Juilliard Jazz Ensembles "The Music of Miles Davis"

The marvelous tribute by The Julliard Jazz Ensembles to the music of the legendary Miles Davis was a joyous celebration by both the Dizzy Gillespie Ensemble and The Dave Brubeck Ensemble last night at Paul Hall.  The Gillsepsie Ensemble was a quintet of talented jazz students which featured an alto sax, trumpet, trombone, bass, piano & drums.  Bass player/arranger Adam Olszewski was the only musician who performed for both Ensembles.  The Brubeck Ensemble was a sextet adding Jasim Perales on trombone.  Perales performance was rich in tonal nuances & syncopation.  Both groups featured phenomenal jazz pianists who sat in on different pieces.  Joel Wenhardt wearing a colorful Rastafari hat donned extra hats playing amazingly on the Steinway piano and electric keyboard.  He also played them simultaneously.  Wenhardt did the arranging for 'Swing Spring' giving it a hypnotic & relaxing version.  Pianist Andrea Domenici played & arranged Davis' 'Flamenco Sketches'.  This was my favorite selection of the evening.  It was a seductive & sensual ballad.  The Brubeck Ensemble performed after the intermission.  I'm glad to note the audience stayed to listen on this cold evening.  Cool jazz seemed the anecdote to warm up the evening.  The warmth & camaraderie on stage amongst the musicians is always heartening to see and the amazing musical talents of these students was remarkable.  Wynton Marsalis, world-renowned trumpeter, composer & educator spent time working with the students.  He's also transitioned some of the Juilliard students into his Jazz Orch. at Lincoln Center.  The musical program performed by the Brubeck Ensemble was too similar in tempo/style from one number to the other.  'The Circle' was the highlight from their offerings.  It  highlighted each of the musicians in their solos.  Helen Sung is the resident coach for the Brubeck Ensemble.  Sung has worked with artists Ron Carter & Wayne Shorter. Elio Villafranco (b Cuba) pianist & composer is the resident coach for the Gillespie Ensemble.   Villafranca received a Grammy Nomination in 2010 for best Latin jazz album and in 2008 'Jazz Corner' was nominated him as pianist of the year.  Look for the Juilliard students to be amongst future Grammy winners.  Also, look for the next Julliard Jazz Orchestra performance on February 21st at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater.