An Afternoon Of Jazz

I got an unexpected treat yesterday when my BFF called and asked me if I would like to join her to see Wynton Marsalis at Boston Symphony Hall. Being a blues gal myself, I was happy to oblige, as Jazz runs a close second to my love of the blues. Somehow I knew this had the makings of a great afternoon.
We entered into Boston's storied Symphony Hall, where music's finest artists have showcased their talent for decades. Mr. Marsalis proudly proclaimed Boston's Symphony Hall, "the greatest hall in the country" to the delighted packed house.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis did not dissapoint. The 15 member band, including Mr. Marsalis, put on a show to remember. Yes, these boy's can blow! The afternoon's program, which was announced from the stage, began with wonderful, soulful renditions of everone's favorite nursery rhymes. Beginning with "Old MacDonalds Farm" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider" to a swinging rendition of "It's Not That Easy Being Green"with the afternoon's only vocal accompanyment.
Who knew that childhood nursery rhymes could sound so hip and so smooth!




The knowledge of these Doctors Of Music shone through in every piece performed, each one arranged by a different and talented member of the band. After a brief intermission from the first act, the band came back to perform a solid blues piece,"Blues Walk", which literally brought a tear to my eye. Mr. Marsalis noted that the piece performed was their best, perfection. "It don't get any better than that," he said. "Like the Blues, it arrived perfect. We can only add to it."





The afternoon was capped off in a jammin' style with the crowd erupting after each master had showcased his craft in a solo by demonstrating a complete command of the instrument they posessed. The result was some of the finest display of Jazz mucisians I have ever seen.

The crowd was then treated to what seemed like an impromptu encore, with Mr Marsalis, accompanied by the piano and bass, playing a rockin, swingin Jazz piece while he walked the stage, engaging the audience to their feet. The music so fine, the tune stayed with me for hours afterward.

There is no better was to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Boston. If you have the opportunity to catch the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis I highly reccommend you do so. You won't be disappointed.

I give it a Daily Dandy two thumbs WAY UP!!