On Thursday, October 2nd – I had the pleasure of hearing Terence Blanchard live at the Kennedy Center. Ever since purchasing his new album Bounce – I was very anxious to check out this group again (my first time being at Blues Alley about a year ago). As tight as they were then and as tight as they sound on the album — they totally blew me away.
They opened with “Fred Brown” and it included some very impressive solo work by Terence, Brice Winston (tenor sax) and Aaron Parks (piano). Each player took the song in a different direction before emerging to the original theme. It was intoxicating.
The second song yielded a surprise. I was at the concert celebrating my 10-year anniversary with my wife. I had put in a request with Terence’s management via email that he play “Passionate Courage” because it was my wife’s favorite cut from the album. Not only did he play the song – he wished us a happy anniversary (commenting that he had to double check to make sure we didn’t want a blues instead). They sounded incredible. Needless the say the song holds a very special place in our hearts after that. Like I’ve said a million times – jazz people are the best people. Thanks VB!!!!
The next song was “Azania” and it featured – Lionel Loueke. Despite an equipment problem with his amplifier, Lionel held the crowd transfixed playing, singing and pounding rhythms on the side of his guitar. It was a true testament to performing live – he made it work quite successfully and there may have been a few people who did not know any better.
Terence did his best playing on “I Thought About You.” Someone in the crowd shouted — SING and that is just what he did. It was an excellent showcase of his original and expressive way of playing. There were moments where the band laid out completely leaving him all the space he needed to stretch his legs. Each note was drenched in emotion and he filled the hall with his signature sound.
The only disappointment of the night was that he didn’t play “Footprints.” It was an AMAZING concert. Be sure to check them out when they come to a city near you. You will NOT be disappointed.