Concert Review: Highlights in Jazz

Highlights in Jazz, New York City's oldest running concert series held a jam session April 6, 2006 in the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Jack Kleinsinger is the producer of these events. The line-up for this evening was David "Fathead" Newman and Ernie Watts, tenor saxes; Lew Soloff, trumpet; Steve Turre, trombone; Mulgrew Miller, piano; Ray Drummond, bass; and Jimmy Cobb, drums.

I attended with my friends, Renee and Helen, and sat in the front  row as usual when I attend with these ladies! The group started off with Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunesia." Many a good lick was blown by all. Ernie Watts was the only LA based musician there and his performance was most impressive tossing off complex figures with ease. I would have liked to hear more from Fathead, but his sound was softer and quieter, and as usual in these types of formats, the more extroverted players took over.

Ernie Watts and Lew Soloff did a couple of numbers in a quintet format. I remember Lew from his high note solo on the Blood, Sweat and Tears recording of "Spinning Wheel." I admire his facility with the horn, and he gives it his all, but idea wise, there are a lot of New York based cats that can outdo him such as Brian Lynch, Ryan Kisor and Roy Hargrove. Roy loves jam sessions so he should be a natural for one of Jack's "Highlights."

Steve Turre had a featured spin. Of course he brought out his conch shells and gave them a work-out. Helen didn't care too much for Steve's conch shell playing. I guess she thought it was too much of a gimic which, for all intents and purposes, it is. Steve is a consistent poll winner and a consummate showman, but personally I prefer the trombone work of John Fedchock whose New York Big Band has made some excellent recordings. Steve also has his own big band consisting of all conch shell players called Sanctified Shells.

A young trombonist, Roland..., was presented with a $1000. prize by Jack and performed a nice plungered and muted version of "My Romance." He was also a student of Steve's. The most impressive performance of the evening for me was a duet by Mulgrew Miller and Ray Drummond, "Sweet and Lovely." They had outstanding empathy. In fact Ray's eyes were glued on Mulgrew for the entire tune. I don't think he blinked once! Along with Jimmy Cobb, this rhythm section was outstanding the entire evening!

The night ended as it had begun with another tune by Dizzy Gillespie, "Manteca." I had to admire Lew's playing on this one. Anyone who can play Dizzy's part on "Manteca", ...well...my hat's off to him! All in all another successful outing by Jack Kleinsinger and the longest running jazz series in New York City.

After saying good-bye to Helen and Renee, I used my fun pass for the last time and took the C train back to Port Authority Bus Terminal where I caught the bus for the North Bergen Park Ride lot and picked up my rental car. Luckily I had my XM Roady with me so I could listen to jazz all the way home!