David Gendy Due: 9/30/13
Jazz Concert Review
The first question I asked myself at the beginning of the quarter was how much do I actually know about jazz? I have always characterized jazz music as a rhythmic and instrumental form of music. My impression on the basis of jazz has always been portrayed with the African-American race. I think this was built up from the “rhythm n' blues” era. The meaning according to the dictionary was, “style of music that was invented by African American musicians in the early part of the twentieth century and has very strong rhythms and often involves improvisation". But Louis Armstrong's famous reply was, "if you had to ask, you'll never know". Whatever else he meant, he was at least saying that jazz is noticeable, but not necessarily understandable by words.
The place where this concert was held is absolutely beautiful. Next to the stage was a spectacular view of the New York Skyline which I couldn’t stop staring at while listening to your band. The place was classy but at the same time you could basically speak freely during the performance because it was outdoors and the music was so loud. After attending the awesome concert you conducted professor, I found myself walking back to the car a bit cold, but with an improved taste for jazz music and history. It’s incredibly hard to believe that the band had just met and rehearsed a few hours before the concert, yet were synced so well with each other.
I’m not sure of the names of all the musicians and musical instruments I saw up there. However I do know this, John Faddus was amazing on the trumpet as he played “I remember Clifford,” and especially “Manteca.” I enjoyed that piece very much. I didn’t really enjoy “Night in Tunesia” so much. I felt like the trumpet was extremely squeaky and very high pitched. The other trumpeters were also very talented and it’s a shame and my loss that I do not now their names. I especially enjoyed listening to Buddy Richband in...