|
|
   |
Thursday, 02 October 2008 18:43
Tweet this article !
Expecting to stay for one set and then to run off to
something else, I had such a good time that I stayed for the late set, too.
The appreciative crowds at both time slots seemed to agree with me in
their cheering reactions and close attention. Though some clubs of this
kind are known NOT to have rapt audiences and there's some chatter, this crowd
(with the exception of one table in the back) was quiet and very focused on the
show. The band was trumpet player Alex Nguyen's Jazz Conceptions
Orchestra. He's a new name to me, and a happy discovery. They
opened their first set with the Ellington theme, "Take the A Train"
and it was immediately clear that we were in for a great night with real pros
and an exciting sound with plenty of focused energy and good vibes all
around. Compositions by other big jazz names were on the bill, too: Miles
Davis, Fats Navarro, Todd Dameron, Ben Webster. Chick Corea's
"Hand-Me Down" showed a wide range of talents and flavors, starting
with a sensitive and reflective mood in a gentle opening to a wild
all-stops-out counterpointing blasts at the end that could raise the
roof. But it wasn't all the expected jazz suspects: even the Beatles made
an appearance with "Come Together" which made the audience do exactly
that as they swayed and clapped along, really digging it. It was
especially notable to see the bandleader enjoying himself so much, appreciating
his players' work-- something not always prevalent in world of ultra-cool
laidback jazz cats. I especially liked their playing on "Ballad of
the Sad Young Men," a number that always gets to me, and and an impressive
"Flamenco Sketches" by Miles Davis. This group is perhaps as
tasty as the food at The Iridium—and that's a compliment. An extra added
attraction was the presence of two vocalists, although I wish they'd been given
more to do. Angela Roberts set a nice romantic mood with a relaxed
"The Shadow Of Your Smile," though it would be better if she didn't
close her eyes so often and reached out to the crowd more. Nevertheless,
she had an attractively dreamy quality to her voice, floating along with real vulnerability
and velvety vocals. Fireworks were created by singer Amanda Brasher, a
burst of pizazz with her high-octane talent. Her number, the Harold
Arlen/ Johnny Mercer classic "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive" was a
big hit. With playful phrasing and a twinkle in her eye, she shimmered
and wailed, knocking the number out of the ballpark, her positive energy really
right for the message of the song. It will be the lucky singer who gets
to sing with this big band and the others booked into the club. I love a
piano as much as Irving Berlin, and the Just A Piano series mentioned in my
last article on Mondays is great to be reminded that all a good singer needs is
one player, but nothing can compare with the real fireworks and interplay of a
hot big band. Make Tuesday your day to give the band a hand.
Alex Nguyen And The Jazz Conceptions Orchestra with featured vocalist Amanda Brasher can be seen Tuesday October 21st at 8:30 & 10:30 at IRIDIUM Jazz Club. $10 off for all MAC, Cabaret Scenes, Cabaret Hotline & Cabaret Exchange members.
For More Information Go To www.iridiumjazzclub.com
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Pick of the week
Tweet this article !
This week, our Cabaret Pick is Elizabeth Sullivan on Sunday. She’s a lady who celebrates her birthday during this week, too (May 22). She’s a graceful, dignified, full-of-heart performer and a thoughtful, artful songwriter who does not shy away from real feelings. Whenever I see her perform, it’s a tenderly tendered mix of smile-inducers and tear duct activation.
|
|
Web services: launchpadny.com