Submitted
by Al Kanovsky 07/14/15
…end
of the earth and jump off to hear a repeat of last night’s performance, I
would.
The
Miami JAZZ Co-ops Rent Party was a double header celebration. The gifted
acquisition of a Yamaha C2 piano and the bringing together 2 of S. Florida's
most brilliant JAZZ stars, Mike Gerber(piano) and Ira Sullivan(horns).
Completing the band were Jamie Ousley(bass) and Marc Berner(flutes). The Open
Stage Club was jam-packed and additional seating had to be brought in. Giselle
and Steve did a great job at the door handling the overflow. Plenty of
musicians in the audience including Randall Dollihan, Nanami Morikawa, Jaui
Schneider, Joe Donato, Jim Gasior and Silvano Monasterios. The first tune was
"Hello Young Lovers" and Mike takes no time delivering a
multi-star solo which inspires the rest of the quartet to greater heights. Ira
selects Illinois Jacquet's favorite "Corcovado" and he joins Marc
playing flute. It's followed from a way-back, seldom heard song
"Yesterdays Are Here Again". The music is way beyond impressive. Mike
is now left by himself to play a tune which I think is titled
"Introspect". Part of the beauty of JAZZ is, as I often quote Shelly
Mann, "JAZZ musicians never play the same song -----once". The
variations Mike played were beyond belief. Additionally there was no,at least
to me, recognizable time signature. I was informed by Jaui Schneider that the
form is called "Rubato"=free form. Marc helped me with the spelling.
Ira picks up his trumpet when they do Horace Silver's "Nutville".
Whenever Ira plays that horn you know you are going to hear some outstanding
be-bop riffs. Mike doesn't let go of it either. Marc & Ira do a wonderfully
executed contra portion and Marc takes it out on flute. Ira loves telling the
stories around the songs and he does so, describing Ravel's passion for JAZZ.
Ravel's "Pavanne For A Dead Princess" was converted to JAZZ and is
known as "When the Lamps Are Low". Ira plays tenor on this one and
there is a beautiful duet portion with Jamie and Ira. Mr. Sullivan is of the
strong opinion that, like in Europe, applause should come only at the end of
the number as opposed to the close of a solo. I personally think that most JAZZ
musicians appreciate the applause after a well-played solo. The 2nd set opens
with "In Walked Bud" a Thelonious Monk Composition which is in the
heart of the be-bop generation. Ira played both trumpet and tenor on this one.
Mike bent, if that is possible, the bop tune and Jamie played a moving upper
register solo. This was followed by 2 of Ira's compositions, "Gee
Matthew" & "Monday's Dance". Ira played flugelhorn on the
latter and did a stunning contra portion with Marc on flute. Now it was Marc's
turn to show a little more of his talent, singing his own composition dedicated
to his father. The tune is simply titled "Dad" and reveals how much
Marc admired and loved his. Both Ira and Marc play flute on
"Estante". It is played in a soft 'bossa' tempo and provides Jamie
and Mike the chance to really display their talent. Mike again is given the
stage to do "Speak Like A Child". Ira traditionally closes with
"Amazing Grace". When Mike is given the opportunity to solo his
imagination and creativity go far beyond the beautiful melodic line.
Stratospheric would be an appropriate description.
Once
again a dynamic evening of JAZZ that will never be heard the same way again. In
un-ending gratitude to all the musicians who bring me so much pleasure, THANK
YOU!!!
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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