Julliard Jazz Artist Diploma Ensemble Perform Early Masters of Jazz

The Diploma Ensemble consists of jazz artists who've earned degrees from Julliard.  Last night's program was a tribute to the early masters of Jazz:  Buddy Bolden, Sideney Bechet and of course, the great Louis Armstrong.  The ensemble comprised a jazz pianist, bass player, drummer, clarinetist, trombonist and trumpet player.  The trumpet player's solos were strong and nuanced.  The trombone player added his vocals to Bolden's "Careless Love" and the trumpet player sang in part to Armstrong's "Heebie Jeebies."  Their singing wouldn't land them gigs but it provided mirth to their numbers.  Bolden, Bechet and Armstrong (the most pivotal & influential figure in jazz) were all artists credited with 1st establishing the Amer artform of jazz.  Bolden was a trumpet player & composer (b. 1877-1931.)  Unfortunately, his playing was never recorded.  (Interesting tidbits of info are shared by the performers.)  The program had an early ragtime, jazzy blues sound.  The horn instruments used mute caps which made the trebling wah wah wah sounds.  Bechet (b. 1897-1959) is considered one of the 1st notable jazz saxophon players.  The stirring program comprised of music originated in the US (primarily New Orleans) is still revered a century later.  The light hearted, thigh slapping music had one short somber composition written as a funeral march "Nearer My God to Thee."  The program of early masters of jazz had the power to evoke joy & sorrow and laid a foundation for the evolving & thriving artform of jazz.