Annual Jazz Concert Event - Essay Example

? Jazz concert review: Weekend of Jazz, Introduction Renowned jazz guitarist Earl Klugh hosted his annual jazz concert event from April 4 to 6 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs (Klugh 1). This is a five star hotel at the Kiawah Island offering executive entertainment and culinary delicacies. The jazz ensembles collectively performed more than 20 pieces from guest performers and the hosting artist that allowed the enthusiastic audience to experience the rich culture in jazz music. Live concerts are typical phenomenon in jazz music as a mode of connecting with consumers of their compositions. Popular culture in US has integrated complex social events in human interaction as the platform to socialize, share ideas and mentorship. In order to gain a clear perspective on jazz music, its significance in modern society and its characteristics a recently held jazz concert has been analyzed. This report offers a descriptive analysis the Weekend of Jazz annual concert from an audience perspective with the objective of gaining an external posting of jazz in popular culture. Weekend of Jazz Concert, April 4- 6, 2013 Live musical concert give deeper experience with the artistic compositions than listening through radio or television broadcast. Audience connects with words and instrumentation in the live event inspiring emotional feelings that relate to the intended effect by the composer of the song. Inspired by these ideas I attended the Colorado Springs Weekend of Jazz, CO, Kiawah Island, CS. A close friend who is jazz fan attended the last year event and had participated in January feedback survey by the event organizer (Klugh Earl 1). She won two tickets for the three night event which were previously rated at $ 199 per night per person for the executive stay at the villa. Other ticket packages include: three night accommodation at the sanctuary charged at $249 per night per person while those attending on two night package were charged slightly higher (Klugh 1). This event marketing strategy targeted promoting the hotel simultaneously by maximization of time spent within the facilities such as the sanctuary and an executive golf club. Offering free tickets to past visitors who participated in similar events attracted new visitors especially since it was the second year since its launch in 2004 that the concert was being held in Kiawah Island. Performing artist including guest were introduced on Thursday evening to the ecstatic audience before the start of the concert. They included popular names such as Al Jarreau, Roberta Flanck, Chris Botti, Bob James, Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis, Palti Austin, Geoff Gullante, Take 6 band, Fourplay and the host Earl Klugh. Besides being excellent vocalist these artists are accomplished instrumentalists (Klugh 1). Other host instrumentalist included David lee and Al Duncan on the keyboard, Al Turner on the bass, Ron Otis and Yonrico Scott behind the drums while Jeff Cox and Scott Glazer handled the acoustic bass (Klugh 1). It was clear from the start that the audience was in for an extreme jazz experience. The stage was set strategically at the core of the semicircular arrangement in the 500 capacity hall. The instrumentation of the introductory performances set the mood for the weekend with classical tunes of rendition records from famous jazz men such as Ellington and Aretha Franklin (Kramer, 10- 225). These records illustrated the in-depth appeal of jazz music as compositions meant to tell a story of the artist creativity. This genre of music remains highly dynamic due to its ability to incorporate several other genres without diminishing quality of content. Use of classical instruments is the masterpiece of jazz musicians. Piano, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass and drum have been replaced by modern instruments in other genres of music (Kramer 10- 225). This is not the case in Jazz which emphasis on the musical component of its production. Although all artists delivered their best for the concert some performers were outstanding due to their unique techniques that captured the audience attention. Take 6, Chris Botti, Geoff Gallante and Earl Klugh were such performers who were stylistically different allowing the audience to freely connect with the various sounds of Jazz that communicates to the soul. Take 6 is an upbeat group of melodious men who first performed together at Oakwood College in Alabama. The group consists of Claude McKnight, Alvin Chea, Mark Kibble, Joey Kibble, Cedric Dent and David Thomas (Take6 1). Mark plays the role of the de facto leader for the group that is signed with Warner Brother record label (Take6 1). The dynamic sextet has revolutionized their style throughout their career to achieve a style that demonstrates the changing face of modern music. Theirs is a fusion of a cappella and jazz creating a unique blend of creativity and talent. Although they initially intended to do gospel jazz, their work appeals to both secular and gospel audience because they have a message that is appropriate for everyone (Take6, 1). Application of harmonious vocals allows them to use their voices as