Photo from jalc.org
Wynton Marsalis and his band are famous. There is no way around that. They have played all over the world in jazz clubs and symphony halls, at benefit shows and on radio stations. In fact, I’d argue the name Wynton Marsalis is synonymous with great jazz music. Their concert at Hill Auditorium on Wednesday, March 17th certainly showcased great jazz music but it was something else that made the experience memorable.
I walked into Hill Auditorium expecting to hear good music. Anything less than a noteworthy performance would have been disappointing. It was clear that many other Ann Arborites had the same in mind; the packed house throbbed with the low beat of conversation as the crowd waited impatiently for 8:00pm to arrive.
As the lights dimmed and the performers appeared, the noise crescendoed, showing the awe and respect the audience held for the men more effectively than simply silence ever could. It seemed as if everyone was preparing themselves for what was to come next, nudging their neighbor and whispering, “This is gonna be good.”
The high expectations were more than met. The music was wonderful but much has been written about the music of this group and it is easy to hear any number of pieces without going to a live concert. There was something else incredible that made watching the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra worthwhile.
It was obvious all fifteen musicians up on stage were enjoying every minute of the performance as much as the audience. Their obvious enthusiasm is something you can hear in their music, but is completely different and more meaningful when experienced in real life.
Even though they played old favorites by Count Basie and music by band-member Ted Nash, there was something exciting about the familiar tunes. Although all of the orchestra must have heard the pieces many times, there was tangible excitement every time a musician started a new solo.
As soon as the improvisation started the feeling on stage changed. Those not playing listened urgently, entranced by the cadences and arpeggios flung from the mouths of the saxophones, trumpets and trombones.
The concentration was palpable. Each band member had their own way of focusing on the notes being played: some tapped their feet, some closed their eyes, some nodded their heads in time to the music, and others watched the musician who was playing intently. They all had smiles on their faces. It was easy to see the admiration the men on stage had for each other.
There is something truly special about a group of people who work together all the time, yet are able to be amazed by each other on a regular basis. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has this strategy figured out. The mass of bobbing heads and tapping feet create a melody separate, but complimentary to the one being played by traditional instruments.
The fifteen men on stage were completely happy to listen to the music being created around them and completely happy to listen to it in their own way, without being self-conscious. The performance was made much more intimate because the audience was able to experience the emotions of the musicians through their reactions to the melodies of their fellow band members.
This made for a great concert but it got me thinking, couldn’t it also make for a great lifestyle. Everyone would be happier if they could do what they love and share it with people. Furthermore, the ability to be completely open and not care what others think of your actions is a trait that ought to be admired.
It is too bad that we’ve come to make decisions based on what others will think of us. We would all be better off if we took a page out of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra playbook and focused on enjoying what life throws at us. At the concert on Wednesday this was clearly a priority but you shouldn’t have to go to a theater or a concert to see people having a good time.
Listen to Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Music from Jazz at Lincoln Center: They Came to Swing, “Take the ‘A’ Train” by B. Strayhorn. Copyright 1994, Sony Music Entertainment Inc. Played by Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis Big Band
