Juilliard Jazz

I’ve always really liked jazz, so I was excited to see the Juilliard faculty play. Most of my jazz experience previously consisted of Duke Ellington, Chet Baker, Lady Ella, Louis Armstrong, Bill Evans, Charlie Parker, etc. It was completely different, though, seeing live jazz rather than just watching video clips. There’s a certain spirit in the room when a jazz quartet is playing; they’re interacting with each other and really digging it. It’s visible on their faces, in their mannerisms and in their movements. Seeing their interactions and chemistry is, to me, a great part of the jazz experience. It’s almost like a friendly competition; they fight for solos and try to out-do each other, but it’s all in good fun. My favorite piece was probably “Ah, Rio.” The Brasilian twist to American jazz was refreshing as well as intriguing. It reminded me of “Girl From Ipanema,” a song with similar percussion and general feel. I think blending cultures is something more musicians should do, and I think this quartet did it really well. The rest of the set list was awesome too. I also thought the musicians were really engaging and heartfelt. It was so sweet for the drummer to memorialize his lost companions through the ballad; it was clear that the bond forged through music is nearly unbreakable.

This experience made me want to learn sax and play jazz. Seriously, I am trying to find someone to teach me. To be able to have the kind of connection I saw on Tuesday with someone would be so cool. This was a really inspiring event. I hope to go to some jazz clubs in the future  😀