instruments in painting the picture of the song. They blend together with extraordinary precision as they sung to the words of their creativity and talents. Chris Botti- multi platinum selling trumpeter who has achieved several Grammy awards in his career. His dedication to music has been noted by his commitment in live concerts and tours spending a record 300 days per year in same. His single status allows for increased flexibility to move across several states. He has perfume in the majority of states and cities in US and even in other countries in Europe. It was vivid from his presentations in the second day of the Weekend of Jazz concert that his style integrates both pop and Jazz in a unique fusion that express his experimental nature. His presence on stage lasted for close to an hour giving audience intriguing session of his classical touch on his trumpet and vintage standards on the violin soloist and vocalist in his band. A keen look at him manipulating the trumpet clearly revealed that he plays the trumpet with curved index centrally to common skill of using straight index. Botti associates this characteristic with his intrinsic motivation to try out new ideas and they work in his case. He is not a conservative Jazz purist allowing pop signature into his records. Botti closely resonated with the crowd during his performance of his original record A Thousand Kisses Deep which he produced in 2003. The instrumental version of this song set a romantic mood at the beginning. A piano, saxophone and violin alternated through the song. As the passion of the song built up, the texture changed within the song as the saxophone took the melody and piano and other instruments were in accompaniment. The rhythm remained relatively steady throughout the song reaching a climax towards the last stanza followed by a wave like dynamic instrumentation to moderate the tone until the song was concluded. When I Fall In Love was written by Chris Botti in 2004 in collaboration with other artist. Just like in the auto played version his presentation of this song featured more traditional classical sounds than the previous one. Mainly the trumpet, electric guitar and saxophone took turns in the melody and through its performance in solos. The texture remained moderately soft keeping up with the tone of the track. Botti used this song to showcase his musical talent to flexibly change from one high note to a lower note. The climax of his performance was during a record form his latest Impression album titled Per Te which translates to For You in English followed by You Are Not Alone. The crowd was ecstatic. The improvised jazz melody on the chord changes of the song playing allows spontaneous effect in the mood of the story being painted by the artist (Kramer 10- 225). Botti showcased his visceral technique in trumpeting during this presentation by playing to virtuosic content. During the second night of the event, the twelve year old Geoff Gallante led his quartet group in delivering standard jazz program. Though not notably missing in the list of performers of the day Geoff was allowed time to entertain the audience who requested to sample his extraordinary ability. Geoff has been credited for his amazing profile achievements at his age having performed as a guest soloist in US army jazz orchestra, US Capitol and is the youngest instrumentalist to be invited to play in the white house (Lachiever A 1-2). His amazing talent in trumpeting dint seizes to capture the attention of the audience who was captivated in the mood of the concert throughout the evening. In a display of his giftedness in manipulating the cornet, flugelhorn and the piano Geoff engaged the audience who sang along to some lines of his piece America the beautiful, Bye Bye black band and The Way You Looking Tonight (Lachiever A 1-2). His young age never seize to amaze winning admiration from the elated audience despite the presence of more experienced Jazz artist. Earl Klugh performed during the last of the Weekend of Jazz marking the climax of the event. Participants had been waiting for this point for the gifted guitarist to stage the stage and entertain them. The acoustic guitarist has worn 12 Grammy award earning him popularity in the jazz community especially to fans of his annual WOJ event (Klugh 1). He is respected for this event which is a significant in nurturing the classical culture of jazz where new talents can be championed and mentored by accomplished artists. The audience cheered as he walked to the stage to the backdrop of smooth instrumentation of his song The Toy Guitar (Klugh 1). Actually like the majority of those present, it’s difficult to clearly state what I enjoyed the most during his presentation. The facts that Earl played with much passion and made the song narrate his achievement or the fact that the instruments played in immense harmony inspiring temporary illusion of perfection. As an affirmation of his common title of ‘smooth jazz’ category Earl performed his signature Ocean Blue. The music blew listeners with his emotions that bore him heavy resemblance to pioneer jazz singers from the days of Duke Ellington (Kramer 10- 225). He displayed the elegant curves of the guitar demonstrating