Legends and young lions come together for a concert that lovingly pays tribute to John Coltrane and the music of his time. Coltrane created some of the most innovative and expressive music in Jazz history. Having worked with countless jazz musicians over the years, drummer Jimmy Cobb is probably most renowned for his contribution on Miles Davis’ recording of Kind of Blue. The evening’s program will include the music of Coltrane plus original material from the ensemble.
“There’s a moment on Miles Davis’ ‘stella by Starlight” in 1958 that crystallizes drummer
Jimmy Cobb’s brilliance. Jimmy’s seamless
change from wispy brushes behind Miles to solid wood rim shots to support Coltrane completely
changes the mood and energy level of the standard” (Jazz Wax). More Information
Good, solid performance from seasoned pros, who played it safe, avoiding more interesting Coltrane compositions. There was little urgency or edge to their playing, pretty much just another gig for them.
The performance took me back to a memory of the Blue Note and other clubs in NY in the mid-sixties. The piano really took off on the love ballad– very sweet. But, overall, a young sax man played yesterday’s music with technique, not heart. It was a tribute to an artist who made enough music magic to have anyone backing him wake up and spark.
Of course, hearing jazz in a school auditorium is a sort of school concert experience and will never compare to the intimacy of getting in the groove with performers up close. Bring back the Top of the Marriot venue. If this century wants its jazz in concert form, it’s missing something.
A treat to see George Cables as well as Jimmy Cobb. They have brought us a lot of music over the years!!!!
Lovely and inspiring!
It was a great show! We loved the blend of musicians and Jimmy Cobb was awesome!
What a great performance! Jimmy Cobb beyond did not disappoint, George Cable’s piano was magical, Javon Jackson was a stellar musician with a stunning smile and Nat Reeve’s last minute fill in was seamless. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Thank you for bringing this kind of talent to the FAC, both to further high school and UMass students’ teaching and learning experiences and to brighten all of our nights.
Bravo to all for a truly sublime experience. The musicians on stage were beyond compare in today’s world. As a jazz player, teacher, and one who fully appreciates the history of The Art, I take exception to comments of those before me. “Play it safe” ?? There’s nothing safe about the changes to Giant Steps or the veritable Great Plains of Impressions at mm 300. The playing that ‘I’ heard was ferocious, going-for-the-jugular playing, especially from Jimmy Cobb. I am SO deeply honored and thankful that I AND my students were there for such a beautiful moment in time. It was a BRILLIANT idea to put this show together, giving so many students a very real touchstone to jazz history. I, on a personal note, was able to witness Jimmy Cobb shaking my son’s hand – a moment that I will cherish forever. My heartfelt thanks to those who made this happen. BRAVO!!!
I thought it was a brilliant concert all told. I play tenor sax, and found Javon Jackson’s tenor to be rich, expressive, by someone who understood the passionate dynamics of Coltrane’s structure, his experimentations. Jackson had a brilliant musician’s grasp of what he could do with Coltrane’s legacy, bringing in some of Coltrane’s phrases and sound while playing his own tenor as well. Hard to do and he did it.. Jimmy Cobb was an inspiration, his steady beat and drum and cymbal work were just exceptional, never mind that he is over 80 years old. He did not just “show up” for the gig: he was fully present. Nat Reeves was the biggest surprise for me. His bass lines were so creative and musically sophisticated: he did not miss a change in the whole evening, and he worked especially well with Jimmy Cobb. A pro’s pro. Lastly, george Cables laid down perfect changes as well as marvelous, soulful, rich solos on the big Steinway. He is a terrific pianist, and held the group together throughout the evening.
But most of all, I was very pleased that the concert showed the UMass and High School musicians how to really listen to each other’s playing, how to play together, which was the essence of Adderley, Coltrane, Miles, Cobb. The whole was greater than the sum of its parts.
We Four was brilliant at the UMass-Amherst FAC! All four of the seasoned musicians who graced the stage are lions and they all delivered their talents and prowess with mighty roars! Jimmy Cobb is a timeless, ageless legend on drums and tonight’s playing proved it! Nat Reeves was a great partner in time for Cobb and his experience shined in his playing as well. George Cables kept the melody going and show-cased his own talent and experience in the process. Javon Jackson, the fearless leader was top notch! Jackson is the real deal of a modern day Coltrane who can emulate and re-create such a legend. Jackson’s sound, pitch, attack, delivery, improvisations, and nuances make this guy a Tenor Sax Star! Jackson’s leadership abilities are effortless and naturally flow. Javon Jackson’s \We Four\ should become an annual event at the FAC to commemorate the birthday or anniversary of the death of John Coltrane. FAC should also bring Javon Jackson back with any of the other projects that this guy is leading. Jackson is a terrific tenor talent who warrants rolling gigs on every jazz venue’s roster. Bring him back!!!
we loved mariachi! they were so energetic and uplifting–just as much “happy music” as the polish group’s earlier this season that we loved so much. viva mariachi!