SPACES by W Marsalis with Jazz Orch and Dancers Jared Grimes and Lil Buck-SPECTACULAR

Last night Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Linc Ctr Orch performed SPACES, a copilation of compositions by Marsalis that personify animal's sounds & characteristics.  The extraordinary dancers/

choreographers Jared Grimes (Bwy "After Midnight") and Lil Buck ("The Swan" with Yo Yo Ma) became the animals with their mesmerizing moves and fleet footwork.  Marsalis is one of today's most influential jazz composer/arranger & musician.  Listening to Marsalis music (and his witty, informative banter with the audience & his band) is always enjoyable.  He is carries the genius of prior jazz legends into the future.  The lobby outside Rose Theater has an illustrious display which pays homage to these legendary jazz artists.  Marsalis' described SPACES as "an animal ballet."  The 10 named animal pieces were jazzy renditions that captured the sounds and syncopations associated with: frogs, chickens, bees, snakes and other diminutive & humongous animals alike.   The concert was an exhilirating & exciting anthropomorphic performance; the music combined with the incredibly talented dancers embodied the essence of each animal.  I would have gladly stayed longer into the evening.   Alas, the physical demands on the dancers rendered it impossible for them to dance all night.  I encourage everyone to hear Marsalis & the Jazz Orch at Linc Ctr.  And, run to any dance performance by either Jared Grimes or Lil Buck.  SPACES was a thrilling  evening of jazz, tap, hip-hop and improvisation.  SPACES will be at the top of list for my favorite list for 2016 and that's no April fools joke.