the close connection with the instrument. Accompanying instruments such as the keyboard and drums reinforced the significant impact of classical tools in jazz compositions. Earl has a way of connecting emotionally with his audience through his skillful manipulation of the instrument without interfering with singing (Klugh 1). When playing My Foolish Heart and Heart of My Life the smooth mood allowed romantic emotions taking the stakes higher for the concert (Klugh 1). The guitar and keyboard alternated as if to form a pattern of lovers smitten by love. Although these two songs were presented within 15 minutes, the mood inside the auditorium hall made it seem like time stagnated for a while. Ability to resonate with listeners was appropriate for the event mission of creating unique lifestyle entertainment that replenishes emotional vitality. At this point the crowd which had been seated most of the weekend was standing and cheering to performers. Earl’s impeccable guitarist techniques reflected the commitment by jazz artist in perfecting their instrumental skills in enriching their musical compositions. The crowd was cheering even as he sent his vote of thanks wishing the experience could be extended. Other performers in the concert included the legendary pianist Bob James; with his super group Foul play featuring Harvey Mason, Nathan East and Chuck Loeb. The ensemble presentations were enjoyable full of great music and intellectually stimulating experiences of music. Diversity in jazz fusion was clearly represented through the concert which gave a sense of the future of this genre of music. From this experience at the concert, one would be inspired to gain a deeper understanding of jazz culture and its place in modern American society. Unlike other categories of popular music jazz is natively American having originated from New Orleans. Emphasis of the role of music instruments to enhance the quality and value of artistic work is evident in all jazz records and concerts. This genre is considered to be complex especially to modern day artist due to perfectionist approach to recording and consistence in presentation. Though jazz was originally dominated by African American inclusiveness has seen this music gain acceptance among other ethnic sections in the society (Kramer 10- 225). However it continues to appeal to the inner being by creating harmony though vocal components of the compositions. Its significance can be noted in its dynamism through constant improvisation that immortalizes of musical pieces (Kramer 10- 225). The ability of jazz music to narrate a story demands keenness on instrument usage and vocal abilities of the performer. This genre continues to place social issues among American native communities that may not gain attention of mainstream media. Culture conservation allows younger generations appreciate the value and richness of their ancestral communities and freedom to express self (Kramer 10- 225). Use of live events is a long tradition of jazz culture which unites performers in different ability levels allowing for the nurturing of young talents and idea sharing among accomplished artist. Soloist performers showcasing their skills while maintaining collaboration and team work onstage to create the mood of ongoing show rather than individual performers. Event organizing could be challenging due to social dynamism of people involved and resource constrains. Advance preparation is recommended as was the case of the Weekend of Jazz event which plans for their concerts within a year in advance. Venue selection should be done appropriately putting into consideration target participants and market projections. Online ticket sales and offering discounts are some marketing strategies flexible to reaching a wider market and working convenience. Business collaboration between event organizer, artist and hotels lowers cost of holding concerts on mutual benefit agreement Conclusion Every music genre has its origin and significance in the society. Richness is expressed through the use of instruments and vocalist that bring out the harmonious melody connecting with listeners. Live events add value to content allowing the audience to follow through the use of gestures, body movements and symbols in expressing the intended meaning of the song customizing it to fit their context. Modern jazz has been fused with other categories such as pop, gospel, souls and blues increasing diverse variety that performers can adopt to express their personality and creating contents paint their creative story. An artist is more like to achieve outstanding achievement when performing within his skills, talent stretch limits. Work cited Dorset. A guide to organizers of small event. Dorset County Council, 2010 Klugh, Earl. Weekend of Jazz The Broadmoor viewed on 11th April 11, 2013 at http://www.weekendofjazz.com/broadmoor , 2013 Kramer, Elena. The importance of Jazz music in Toni Morrison Jazz. GRIN Verlag, 2009 Lachiever A. Geoff Gallante-11 year old trumpet Genius. Trumpet Herald Sonny Music Entertainment, 2013, Chris Botti viewed on 11th April 11, 2013 at http://www.chrisbotti.com/us/home , 2012 Take6. Take 6 viewed at http://www.take6.com/ , 2013 Read More