Julliard Jazz Quartet

Hi everybody! I hope I am writing in the correct section.
I have to say that I can officially call myself an amateur when it comes to jazz- I have never really listened to it- ever. However, I found last nights performance to have been phenomenal. I absolutely loved it.

Besides for it being so soothing and relaxing. One of my favorite pieces was ‘Ah, Rio’ because it was upbeat, fun, and just sounded so different than anything I have heard- in some ways, I was able to paint a scenario and story in my mind.

What amazed me was how these 4 instruments came together and played those songs. For example, I never heard the Bass specifically and never knew what its importance and role it played in music but after last night, jazz wouldn’t be jazz (in my opinion) without it. While Carl Allen had his drum solo, you were able to faintly hear the Bass in the background, and when it stopped, the whole piece didn’t sound the same. It amazed me how much of a role each one of these instruments played in the show.

I also liked how the music was in a way, unpredictable. The songs I listen to have words, therefore making me know what part of the song would be next. I usually know if it is rock, slow, pop, and so on. In many of the pieces last night, I found that there was a mix in each piece- starting off slow and then getting fast and pumping… and I didn’t expect that! Anything went. At some points, when only the drums and piano were being played, I actually thought it was weird how both played a different tune or different melody that brought a different mood, but when they call came together, that was the beauty of it.
(Sorry for all my rambling…)
Lastly, the 4 men really engaged in the music and that also made it more enjoyable. For example, when 2 of the men had a solo, the other two gazed at them smiling and looking like they were enjoying the music and even when playing together, there excitement and happiness was almost tangible.
Overall, a great night with a great experience 🙂