My Uncle Dick was hardly a hip dude. In fact, he may be the squarest person I've ever known. But one time, even though being mean to rock music (the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to be specific) he exclaimed that jazz was "better than that rock n roll". And to be honest I do not disagree with his opinion though I'd be more like jazz and rock are the best equally. Jazz has always been my go-to. When I'm hearing Miles or Coltrane or Basie or Roach or Dizzy I go into a different world without the artificial means. Jazz is something totally surprising and even the musicians can't tell you what's going to happen.
Now most music freaks will tell you they saw the Dead 66 times (me never) or Springsteen 46 times (me 5 times) or Phish 33 times (me once) or Pearl Jam 25 times (me 4 times) but my most seen act is Wynton Marsalis and a quartet or his Lincoln Center Orchestra at 9 times. His demeanor is humble, yet you can see he is THE leader of this orchestra consisting of a stable lineup of the best jazz musicians out there.
Wynton is retiring next year so his appearance at the Lied Center in Lincoln was his last. I do not know if the orchestra goes on but if it does, trombonist Chris Crenshaw, or saxophonist Sherman Isby, or trumpet player, Marcus Pointer, seem like successors to the best leader you can have, Wynton Marsalis.
Marsalis' band played two sets of about 45 minutes each, playing standards and originals and every second was every bit of jubilance that the packed house made it. Constant applause for the solos, the cohesion and the atmosphere.
Among the local references was a Chris Crenshaw original dedicated to ex Husker quarterback Tommie Frazier (complete with a Go Big Red chant) and the presentation to Marsalis of a distinguished fellow of the Lied and a Husker jersey with his name on it. He seemed genuinely moved by it.
Shout outs to sax player Alexa Tarantino who plowed through solos though visibly pregnant. To pianist Dan Nimmer for keeping the groove. To bassist Carlos Henriquez and drummer Oben Calviere for keeping the train moving. This is great stuff and you either get it or you don't.
So Long Wynton Marsalis. Thanks for the memories.
