Julliard Jazz Orch with Guest Conductor Vince Giordano

The 1st Julliard Jazz Orch concert was last night with guest conductor Vince Giordano, starring the 18 member orch. featuring jazz compositions from the 1920's & 30's arranged by Chalis, Durham & Redman.  Special attention is being directed towards the art of arranging; a vital & versatile skill that hones adaptability, creativity and camaraderie.  Grammy winning conductor & instrumentalist Victor Giordano entertained both the audience & the students regaling humorous anecdotes from his performing days where spontaneous arrangings saved the gig & the day.  He praised the student's for their musical arrangements based on famous recordings by Count Basie, George Gershwin & Rodgers & Hart.  The musical numbers were all upbeat, high energy & varied in style from ragtime to big band sounds.  The fun apparent on stage in playing was infectious.  I expected bubbles to flow on stage.  Two students lent their vocals to "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You and "Tain't So, Honey, Tain't So." The students playing wind instruments, performed on multiple horns.  The pianist Joel Wenhardt and trumpet player Enrique Sanchez were exceptionally good.  The concert was a pleasing night that portends an exciting year ahead.