Jason Heppler and I, two thirds of SDP regulars by number, went to see Joe Lovano at the Orpheum Theater tonight. Wow! Lovano was backed by a standard rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums. Unfortunately I couldn't hear their names, and can't seem to track them down. But all three were individually good enough that I begin looking forward to their solos as soon as a number would start. The drummer in particular had a very theatrical dance consisting of sudden stops and directional gestures that provided a theme to lay over his beat. The piano work was spectacular, playing around and through the lines laid down by Joe, as if the piano player had the job of writing a critique of Lovano's saxophone.
Lovano himself was persistently romantic and lyrical. He stuck to easily accessible melodies and variations, and every one had me and everyone around me singing with our feet, fingers, and bobbing heads. All of it was good. His version of Coltrane's Spiritual was awesome. He let it out that his recent duet CD Kids, recorded with Hank Jones, has been nominated for a Grammy. Darn it. Now I have to care about the Grammies again.
The Orpheum theater is a marvelous venue. I was able to hear all four instruments all the time, which is unfortunately rare in any setting. Sioux Falls has much to be proud of in the Orpheum. The Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society has much to be proud of as well.
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