First of all, if you haven't read Marc's post about the history of Duke Ellington's Harlem Nutcracker, I urge you to go and read it. Following on the heels of Ellis Marsalis and Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis leads the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra in Verizon Hall for an evening of holiday-themed jazz.
Tonight gives new meaning to "the holidays are in full swing!" How did you enjoy the show?
Wynton and His Orchestra are a first class who know how to play and please the crowd!
There was not 1 bad number in this show!
The best show Ive seen at Kimmel!
Wynton Marsalis' easy manner with the audience is a real crowd pleaser, but don't let his nonchalance fool you. This is a man of enormous talent, insight, and conviction. Read the article about him in the current edition of The Smithsonian to learn more about his efforts to rebuild New Orleans.
The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra continues to set the pace for excellence, whether reminiscing or breaking new ground.
Great show, and a refreshing interpretation of the nutcracker! Wynton's sense of humour added to the whole performance.
FYI, All About Jazz review by Vic Schermer from this concert is here, with some great pcitures of his as well. Link and lead paragraph follow:
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=20176
Wynton Marsalis / Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra
Kimmel Center,
Philadelphia, PA
December 11, 2005
On this wintry Sunday evening, three musical phenomena converged at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia: Wynton Marsalis, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (hereinafter “LCJO”), and “The Harlem Nutcracker,” a composition of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn based on Tchaikowsky’s famed “Nutcracker Suite.” The result was a highly charged and delightful evening of big band music-making. Let’s take them one by one and then see how they all came together.
We thoroughly enjoyed the evening! Wynton Marsalis was delightful and informative. He generated a good vibe throughout the show. His comments provided interesting background info to the various pieces, something I especially appreciate.
The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra was tight. Great sound, interesting solos, fun to watch through binoculars.
Every performance at the Kimmel Center has been a treat! Experiencing the dynamic spaces of the building hightens the sensory charge before even entering the auditorium. Then the wonderful ambience of Verizon Hall is the perfect preparation for the performance. It's all masterfully done. A wonderful asset for Philadelphia.
On the University nof Puerto Rico Radio Station I heard the Duke Ellington Nut Cracker Suite and I interested to obtain a copy . Can you help me, What can I do? Thanks for your kindness