Music we can all be thankful for!
2nd December 2019 · 0 Comments
By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Big Band Holidays II
(Blue Engine Records)
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis gets the season off to a swinging start on Big Band Holidays II. The spirited concert captured live on its home turf in New York City sparkles as the ensemble performs a diverse repertoire that includes traditional classics, fun chestnuts, spiritually uplifting tunes and even an appearance by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who was recorded during an earlier appearance at the Center in 2015.
After opening with the joyously arranged “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” the ensemble gets going on a more obscure tune, “Cool Yule,” which was written by pianist and television host Steve Allen back in the early 1950s. Despite its age and title, it’s a hot number with a hip vibe as sung by Catherine Russell and burning saxophone solos by tenorist Walter Blanding and altoist Sherman Irby.
The variety of rhythms and moods takes the album a step above many seasonal offerings. The inclusion of the African American spiritual “Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow” triumphs as the trumpet of Marcus Printup and the drums of Ali Jackson movingly call out to the people. Percy Faith’s “Brazilian Sleigh Bells” humorously dashes along, encouraged by Marsalis’ trumpet and an occasional blast of a whistle.
“Snowfall” begins softly as if the first flakes are just touching one’s nose. A blizzard of notes from Marsalis muted and fluttering trumpet warn a storm could be on its way.
“Silent Night” gets a bluesy treatment enforced by the fine piano of Dan Nimmer. Vocalist Denzal Sinclaire sings the classic straight-up and then, encouraged by the horns, really goes for it.
Aretha Franklin is alone at the piano bringing a gospel flavor to “O Tannenbaum,” which she, remarkably, sings in both English and German. This is the first time this performance by the Queen of Soul has been released.
The hugely talented musicians and arrangers who make up the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis is core to the pleasurable listening of Big Band Holidays II.
Improvisations Gala – A Cornucopia of Music, Lights and Food
The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint transforms into a cornucopia of music, lights and food during its Improvisations Gala on Saturday, December 7, 2019. The affair boasts varying opportunities to indulge the senses. It begins at 7 p.m. with a Patron Party held in the museum’s third floor concert space. Two very special guests, the renowned bassist Christian McBride and vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will join our own fine artists, including drummer Adonis Rose, pianist Shea Pierre and guitarist Detroit Brooks for the show. The $250 tickets will also include a cocktail hour and catering by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The proceeds from the party as well as the outdoor Gala that is held under a tent in the museum’s yard, beginning at 8 p.m., will benefit the Jazz Museum’s efforts to globally promote jazz.
The Gala itself is quite remarkable in its offering of some of New Orleans finest music and food and considering the quality of both, the price of admission and the museum’s mission, stands at a reasonable $100. The cover charge includes an open bar and food by such highly regarded establishments as Galatoire’s, Dickie Brennan’s and the Acme Oyster House to name a few. Some of the outstanding musicians and ensembles that will switch out on the bandstand include the Soul Rebels, drummer Herlin Riley, trumpeter Wendell Brunious, the Pinettes Brass Band featuring Big Freedia and vocalist Stephanie Jordan who will perform with students from the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) and the Trombone Shorty Academy. A $30 “Late Wave” ticket gets attendees in from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Enhancing the magic of the affair, Luna Fete Celebration of Light will present a sure to be dazzling Sound Collage installation.
For more information, go to www.nolajazzmuse-um.org/improvisations.
Music Downtown All Week Long
This very music-filled week kicks off with the French Quarter Festival’s 35th Annual Holidays New Orleans Style free concert series held at various venues around New Orleans. Pianist, composer and educator Ellis Marsalis performs on Monday, December 2 at 6 p.m. at St. Louis Cathedral. The St. Peter Claver Gospel Choir takes over at the same time on Wednesday, December 4 followed by Sweet Cecilia on Thursday, December 5.
The Treme neighborhood’s historic St. Augustine Catholic Church will also present concerts on Saturday evenings in December. They begin at 4 p.m. on December 7, 2019 with jazz vocalist Nayo Jones leading her band the Nayo Jones Experience.
The Preservation Hall All Stars will perform a concert on Friday, December 6, 2019 at NOCCA’s Lupin Hall in conjunction with the ongoing masters/apprentice partnership between the NOCCA Institute and the Preservation Hall Foundation. The All Stars, which includes NOCCA alumni trumpeter and vocalist Kevin Louis and trombonist Ronell Johnson, will also feature students who have been studying with Preservation Hall musicians.
The show begins at 8 p.m. at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (2800 Chartres St.) and tickets are $15 with special rates for students, seniors, military personnel and veterans.
This article originally published in the December 2, 2019 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
