Julliard Jazz Orch with Guest Conductor Jimmy Heath

The Julliard Orch continues its programming emphasis on arranging.  Wed evening featured the Bebop arrangers:  Tadd Dameron, Gill Fuller & Chico O'Farrill.  Bebop refers to jazz featuring a fast tempo,  that demonstrated virtuosity and improvisation.  The musical compositions had amazing virtuosity & improvised riffs.   I wouldn't describe the compositions as having a quick tempo.  It seemed to possess a smooth, languid rhythm, but what do I know?  I do know the Julliard Orch plays a superabundance  of jazz styles.  I want to applaud the pianist Jaehun Kang for his flourishes and outstanding solos. The program is unknown beforehand but is always a delightful, entertaining surprise.  There is always a guest conductor or artist who has mentored the band members.  Wed night featured jazz legend Jimmy Heath.  Heath turns 90 this year.  He is a renowned saxophonist, composer, arranger & big band leader.  Heath has worked & recorded with numerous jazz icons.  There may have been a little less pep in his step but it was a privilege to enjoy the maestro conduct and banter about the music.  His love for jazz, "America's own music" was infectious.  He was happy to be on stage & it was a joy to be in the Sharp theater.  My favorite pieces from the night were:  "That's Earl, Brother (Dizzy Gillespie) and Taboo (Bob Russell.)  And, of course "Without you, No Me" (To Dizzy)  composed & arranged by Jimmy Heath.