Wynton Marsalis
Posted by: Willie B on 21 January 2003
I went to see Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall last night. I know all the stuff about him replaying old classics rather than moving Jazz forward and must admit to this view myself. I have also heard him on Radio 3 concerts and not felt compelled to buy any of his CDs. I am also a fan of small intimate theatres and concert halls, preferably with beer in hand.
However, to see and listen to Wynton and his 15 piece band in a superb concert hall was a treat not to be missed. To hear again some of the old standards from Ellington, Art Blakey and the early days of Jazz was also wonderful for those of us who were not there first time around – some of this music is too good to leave on the shelf or just play on CDs/LPs, however good your hifi gear is. There is also a lot of atmosphere in watching accomplished musicians perform in front of a large crowd.
Another thing the Hall was nearly full with a wide range of people of all ages – it was particularly good to see so many young people tapping their fingers and feet and clapping the soloists – at many Jazz events |I go to I am one of the youngest and I have over 50 years under the belt.
If you get the chance go and see them – there are several more tour dates left including 3 in London
However, to see and listen to Wynton and his 15 piece band in a superb concert hall was a treat not to be missed. To hear again some of the old standards from Ellington, Art Blakey and the early days of Jazz was also wonderful for those of us who were not there first time around – some of this music is too good to leave on the shelf or just play on CDs/LPs, however good your hifi gear is. There is also a lot of atmosphere in watching accomplished musicians perform in front of a large crowd.
Another thing the Hall was nearly full with a wide range of people of all ages – it was particularly good to see so many young people tapping their fingers and feet and clapping the soloists – at many Jazz events |I go to I am one of the youngest and I have over 50 years under the belt.
If you get the chance go and see them – there are several more tour dates left including 3 in London