Paquito D'Rivera Jazz @ Lincoln Center

Paquito D'Rivera & his orchestra performed in the Allen Room overlooking Columbus Circle,  "Charlie Parker with Strings."  D'Rivera is a Cuban born, Latin jazz legend.  His music is a jazz fussion of  Latin, blues & classical music.  His lush orchestra, in addition to a another saxophonist, jazz pianist, bass player. clarinetist & drummer, combined 6 violinists, 2 violists,  2 cellists & a harpist.  D'Rivera was in a very jocular mood & shared with us  "I love the harp, I was married to a harpist, for about 9 months."  His love & admiration for Charlie Parker was far longer lasting than this marriage.  "All tributaries of contemporary jazz expression lead back to alto saxophone giant Carlie {Bird} Parker, whose inventions have been paying all jazz musician's rents for the the last 50 years."  D'Rivera the jazz arranger-composer, saxophonist extraordinaire, performed for us classic jazz standards surrounded by string arrangements giving everything a classical, Latin twist.  What he didn't give us, were many Parker compositions or arrangements which left me baffled.  Though confused as to the misrepresented tribute, I took great plseasure in the toe-tapping, rhythmic blend of jazz, Latin & classical sounds.  For those critical purests who felt slighted,  I say "Tico-Tico," (D'Rivera) - I found the entire program, "Easy to Love," (Porter.)  Furthermore, being a purest is limiting & the poorest way to appreciate the best of what jazz has to offer.