Sunday, May 10, 2015

Music, Music, Music...(Good things come in threes to Allen Kanovsky, including Florida Essentially Ellington bands!)


Submitted by Al Kanovsky 05/10/15

was JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ at the Essential Ellington Competition in N.Y. 

Four schools, Garfield H.S (Seattle), Newark Academy (N.J.), Lexington H.S, (MA) and the Community Arts Program (Coral Gables) made up the morning program. The afternoon had three competitors, Tucson JAZZ Institute (AZ), NewWorld School of the Arts (Miami) and Mount Si H.S.(WA). Tucson followed AMP's example and played complex charts from memory. My notes on what each band played disappeared into the ether-world but let it suffice to say that each and every youngster left an impression. 

The judges, Wynton Marsalis, David Berger, Jeff Hamilton, Carlos Henriquez and Dee Spencer took the stage with words of advice for all the youngsters. Wynton's wisdom matches his level of play. Examples: Don't let anyone tell you "You Can't" when it comes to accomplishment. Starting out your playing might be "sad". The shame would be letting it "stay sad". I have said that 'listening is not an objective art'. 

Imagine how difficult judging it has to be. I would not relish the task. American Music Project(1st place), Lexington H.S.(2nd), Tucson JAZZ Institute(3d) and Dillard Center of the Arts(honorable mention). The top 3 had the opportunity to perform once again with a musician from the JALCO. Lexington did "Things To Come" with a great drum solo finish, and "Roll 'em" with Kenny Rampton (trumpet) as their guest. 

Lexington H.S. is fortunate to have a young lady, Sahana Srinivasan, as a vocal addition to the outstanding group of instrumentalists. Nice pipes. Really professional stage presence. Can sell a song. She sang "I'm Just A Lucky so and So". She definitely has a future in JAZZ. Marcus Printemps represented the JALCO. 

American Music Project has a 4 trombone section. 3 of the 4 are female. Sherman Irby as guest showed why he is one of the world's best altoist. The JALCO took the stage to do the songs they had rehearsed yesterday including Michelle's "St. Louis BLUES" and Matt Wong's arrangement. 

The band directors were invited to the stage for awards. That was followed by individual honorable mention and outstanding performance recognition. Dillard Jazz Ensemble, New World and CAP were well represented in this group including individual awards to Chris Cummings and Anthony Hervey (DCA). My personal and deeply felt thanks to Msrs. Chris Dorsey (DCA), Daniel Strange (CAP) and Jim Gasior (NWSA) for the wonderful work they do with the youngsters of our community. JAZZ has as bright a future as it has a past. 

As Wynton said "The music is now."     


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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