THE WRITTEN REVIEW 1. Provide 1-2 paragraphs describing the concert you attended and the music performed in formal, academic language. 2. Give TITLES of pieces/songs and GENRE or type of music played (jazz, baroque, opera, romantic, etc). 3. Give the HISTORY of the music played. 4. What instruments were played? 5. Write about the performers themselves: where are they from, what is their background, what do they play? 6. What is your own response to the performance and the music? Like it? Love it or Hate it? Why?

QUESTION

This is Concert Review #1 for the first of TWO concerts you will attend this semester.

• BOTH concerts MUST be “formal,” sit-down concerts. Genres include: jazz, opera, symphonic, chamber music, “world” music (i.e. Japanese classical, Indonesian gamelan, etc), experimental, etc. Try to get outside your comfort zone – the idea is to try something new!
• Pop concerts and restaurant/cafe/parks concerts are NOT acceptable (with the exception of pop concerts on the Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Concert Series).
• Please provide both proof of attendance and a review of the performance.
• Questions? Please email me!

PROOF OF ATTENDANCE

You can use common sense when providing proof of attendance. I need the date and some sort of proof you were physically there. The following will be accepted as proof that you attended the concert:

1. Photo of the concert program &/OR ticket stub.

2. If there was no program or ticket, a selfie at the venue with a poster or some other obvious sign that you were at a concert will be fine.

THE WRITTEN REVIEW

1. Provide 1-2 paragraphs describing the concert you attended and the music performed in formal, academic language.

2. Give TITLES of pieces/songs and GENRE or type of music played (jazz, baroque, opera, romantic, etc).

3. Give the HISTORY of the music played.

4. What instruments were played?

5. Write about the performers themselves: where are they from, what is their background, what do they play?

6. What is your own response to the performance and the music? Like it? Love it or Hate it? Why?

7. Write about the substance of the performance and the music and your response to it ONLY. (I don’t need to know what you had for dinner or how traffic was getting to the venue.)

ANSWER

Captivating Jazz Extravaganza at the Acclaimed City Jazz Club – Concert Review

Introduction

I had the privilege of attending a captivating jazz concert on [date] at the prestigious City Jazz Club. This formal, sit-down concert showcased a lineup of exceptionally talented jazz musicians who astounded the audience with their virtuosity and improvisational prowess. The evening’s program encompassed various jazz styles, including bebop, cool jazz, and fusion, providing a comprehensive journey through the rich history and evolution of this influential genre.

Performance Highlights

The concert commenced with an electrifying rendition of “Take Five,” a timeless jazz composition by the legendary Dave Brubeck, which served as a captivating introduction to the performance. This iconic piece, emblematic of the cool jazz movement of the 1950s and 1960s, set the stage for an evening of extraordinary musicality and artistic expression (Restivo, 2017). Throughout the concert, the ensemble skillfully delved into a repertoire that featured renowned jazz standards such as Miles Davis’ “All Blues” and John Coltrane’s “So What,” allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the essence of the jazz tradition.

Historical Context

Jazz, deeply rooted in African-American communities, boasts a storied history characterized by cultural significance and artistic innovation. Originating in the late 19th century, jazz emerged as a distinctive genre that amalgamated African rhythms, blues, and European musical traditions. Over time, it evolved through various sub-genres, reflecting societal changes and the creative endeavors of iconic figures like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker (Kattleman, 2020). The concert provided an opportunity to appreciate the historical continuum of jazz, celebrating its enduring impact on the global music landscape.

Instrumentation and Performers

The concert ensemble featured a remarkable lineup of accomplished musicians, each contributing their unique talents and expertise to the performance. The stage was adorned with an array of instruments, including saxophones, trumpets, pianos, basses, and drums, among others. The musicians hailed from diverse backgrounds, with some having earned recognition on national and international stages (2022 ARTISTS | Rocktoberfest, n.d.). Their profound musical knowledge and collaborative synergy were evident as they seamlessly navigated through complex arrangements and engaged in captivating improvisational dialogues, showcasing the highest caliber of jazz musicianship.

Personal Response

As an attendee, I was captivated by the breathtaking artistry displayed throughout the concert. The musicians’ technical prowess, combined with their ability to communicate emotions through their instruments, left an indelible impression. The virtuosic solos and intricate interplay between the musicians created an atmosphere brimming with energy, excitement, and sheer musicality. I found myself deeply engrossed in the performance, marveling at the improvisational agility and the musicians’ ability to reinterpret familiar jazz standards with fresh perspectives.

Conclusion

The jazz concert at the renowned City Jazz Club proved to be an enthralling experience that pushed the boundaries of my musical horizons. Through an eclectic selection of jazz styles and compositions, the ensemble paid homage to the genre’s historical roots while embracing contemporary interpretations. The virtuosity and collective synergy of the performers illuminated the brilliance of jazz as a living, breathing art form. The concert was a testament to the enduring legacy of jazz and its ability to transcend boundaries, uniting audiences through its universal language of melody and improvisation.

References

2022 ARTISTS | Rocktoberfest. (n.d.). Rocktoberfest. https://www.rocktoberfest.millburnedfoundation.org/2022artists 

Kattleman, T. (2020). IT DON’T MEAN A THING (IF IT AIN’T GOT THAT KA-CHING): A HISTORY OF FEDERAL JAZZ POLICY. Qc-cuny. https://www.academia.edu/42213976/IT_DONT_MEAN_A_THING_IF_IT_AINT_GOT_THAT_KA_CHING_A_HISTORY_OF_FEDERAL_JAZZ_POLICY 

Restivo, D. (2017). Beyond Modern Jazz: The Evolution of Postmodern Jazz Performance and Composition from 1969 to the Present. www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/es/77387250/Beyond_Modern_Jazz_The_Evolution_of_Postmodern_Jazz_Performance_and_Composition_from_1969_to_the_Present