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Jelly Roll Morton Front and (Lincoln) Center
ByThe full breadth and scope of Morton's talentshis multiple syncopations, latin-textured musical voyaging, innovative instrumental voicings, and original stride pianismhave rarely received all-inclusive treatment but the JALC spectacular came close. And Morton's many times ridiculed ego has often resulted in wasteful pejorative commentary but Wynton Marsalis quickly got past that controversy by underscoring Morton's intellectual and creative singularity.
At the September 15th show regular JALC orchestra pianist Dan Nimmer began matters by introducing guest ivory virtuosi Aaron Diehl, Sullivan Fortner, Micah Thomas, and Joel Wenhardt each of whom recalled Morton's keyboard genius with improvisational excursions that had the audience shaking their heads in wonder. Rarely heard Morton tunes such as "Mr. Joe," "Ganjam," "Grandpa's Spells," and "The Pearls" were juxtaposed with standard Jelly Roll triumphs"Black Bottom Stomp," "Sidewalk Blues," "King Porter Stomp," and "Jelly Roll Blues" (often cited as the first published jazz composition in 1905) -adding to the intrigue of Morton's far-reaching pen. An evening highlight was "Burnin' the Iceberg" arranged by a contemporary New Orleans Creole Victor Goines which featured playful trades from Marsalis and baritone saxophonist Paul Nedzela.
The ensemble muscianship and improvisational soloing of the JALC band has never been better. All of the usual suspects contributedMarcus Printup, Ted Nash, (whose arrangement of "Black Bottom Stomp" was symphonic in scope) Carlos Henriquez, Sherman Irby, Vincent Gardner, Marion Felder, Walter Blandingall parading their prescient ideas. And it is always gratifying to see the old master Marsalis sitting in the rear of the band preferring that attention be given to his sidemen up front. He has been JALC artistic director since its inception and his leadership has been formidable.
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New York Beat
Nick Catalano
Jelly Roll Morton
Winton Marsalis
Dan Nimmer
Aaron Diehl
Sullivan Fortner
Micah Thomas
Joel Wenhardt
Victor Goines
Paul Nedzela
Marcus Printup
Ted Nash
Carlos Henriquez
Sherman Irby
Vincent Gardner
Marion Felder
Walter Blanding