REVIEW: LJCO with Yuja Wang

JLCO with Yuja Wang ©️Andrew Perry 2

The night began with huge applause from an excited audience as the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra (JLCO) walked onto the stage. In a historic first, Yuja Wang, today’s most electrifying and fearless virtuoso, joined the peerless Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra (JLCO) to perform newly commissioned orchestral arrangements of some of the most virtuosic jazz piano solos of all time.

With an introduction from Wynton Marsalis, Yuja came onto the stage in her signature style, wearing a backless black dress and high heels. She walked on with confidence, and the whole hall was filled with anticipation. The concert began with Dave Brubeck’s Blue Rondo à la Turk (with Dave Brubeck’s Piano Solo), arranged by Chris Crenshaw. The opening immediately showcased the musicality of the orchestra, with fantastic solos from Alexa Tarantino and other members of the ensemble. Ernesto Lecuona’s Danza Afro-Cubanas: No. 6, La Comparsa (with Ernesto Lecuona’s Piano Solo), arranged by Carlos Henriquez, was full of contrasting colours and textures, eventually ending with a drum solo. Duke Ellington’s Reflections in D (with Duke Ellington’s Piano Solo), arranged by Joe Block, brought us a beautiful double-piano moment. Oscar Peterson’s L’Impossible (with Oscar Peterson’s Piano Solo), arranged by Alexa Tarantino, began with brushes, bass and piano. Yuja then played a remarkably fast one-handed solo, which amazed many in the audience.

Leroy Carr’s How Long Blues (with Jimmy Yancey’s Piano Solo), arranged by Sherman Irby, featured some wonderfully engaging musical storytelling that kept the atmosphere of the concert lively. Jimmy, the trombonist, picked up a microphone during this piece and perfectly demonstrated his beautiful singing voice. The dynamic interplay between the piano and piccolo was particularly fun, and just as the audience was beginning to wonder “how long?”, the piece came to its witty conclusion. Ernesto Lecuona’s Gitanerías (with Ernesto Lecuona’s Piano Solo), arranged by Carlos Henriquez, brought the concert to another high point. Its clear sectional structure, virtuosic solos and rich rhythmic variations formed the core of the piece. The clarinet and trumpet appeared one after another, before the piece finally ended with a charming little piano note.

Wynton Marsalis’s Marthaniel (from Citi Movement) (with Marcus Roberts’ Piano Solo), arranged by Marcus Printup, was particularly challenging for the pianist, with different rhythmic patterns between the left and right hands. The trombone and trumpet solos, featuring mutes and vibrato, brought a wonderfully sexy quality to the piece. After a sudden stop, the music started again, followed by an almost chaotic piano passage before eventually returning to the tonic. Traditional Tiger Rag (Art Tatum’s Piano Solo), arranged by Chris Crenshaw, and Joseph Kosma’s Autumn Leaves (with Erroll Garner’s Piano Solo), arranged by Sherman Irby, were equally amazing.

JLCO’s arrangements and performance were absolutely phenomenal. Every musician was incredibly skilled, but what stood out most was how naturally they played together as a group. Yuja’s incredible technique and confidence were equally amazing to watch, and her presence brought another level of energy to the performance. It was an amazing experience to see this combination of Yuja Wang and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra. Phenomenal. The only wish is to have more!

★★★★★

For more information, please visit: https://www.eif.co.uk/events/jlco-with-yuja-wang#programme

Credits

Piano: Yuja Wang
Music Director, Trumpet: Wynton Marsalis
Trumpet: Ryan Kisor
Trumpet: Kenny Rampton
Trumpet: Marcus Printup
Trombone: Chris Crenshaw
Trombone: Vincent Gardner
Trombone: Elliot Mason
Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet: Sherman Irby
Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet: Alexa Tarantino
Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet: Chris Lewis
Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet: Abdias Armenteros
Baritone and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet: Paul Nedzela
Piano: Joe Block
Bass: Carlos Henriquez
Drums: Obed Calvaire

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