Jazz at Lincoln Center The Centenniel Celebration of Buddy Rich

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Buddy Rich's birth.  Rich passed away in 1987 leaving a resounding legacy of jazz.  His omnipotent technical prowess & innovation on percussion have influenced & inspired great jazz artists & impact a whole new generations of musicians.  The Wynton Marsalis & The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orch performed a two part tribute to Buddy Rich.  The first set on the program contained jazz standards where Rich's drum playing generated the combustion of the composition.  The music was by greats Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Gershwin.  Other than the Gershwin's lovely ballad, "Somebody Loves Me," the entire set was lively & upbeat.  Guest artist Mike Rodriguez was featured on trumpet and returned in the 2nd set to play percussion.  Set II was a world premier, "Living Grooves: A World of Jazz Rhythm" all compositions & arrangements by Ali Jackson, drummer for the Jazz @ Linc Ctr Orch.  Jackson's music paid homage to Rich's strong & varied impact on numerous jazz styles.  The music carried Brazilian, Afro-Cuban & Detroi jazz cadences.  Jackson's incredible compositions highlighted the propulsive percussive beat of drums.  Wyton Marsalis had high praise for his talented musicians and for their compositional & arranging skills.  The triangle was dropped while being banged which didn't dent the energy & added a little levity to the enjoyment.  Jackson was the host for the evening sharing his knowledge & admiration of Rich.  Jackson let the 2nd play through after introducing their order & describing their styles.  Jackson's percussive sound came through and he wisely composed incredible trumpet solos for both Marsalis & Rodriguez.  The concert was an exceptional blend of Rich's 20th C sound and exciting new compositions.