Jazz and the New Songbook: Live at the Madrid is a vibrant and eclectic celebration of jazz music, featuring an array of contemporary musicians from around the world. Filmed at the Madrid Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, the concert showcases the talents of both seasoned jazz veterans and up-and-coming stars, each bringing their own unique voice and vision to the genre.
With its mix of old and new, Jazz and the New Songbook captures the essence of jazz as a living and evolving art form, one that continues to inspire and challenge musicians and audiences alike. The concert opens with a rousing rendition of Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," setting the tone for a night of high-energy performances and improvisation.
Throughout the concert, the musicians explore a wide range of jazz styles and influences, from classic swing and bebop to modern fusion and world music. Each artist brings their own distinctive sound and approach to the music, creating a rich and diverse tapestry of styles and sounds.
One of the standout performances of the night comes from jazz violinist Regina Carter, who performs a haunting and soulful version of the traditional song "Shoo-Rye." Carter's virtuosic playing and emotive phrasing capture the essence of the blues, revealing the deep roots of jazz music in African American history and culture.
Another highlight of the concert is the performance by Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, who infuses his playing with the rhythmic complexity and melodic richness of his native land. His performance of "Ay, Mamá Inés" is a tour-de-force of Latin jazz, showcasing his virtuosity and creativity as an improviser and composer.
Other notable performances include the kinetic and playful drumming of Mark Guiliana, the soulful saxophone of Joshua Redman, and the lyrical and expressive vocals of Gretchen Parlato. Each musician brings their own unique voice and personality to the music, creating a dynamic and engaging concert experience.
The concert is also a testament to the power of collaboration, as the musicians frequently join forces in ensemble performances that showcase their improvisational skills and musical chemistry. These moments of collective creativity and unity underscore the spirit of jazz as a collaborative and democratic art form, one that thrives on the interplay of individual voices and perspectives.
One of the most memorable ensembles of the night is the group performance of "Ain't Misbehavin'," with all of the musicians coming together to pay tribute to the classic jazz standard. The performance is a joyful and exuberant celebration of the music and its enduring legacy, showcasing the vitality and relevance of jazz in the 21st century.
Overall, Jazz and the New Songbook: Live at the Madrid is a must-see for any jazz fan or music lover. With its diverse and dynamic performances, the concert captures the essence of jazz as a vital and evolving art form, one that continues to inspire and challenge musicians and audiences alike. From swing to fusion, from Latin to blues, the concert is a celebration of the rich and varied history of jazz music, and a testament to its enduring appeal and relevance in the modern world.
Jazz and the New Songbook: Live at the Madrid is a 2005 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes.
