Wynton Marsalis!

 Who have I seen the most in concert? Its Wynton Marsalis. I would go every single day to watch this guy and his Lincoln Center Orchestra because jazz changes every time you see it.

Marsalis appeared in Lincoln on a Sunday afternoon in front of what looked like a packed house of olds, youngs, blacks and whites, males and females and jazz fans and not jazz fans (who became one if they had any taste). Marsalis knew that a substantial of young folks had showed up because he abruptly changed the set from mostly old stuff from Duke Ellington and McCoy Tyner to more updated jazz arranged by the younger members of his band.

I love jazz. It's actually my favorite music because of its spontaneity AND self-indulgence. But Wynton Marsalis transcends all that with his humility and obvious love he has for his band members. Every single band member got a chance to shine and as they knocked the solos out of the park, Wynton sat back and bopped along with a proud papa face. 

Long time band member Sherman Irby, a great sax and flute player, shined for me as he always does. Trombonist Chris Crenshaw shines with not only playing and versatility he also brought out the tuba for one jam, then was the butt of a joke for not reappearing fast enough after dropping the tuba off backstage. His deadpan eye roll was perfect. 

The trumpet section is top notch with Wynton and longtime collaborators Ryan Kisor, Marcus Printup and Kenny Rapton. These guys all got time to soar and as always, they did.

The engine is the rhythm section led by bassist Carlos Enriquez, drummer Obed Calvaire and pianist Dan Nimmer (whose constant tapping feet fascinated me). They keep the orchestra going full steam.

I loved every second of it as I always do. Though the band members are the same, the show changes and to the full house at the Lied Center, it's a 90-minute toe tapping good time.