If you remember depictions of jazz in classic films, competition is always key. One trumpet player plays higher, faster, louder: he is crowned the New King of Jazz and the pretenders to the throne slink away into the night. Some of the greatest players saw the bandstand as a place where they could prove themselves Reigning Monarch. Wiser ones understand that harmony is the key: beautiful teamwork makes for beautiful music.
This friendly enlightenment was enacted in front of our eyes on Sunday morning, April 22, 2012, at the Atlanta Jazz Party — at an hour that most musicians only recognize under certain kinds of duress. But everyone played angelically. . . and brotherly love came out through their instruments. No cutting contest here between trumpeters Duke and Jon-Erik, friends for a long time, and the rest of the band followed suit:
An easy-rocking YELLOW DOG BLUES:
I GOT IT BAD — music for the ages:
TIGER RAG, not too fast:
Beyond category, beyond commentary, a community of eloquent souls.
May your happiness increase.
What a great group. Wonderful stuff!
Yes, Michael — sooo glad you were there and share this marvelous band with us — Chuck Redd keepin’ it all together.
Wonderful!~!! I could listen to this all night, Fabulous musicians Thank you NM
Marvelous! Thanks to your blog I know Duke Heitger and finally had a chance to hear him live in Europe this spring. Ofcourse that was marvelous too. My hapiness increased. May yours do so too.