the mommy avenger

Over the last century, fans of Jazz and Disney movie tunes regularly found themselves sitting side by side enjoying the same performances. Disney songs have provided jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, and Dianne Reeves relatable source material to reach a larger audience. 

Sadly, Disney jazz interpretations are so common and often basic that they water down jazz from its improvisation roots to standard performances with little to no creativity. 

Yet, hearing that the newly formed house band of the National Museum of Jazz in Harlem would be coming to NJPAC, we decided the location and potential of the performing group were worth a view.

The big question on our minds going in was, “Will they play it safe and recognizable, or will they demonstrate the creativity and conversation that makes this language so pleasing to discerning tastes?

We arrived and went to pick up our tickets from will call and found out that the main stage was hosting the NJ State Jazz festival and we would be in the Victoria Theater with the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch stage. This cozy corner of the NJ Performing Arts Center made for a far more intimate Jazz experience. 

They came out ridiculously strong with “Pink Elephants” in a way that made me like a song I loathe. This concert proved to be the best live Jazz I have heard in at least 21 since I spent evenings in the clubs of Seattle’s happening Jazz scene after the turn of the century. It was raw, real, and oozing with swagger, talent and finesse. It was not just that the band could jam, they demonstrated mastery so many different styles from Latin to swing, smooth to slow, classic to hot, and fusion. There was something for everyone. The show got better and better, and better. I did not want it to end. 

I hope they record one of these performances and make it an album. 

The musicians’ talent far surpassed expectations, yet we should not have been surprised with pedigrees including Juilliard, the Lincoln Center, Grammy recognition, and multiple record productions. They came out after the show to meet the audience and talk Jazz. 

This House Band is now my favorite  performing Jazz group. I want more. When are they coming back? Don’t miss it. Or check their last two tour dates-Tom’s River is tomorrow. 

NJPAC continues to book and provide excellent Jazz, poetry, and cultural performances. These family friendly offerings are a great way to cultivate a broad taste for quality performing arts. 

_{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}