Two Great Shows

Radiohead was really exciting. The Chronicle has a review, but like most stories there it’s painful to read and I doubt that link will last as long as this entry is on my front page. Our seats were on the lawn and we were a bit to the left and back. We had a good clear view of the stage but couldn’t see too many details, though certainly everything came through. I would have liked te been closer to see how some of the effects were done, but maybe next time. They went through old and new songs, starting with some of the latest ones from Hail to the Thief and moving forward. There were a few flubs, such as Yorke skipping a section on 2 + 2 = 5 one or two other minor things that I doubt too many people noticed. My only complaint would be that with several songs they would end with a solo usually from the guitarist on the right (I can’t think of his name at the moment) but you could tell it was the end of the song and the energy was dying around him as he was trying to build up his solo. It would of been nice if they took a cue from jazz and went from a solo back into the melody or some sort of chorus to end the tune and keep the energy up.

The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra at Jone’s Hall last night was one of those musical experiences that will stay indelibly burned in my memory for a long time. I had been looking for tickets and the day before my uncle called asking if I’d like to go with him, row B right in the center. Close enough to hear the musician’s sounds and not just the amplification, I was blown away. Every soloist and every piece was top-notch. The highlight of the evening, besides of course Houston native and HSPVA grad Andre Hayward’s music, was Eric Lewis’ piano. I have never heard of this man before, nor can I find anything on the web. Throughout the concert whenever Wynton introduced him he prefaced his name with what sounded like “Top Professor” which I’m sure means something, but I’m not sure what. Lewis’ solo on A Love Supreme’s Resolution was so intense and captivating that I was completely taken away by it in a way that music effects you only a few times in your life. The personnel of the group was different in several regards from the program, but that’s to be expected with the dynamics of a touring group and the fact that the programs are printed months before. If you have a chance to check out the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, do so. Highly recommended.

4 thoughts on “Two Great Shows

  1. I was at Radiohead too! Row K, Center section. Seat #2. I could see pretty much everything – so, what details would you like? 😉 It was an AWESOME show!

  2. I’m jealous. I would love to have seen that jazz show. I’m a trumpet player, and I’ve been a fan of Wynton Marsalis ever since my aunt turned me on to him back in the mid-80’s. I used to listen to the album “Think of One” constantly, and I spent a lot of time during high school and college trying to figure out how to play “Knozz-Moe-King”.

    My wife plays alto sax, so I’m sure she would have loved that show, too. Maybe one day we’ll move to an area with some real culture. You just don’t get many opportunities to hear good jazz when you live in Enterprise, AL 🙂

  3. Christine, the whole experience must have been that must more immersive up close.

    Dougal, I had no idea you played! Knozz-Moe-King has kept a lot of people busy over the years.

    Patriq, did you tell him how to spell it right?

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