Photos: Rudy Lu
It was a classic sitch that has occurred on many jazz gigs all over. This isn’t unique to Jazz on Jay or other local jazz performances. Tenor saxophonist Awan Rashad put together an all star local jazz quartet to perform at the summer weekly Jazz on Jay. These musicians are well known in the local jazz scene and beyond, but they had never played together before as a band.
All are quite conversant in the language of bebop and postbop. This is what is expected of schooled jazz musicians. They have learned to listen to others play and know how to respond. The result was a 90 minute set of tunes from the 50s and 60s. Some are standards, others that are deeper into the catalog. They were played in ways that probably will not be played the exact same way again.
Opening with the lesser known Freddie Red’s “Time to Smile”, we knew that we were in for a treat. Tarik Shah’s bass and Ian MacDonald’s piano took turns swapping ideas with Awan’s tenor emphasizing the melodic portion of the piece.
The band then eased into the standard “Lullaby of Birdland”, a tune paying tribute to that well known club. The band’s version was far from a lullaby and swung like crazy with Awan taking the lead. “Everything Happens To Me” was a lot less forceful, a ballad played as a ballad.
Awan introduced the music with enthusiasm and love, naming the composer and even the album that their version of the music was based upon, advising the audience to check out the original recordings.
Benny Golson’s “Shades of Stein” was fast paced post bop romp played with glee by the band, with Matt Niedbalski and Ian MacDonald leading the festivities with the strong encouragement of Tarik Shah. As with much of the concert, Awan just stated the main themes and dug into his bandmates cooking.
A nod was given to the recently departed pianist/composer Barry Harris’ “Around the Corner”.
Cole Porter’s “It’s Alright With Me” was given a rhythm driven treatment like an express train through a subway station.”On the Sunny Side Of The Street” was almost hummable.
The songbook of the almost forgotten Freddie Redd was tapped again for “ Jim Dunn’s Dilemma” (Incidentally this composition is from the same album as the previous selection “Connections”).
With the grand finale dedicated to the true veteran of the group, Tarik Shah, Charlie Parker’s “Big Foot”.
A wonderful way to enjoy the almost perfect weather after several hot and humid Jazz on Jay’s at Schenectady’s new Jay Square across from City Hall.
Next Thursday’s performance will feature longtime local drummer Joe Sorrentino. See the Jazz on Jay facebook site for details.
Setlist:
Time to Smile, Lullaby of Birdland, Everything Happens to Me, Around The Corner, Its Alright With Me, On the Sunny Side Of the Street, Jim Dunn’s Dilemma, Big Foot
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