Like most of our class, I experienced my first jazz performance this semester. The Music of Count Basie, performed by the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra on October 7th, was a startling introduction. Everything about the performance was lively; the music was loud, well-tuned, and heartfelt, the performers were smiling, and the conductor had full control of the orchestra.
The communal support on the stage was striking; every time a soloist played well, the rest of the performers smiled proudly. Some of the rear-most instrumentalists used colorful hats while they played, giving the performance a well-choreographed and cheerful feeling. The conductor, Brandon Lee, is the youngest member of the Julliard Jazz faculty, and yet he controlled the concert like a god. He was courteous to Frank West, clear to the audience, and personally connected to each student. The songs were pleasant, although I’m not sure how their order was chosen. Tickle Toe and Splanky made me giggle!
West’s multi-instrumental solos were inspiring; his music seemed to emerge from long-ago concerts, and he seemed to be putting all of his experience into one performance. The drummer was excellent, and I wish that the stage-setup had actually allowed me to see him while he played.
The only thing I disliked about the concert was the audience. Even I, an extremely inexperienced listener, know that it’s rude to clap during a concert. The constant applause was irritating. It masked a good deal of the music, and it prevented me from becoming immersed by the performance. However, I still managed to leave the concert with a new appreciation of jazz. Any orchestra that I’ll listen to in the future will have to work hard to compete with the talent I heard on the 7th.
