Coltrane concert at JALC reviewed by the New York Times

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Posted on September 16th, 2006 in Concerts, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, New York Times, Review | Tags: concerts, jazz at lincoln center, jazz at lincoln center orchestra, new york times, review

Yesterday, Wynton and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra performed the music of John Coltrane at Frederick P. Rose Hall.
Here is a review of the concert on the New York Times (free registration required)

Chinen's last paragraph is meant, I guess, to emphasize Walter's and Ali's playing during "Africa" as being more consistent with expressing Coltrane's actual sound in playing rather than the JLCO's interpretation of Coltrane. A more literal rendition of Coltrane by the final song, "Africa." And, yes, I can see his point. Walter was "way out there" straining and struggling on his sax; his battle to "tame" his instrument laid bare before the audience. Walter is a worthy soldier on his horn and succeeded in reconciling in sound the depths of his personal struggle to know his instrument. It was intense playing and Ali was right along with him. I love Ali's playing and hope to be around to see him evolve. Erica sat in for Ted all week and so was also recorded live for Saturday night's concert. If I can attend the talk with Porter on Wednesday, 9/20, I will surely ask him the question you posed glo. Will have to get a feeling for him to get a sense of whether or not he'd be open to such pestering. I hope he is. Our best educators are those who engage learners, actively not just through their published works. I'll also be attending the Hot Fives concert on 9/28 and will surely post some thoughts. JG
Posted by Jurzy Girl on 2006-09-17 09:19:15 As always Jurzy, your firsthand account indulges those who are unable to attend these shows. Who played in place of Ted Nash? How close were the orchestral arrangements to Coltrane's original material? As a former flutist (who once played Coltrane's "Naima" as part of a solo competition)I was pleased to read one was included. I've only read of Erica vonKleist and visited her website. I too would like to hear her work. Thanks for sharing Jurzy and looking forward to discussing Lewis Porter.
Posted by Sonalii on 2006-09-16 17:04:31 Thanks Jurzy! We couldn't make it this time, but it sounds like the jazz orchestra played a variety of Coltrane's music using imaginative, modern instrumentations and in keeping with the composer's intent. Couldn't comprehend the last paragraph of NYT review, which left a Big Question Mark... Could you ask Porter how many years he researched our book and if he's made any new discoveries fo add to it? Best, Glo.
Posted by gloria on 2006-09-16 12:54:56 Chinen's is definitely a fair assessment of the Coltrane concert. I was thrilled to see/hear Erica VonKleist but sorry Ted Nash was not present. Erica played more than choruses; she played an extended solo (cannot recall the song...senior moment) that was energetic and spirited though not emotionally wrenching nor an example of virtuosity. I enjoyed her and hope to hear her more. The bass clarinets, featured on "Naima" arranged by Victor Goines, were a novel feature on stage. These are such curious instruments and their sound is attention grabbing, so deeply mellow and haunting; perfect for enhancing the mood of this song whose title means "sleep" in Arabic. "Harmonique", also arranged by Goines, was a sonically complex with its multi-note approach to rendering sound on sax. I enjoyed hearing the differences in notational expression. I don't know how to express this clearly, the sax players played what sounded like a few notes at once on one horn in harmony on an individual sax. Yes, Coltrane is amazing. Sherman Irby's featured solo was brilliant and moving. Walter Blanding is always a joy to hear. Frederique once described his sound as "velvety" and indeed, it is. Joe Temperly was outstanding. The concert hall was packed, I believe all the shows were sold out. I am well pleased. Lewis Porter will be discussing Coltrane at an Educational Talk at Jazz. I will try to attend as I like his writing style and his Coltrane book is our next reading thrill. JG
Posted by Jurzy Girl on 2006-09-16 08:55:50

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