How do we define virtuosity? Is it blinding technical skill, amazing displays of bravado, playing higher, faster, in ways that dizzy and delight? Sometimes, perhaps. I think Louis’ 250 high C’s in performances in the early Thirties must have delighted audiences. But the true virtuosity (to me) is subtler, quieter, more subversive: Louis’ melody statement and solo on THAT’S FOR ME comes to mind. Dear and deep melodic improvisations that stick in the mind as much as the original song; tone and touch that come to us with the sweet clarity and intensity of beloved voices; unerring yet relaxed swing.
The three performances offered here are perfectly virtuosic, although the general approach is spiritual rather than calisthenic, people playing for the happiness of the band rather than for the loudest applause.
Five people joined forces on the spot — not an organized band — at the 2015 Atlanta Jazz Party: Russ Phillips, Dan Barrett, trombone; Rossano Sportiello, piano; Nicki Parrott, string bass; Ed Metz, drums.
I’ve already posted this quintet’s made-fresh-while-you-wait masterpiece, improvisations on Artie Shaw’s blues line for his Gramercy Five, SUMMIT RIDGE DRIVE, but it bears repeated watching and listening:
Lovely in a blue haze, but with a swing: MOOD INDIGO:
And EAST OF THE SUN, which Professor Barrett explicates for us as preface to the glorious cosmological explorations:
These cozy virtuosi (thanks to Cole Porter) indeed.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 