Submitted by Al Kanovsky 05/09/14
...and TG I am in The
Apple. Where else in the world could you listen to more than 100 high school age
JAZZ musicians perform in an acoustically perfect venue. JAZZ At Lincoln Center
is hosting the Essentially Ellington Annual High School Band Competition and Festival. Today I
heard bands representing small towns like Snoqualmie
WA.(under 12,000) to big
cities like Seattle. They played Ellington including "Cottontail" &
"Perdido" and did some of the lesser known charts like "I Love the Sunshine".
Among the 100 or so sidemen were a representative group of 'sidegals'. I
don't think there was anybody without at least one distaff member. As an example
Osceola County School for the Arts (Kissimmee, FL.) was first up and they had a
young lady at piano, 2 in the trombone section a trumpet player and drummer.
Their vocalist, Melody Uri, sang "Sunrise" and I was surprised at the maturity
shown in her vocal rendition. I apologize for not mentioning more names but it
isn't feasible at the moment. During lunch, prior to the performances I spoke
with 2 youngsters from from Sun Prairie. Mike Norris(trombone) and Mark
Sommer(drums). Mike is a senior and has always been interested in being a JAZZ
man. Mark after studying with a basically 'rock' drummer wanted to expand his
knowledge of music and so turned to JAZZ, Mt. Si H.S. JAZZ ensemble had a female
pianist another in the sax section and 2 in the trumpet section. Representing
CoralGables was the Community Program All-Star JAZZ ensemble. Black pants and
shirts. White ties and suspenders. At first I thought thet there were no girls
but a clarinetist sneaked in. The played some seldom heard Ellington tunes and
did them well. They really nailed it with their final of three songs. Sun Praire
was next up and they were the only band with a vibraphonist. They also had a
'gal' in the trumper section. The Ellington Big Band of the Tucson JAZZ
Institute and last years winners turned their music stands sideways. No charts
to read. Just 'blow, man, blow' and blow they did. Every soloist, every section
member, the whole rhythm section playing like they'd did it for a lifetime---yes
I was impressed. The use of plunger mutes on trumpets and trombones in all of
the bands was emphasized with this band. Robbie Lee, the pianist who doubles on
vocals, sang in a deep baritone the melody, "I Love the Sunshine" Last year he
did a "Louis Armstron" voice. Next the Lexington H.S Jazz Ensemble They
dedicated their program to Joe Lauder who had passed away earlier that day.
Played a great version of the BLUES tune "Rocks In My Bed" with Natalie
Tsvetkova delivering the vocal. A young man, playing tenor, brought out all the
emotion of the BLUES. The band closed with a jump tune showing excellent unison
work. Roosevelt H.S. from Seattle came out wearing full dress tuxedos. Black bow
ties, wing collars and all. A Miss at piano, bass and 2 in the sax section.
They played "Flirty Bird" and a young lady stood up and delivered a dynamic alto
solo. They did "Perdido" with a very complex chart and 3 tenor saxes up at the
mic. A great trumpet ride and the competition closed for the day------to be
continued tomorrow...
Al's Disclaimer:
A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?"
~ ~ ~
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