On Friday, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performed a set of Duke Ellington classics at Symphony Hall. This concert focused on Ellington’s African-influenced pieces, ranging from his Togo Brava Suite to his partner-in-crime Billy Strayhorn’s Purple Gazelle.
The performance consisted of synchronized ensemble playing and expressive soloistic moments, which contributed to a stellar performance from the whole band, but particularly for young members Alexa Tarantino and Chris Lewis.
The orchestra, led by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, is world-renowned for being one of the premier modern jazz ensembles. Originally starting in the late 1980s, the orchestra has grown to fame not only due to its performances, but also because of the Essentially Ellington Competition, where high school bands across the country showcase their skills at Lincoln Center.
The orchestra has been a huge success and has kept the big band tradition of jazz alive. HHS student and jazz fan Casey Salerno says, “It’s cool how they’re reviving the music of such an important artist (Ellington) and how they’re doing so much for the style.”
The concert itself started out slowly with a few selections from Ellington’s African suites, setting the mood for an explosive second half. The Togo Brava Suite was a remarkable performance due to its shifting moods and notable solos from the virtuosic musicians such as Marcus Printup on trumpet, Alexa Tarantino on flute, Chris Lewis on tenor saxophone and clarinet, and Elliot Mason on trombone.
However, one of the most remarkable things about this particular performance was the young leadership displayed by Tarantino and Lewis. Traditionally, the leaders of the band have been veteran members Marsalis and Sherman Irby, but it seems that they are now passing on the torch to the younger generation.
Senior Anthony Ricci, an attendee of the concert, remarks, “It’s amazing to see Wynton Marsalis, who has been a connector of eras during his life, continue to nourish the jazz tradition through his guidance and dedication in the orchestra. The positions of leadership that Alexa Tarantino and Chris Lewis have stepped into reflect the amazing influence Wynton has had on younger generations, while also displaying the inspiring future of the Lincoln Center.”
A fitting end to the incredible concert was Marsalis and his compatriots, Dan Nimmer (piano), Carlos Henriquez (upright bass), and Obed Calvaire (drums) playing an energetic encore after the set was finished and the band left the stage.
Marsalis’ energy and love towards the music is infectious, and by passing on his responsibility to the orchestra to younger players, he’s moving the music forward to future generations. Although the band may look different in a few years, it’s safe to say that it’s in good hands.
