Terence Blanchard @ the Jazz Standard

Finally the heat wave in NYC broke Saturday and I celebrated listening to some cool jazz performed by Terence Blanchard at the Jazz Standard. Blanchard, best known for his film scoring is also an established Broadway composer.  In the Jazz World he is heralded for his trenchant trumpet playing.  His quintet was comprised of gifted musicians and composers:  Brice Winston on sax, Kendrick Scott on drums and Cuban jazz pianist Fabian Almazan; a jazz virtuoso.  Bass player, Joshua Crumbly's soulful bass playing was mesmerizing.  Crumbly, is 20 and a student at Julliard under the tutelage of Ron Carter.  I've already sung high praise for the jazz students @ Julliard, our next generation of great jazz performers.  The music was cool, mellow and sexy.  The Jazz Standard is connected to Danny Meyer's Blue Smoke restaurant so the audience can order from their full menu.  My big complaint was the 45 min wait to be seated.  The doors open @ 8:45PM for the 9:30PM set.  I have as much tolerance for standing in line as a princess sleeping on a pea.  However, this parsimonious princess was pleasantly surprised that the $35 coverage does not require any other drink/food minimum.  Once the gig got under way I  was mellowed to nirvana by the fabulous jazz played in a comfortable and intimate setting.  Blanchard thanked the audience by bowing his head, hands in prayer, "namaste."