Wow, these Wednesday jazz nights are really packing a wallop!
We had a great time listening to Julius Rodriguez and the Big Beat, (a group previously known as Rodriguez’s New Jazz Messengers), to wit:
Liam Werner -- trumpet
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Ryan Park-Chan – saxophone
Isaiah Thompson – piano
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Nick Dunston – bass
Julius Rodriguez -- drums
The band played two sets with a wide variety of tunes, including Back Road, Windmill, Blue Daniel and several Rodriguez originals. The crowd roared for an encore and had they been able to get away with it in terms of clean up, most likely the quintet would have given at least two more songs after that.
Highlights musically included Thompson’s inventive, interactive comping style; Dunston’s soulful command of his poetic soloing trajectories; and Rodriguez’s fresh, light, tight, tidal wave drumming offered on a deep brown vintage Slingerland. The horns were also fantastic: Werner on trumpet and Park-Chan on sax are like brothers held by symmetry, yet each manages to be completely individualistic in approach. I also really love it when the group lets loose into the stratosphere, taking appropriate and quite edgy musical risks. They did a little more of this at the Union Baptist Church performance on March 14, 2014. I, for one, hope they continue to push over into the unknown even more—as a group, they seem to be poised on the edge of a big leap.
The Big Beat members are young and full of fire. I don’t know how old the others are, but I just found out that Julius is 15. As musicians, they are super capable, yet completely relaxed and not full of themselves at all. Given the hyper-narcissistic timbre that seems to characterize our nation of late, this is as refreshing as it is remarkable. SHORT VIDEO: http://youtu.be/4hii5d7qPDc
These guys tore it up without breaking a sweat. Anytime you get to see them, in any combination, with anyone, I urge you to RUN and get a good seat. You’ll be in for a positive and enriching experience--one that will fill you with hope, joy, good cheer and healing vibes.
FYI: Ryan Park-Chan, recipient of this year's Director's Award in the NYYS
Jazz program!
@NYYouthSymphony
Also, Julius kindly put up his summer schedule on his facebook page for us, and I’ve copied the rather long list below as well: https://www.facebook.com/jr1881
Saturday, June 21st, 7PM
Senakwami Music Institute
Rose Theatre @ Jazz at Lincoln Center
Sunday, June 22nd, 12-7PM
Estni
The African American Heritage Festival @ The Kensico Dam
Sunday June 29th, 5PM
Westchester Region ACT-SO Fundraiser
Alvin & Friends Restaurant, New Rochelle
www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com
Thursday, July 10th, 7PM
Orange Julius and the Big Beat
TDYCC Summer Jazz Series
Yosemite Park, Greenburgh, NY
Friday, July 11th, 6:30PM
Orange Julius and the Big Beat
Friday Night Jazz, Blues and More
For a list of all the free Wednesday concerts at Masters as part of the Mark Morganelli Jazz Forum Arts series: http://jazzforumarts.org/blog/free-summer-concerts/
DETAILS ON VENUE:
Once we figured out where to park (look for tiny yellow signs stuck in the grass), we had such a great time. The lawn at the Masters School in Dobbs is expansive and there are plenty of shade trees--plus there is a giant rock-filled labyrinth for kids to explore. There are restrooms, and a really beautiful mansion as a backdrop for the band. Picnics are allowed. Plus, and furthermore, all of your friends will be there.
