax), Dave Douglas (trumpet), Stefon Harris (vibes), Miguel Zenon (alto sax), Robin Eubanks (trombone), Renee Rosnes (piano), Matt Penman (bass) and Eric Harland (drums). This stage delivered such a wonderful resonance the word “collective” aptly fits their sound. At a point they featured a two-part horn arrangement played by all four horns behind Stefon’s incredible vibes that I could only truly appreciate after closing my eyes. Each artist on stage shared the responsibility of arranging a different Shorter composition and/or an original composition. Robin Eubanks is a very exciting composer, arranger and player who debuted an original piece titled, “Breakthrough” which revealed how great an artist he is and how great talent can create extraordinary music. There were so many talented voices on stage that they began to shine in groupings according to the composition. At times Eric Harland and Matt Penman played together creating many memorable grooves. Eric plays with a force of sound that can rise like crashing waves on the shore then quickly disperse to a peaceful sea. Matt Penman’s range and technique was so impressive, I quickly imagined him as a young, clean cut bass player with a (Jaco) Pastorius inspired talent for acoustic bass (yeah, he was funky too!). Joe Lavano took advantage of this on his composition, “This, That and the Other” which was a funk based tune that he blew ferocious rifts over leaving my neck sore. Stefon and Renee, piano and vibes, it’s difficult to describe how nicely these two played in the same musical spaces all night creating wonderful harmonies. This was truly a collective experience.
The tradition of jazz is celebrated in the mastery of the instrument, composition, arrangement and performance. Both of these groups represent exactly where jazz has evolved today. Please continue to support Atlanta’s live jazz venues.