Submitted
by Al Kanovsky 08/14/15
...when the performance takes place in His house.
Regardless of
denomination when JAZZ musicians play in a House of Worship it seems to me it's
always somewhat enhanced. Last night at the Coral Gables Congregational United
Church of Christ, the Community Arts Program presented its final concert of the
season.
The featured artist was Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro-Latin Octet. Band
members. included ????Brown on tenor, Rafi Malkiel(trombone), Jim
Seeley(trumpet), Carlo De Rosa (bass), Carlos Maldonado(percussion), Tony
Rosa(congas) and Vince Cherico(drums). There was also a guest appearance of a trumpeter whose name I did not get. I also have no notes on song titles as
Arturo wasn't using a mic for announcements. One tune I did recognize was
"Siboney" which opened the final set and had older Cuban melodies.
Playing "Siboney" they transited from 'danson' rhythm to salsa and
back. Again in His house players seem to rise even above themselves. Every solo
regardless of instrument or player was beyond any expectation. Most of the
charts were 'progressive Latin JAZZ'and in spite of the average age of
listeners was met with enthusiastic applause. Arturo, himself, is a very
imaginative and sensitive, pianist. His biography tells a story of his
dedication to the music and all of many well deserved awards.Covering all the
bases of the JAZZ genre was a BLUES which I think was titled
"Groovy". I just remembered that during Jim's trumpet solo on
"Siboney" he quoted "It Ain't Necessarily So". A reminder
that JAZZ musicians do stuff that sometimes reaches out to somewhere way out
there. I was accompanied by my good pal Dr. Jules Oaklander. He is a
contemporary(1 month older) of mine. His taste in JAZZ does not lean toward
'progressive'. All the way of the drive home he kept acclaiming the music and
musicians we had just listened to. Thanks to Arturo and all the band members
for another memorable concert in one of His houses.
The Community Arts Program has Mark Hart as Executive &
Artistic Director. The Program provides diverse educational experiences over a
wide range of interests. One of them includes the "All-Star JAZZ
Ensemble". This group of young(high school age) musicians has been
selected to compete in the Essentially Ellington Contest hosted by Wynton
Marsalis for the last 3 years. They have been in the money each time. Winning
once, 2nd once and honorable mention the 3d time. Only 15 bands nationwide are
selected to compete. That will give you some idea how special these young
people are and what they mean to the future of American JAZZ.
As to our new relationship with Cuba. I visited Havana for
the JAZZ Festival a couple of years ago. I heard a lot of young people playing
JAZZ. I paraphrase a motto on our Statue Of Liberty. "Send us your
musicians".
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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