Jazz Performance Review
The author of this report has been asked to take in a jazz show and offer some information and opinion about it. The venue and artists involved will be named. There will also be other questions answered like whether the music was moving to the author, whether it was accessible or "far out," whether it was emotional or cerebral and whether the author liked the music or not. Overall, the performance taken in was very positive and high-energy and the author was not remotely disappointed. While jazz is not embraced or loved by everyone, the author of this report holds it to be a great musical form and one that all people should at least try to glom onto if they're seeking enrichment and entertainment.
Performance Information
Before getting into the reactions to the performance, the author will explain the details about the show. The name of the venue was Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola. The venue is located in the larger Jazz at Lincoln Center Complex. The performers for the show were Evan Christopher on clarinet, Brian Seeger on guitar and Jacob Webb on the bass. The theme of the show was the clarinet-based jazz tradition that started in New Orleans and then changed and evolved from that location. The room that the show occurred in was a dinner and a show type of place. People were enjoying dinner and drinks as the show went on. The bass and the guitar were stationary for the show but the clarinetist (Christopher) was standing. He would step around a bit from time to time and stay standing in a singular spot other times. He would very much move with the music. He would spin in place, lean, bend his knees...
Although the clarinet was clearly the focus of the show, an early focus/solo of sorts was given to the bassist. He would alternate from simple strumming to a bit of slapping the bass for some notes. Between songs, Christopher would offer some information and historical perspective about the music.
After one of his early speeches, the focus clearly shifted to the clarinet as the bassist and the guitarist were clearly playing supporting roles. The music about 9-10 minutes into the show was very much lower-key. The beat was slower and the energy was subdued. However, the clarinet eventually ceded to the bassist and the guitar and they had their own time to offer a similar yet different tone. This part had a good amount of energy but it was focused and potent. It was relaxing and very moving. It hearkens to having fun, having a relaxing moment and having fun with friends. As the clarinet comes back in, there is a very "funky" tone to the music. It is very non-formulaic and it is hard to predict ... and that's a good thing. It is by means bland or boring. The assignment mentions the word "cerebral" and this music would certainly clarify as that. The music, at least to the author of this response, does not break new ground but it is extremely adept at engendering good feelings. It is mood-making or mood-enhancing music more than anything else. At the same time, it is complex and the listener is apt to pay attention and see what is coming next. All of the instruments have their proverbial time to shine, the bass and clarinet in particular.
As for the players themselves, it is clear the players are in sync and…
