Juilliard Jazz Orch Performs the Music of Ted Nash

Yesterday NYC had record breaking temperatures in the 70's which brought people into the streets & parks by the throngs.  I don't know what went wrong, but the usually packed Peter Sharp Theater when the Juilliard Jazz Orch is perfuming is full.   Sadly, it was mostly vacant.  Perhaps, people are away for the holiday week.  For those in town & chose to attend, the students gave an outstanding performance.  The evening's program was dedicated to the music of Ted Nash.  Nash was born 1960 into a legendary jazz family.  He followed into his family's musical jazz legacy.  Nash is a grammy winning artist.  Currently he is a saxophonist playing with Wynton Marsalis' Jazz Orch. at Lincoln Center.  Nash is a composer, conductor, arranger and educator.  He mentors Juilliard students but was unable to conduct last night's program.  Conductor Andy Farber has been at the helm before & he's a welcoming & enlightening conductor.  An accomplished musician, arranger & dedicated teacher he provides levity and professional recognition for the performers.  The audience was noticeable missing, so too were original compositions by Nash.  The first half consisting of 6 musical numbers didn't have a single piece composed by Nash.  Nash did the arranging for all the music on last night's program.  My favorite piece was "Strange Meadowlark" by Dave Brubeck which Farber noted was as famous in the 60s as "Take Five".  Both were from the same Grammy winning album (for those who remember albums).  The arrangement was pleasingly atonal to begin & blended into a relaxing & sophisticated jazz number.  The alto & tenor saxophonists lent their musical abilities to the clarinets and Zoe Obadia (the only female member) played the flute.  I also liked "Kids are People" by Thad Jones which was slow & mellow and offered a wonderful trombone solo played by Rashaan Salaam.  The 2nd half of the program were Nash's compositions.  "Portraits in Seven Shades" is a 7 movement suite dedicated to 7 modern painters.  The movement dedicated to Picasso was performed.  This conjured up a Spanish bullfight.  I wanted to hear additional movements.   Jazz pianist Isaiah Thompson is a phenom.  This young man is incredibly talented.  He's already been selected by Wynton Marsalis to perform with his Jazz Orchestra.   There will be plenty of jazz artists clamoring for him after graduation.  I want to send a shout out to trumpet player Anthony Hervey who had 3 solos on the program.  His versatility & rich tonal range is sensational.  The next concert is March 20th and it's always my favorite.  These talented musicians will be performing their own compositions under guest conductor Dave Douglas.  I have my ticket.  The concert will be in Paul Hall; a smaller venue at Juilliard.  I expect this concert to crowded with an audience wowed at the student's musical talents & creativity.