Jazz at Linc Ctr Orch, Chris Crenshaw's Compositions/Arrangements with Wynton on Trumpet

Chris Crenshaw (b Amer 1982) has been a tombonist for Jazz @ Linc Ctr since 2006.  Wynton Marsalis, world renown trumpet player, composer & arranger extraordinaire and founder of the Jazz @ Linc Ctr Orch has been delegating members within the orch to assume directing/arranging responsibilities.  These talented musicians given the opportunities to stretch their artistic gifts have broadened the scope of programs performed & encouraged artistic growth.  Last night was Crenshaw's time to shine in the spotlight.  It's apparent to all who fotunate to attend jazz programs at Linc Ctr, the orchestra is a joyous collaboration & camaraderie.  Marsalis' playing is arguably foremost in the world.  We were treated to the majesty of his trumpet playing on several short solos.  Nonetheless, Crenshaw was the ringmaster who led us through the 1st set dedicated to music composed by Gershwin, Coleman & Mulligan.  The 2nd set was all Christopher Crenshaw's music: "The Fifties: A Prism."  Crenshaw shared his insights to the jazz epoch of the 50's "a time when big bands were dispersing & legendary artists like Davis, Coltrane & Monk taking root."  The 1st set had a homogenous vibe of structured, sophisticated cool jazz compositions.  In the 2nd Set, Crenshaw's warmth & passion came through his diffidence with words.  "I got on A in school on this arrangement {Just A-Slidin'}and I think it still holds up."  (This elicited a chuckle from Wynton & the audience.)  He explained his composition  "Unorthodox Sketches" stretched beyond instrumentation & I had {bandmates} playing wind instruments they don't often play in our jazz arrangements."  Instruments introduced included 2 flutes, piccolo & bass clarinet and featured the oboe.  "I think the band enjoyed mixing things up as much as I did with the arrangements."  Featured guest artist was saxophonist Stantawn Kendrick; "2nd cousin" to Crenshaw.  My favorite piece to the exceptional evening was Crenshaw's "Cha-Cha Toda la Noche."  Wynton had this to say in our programs "Crenshaw is sprinkled with magic dust.  He can write an unbelievable arrangement in one night.  His arrangements and compositions are always so intelligent, pointed and so well-crafted."