Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis @ Belk Theater

So when the name Wynton Marsalis is mentioned - I may not know anything about him musically, but when the phrase "legend" is constantly associated with him - you think that here is a performer I need to see.  

Tonight was not what I expected but still a great night's performance.  Without researching what the Lincoln Center Orchestra was, I just assumed this would be Marsalis playing with a supporting small jazz band.  But no, this is piano, double bass, drums and 12 piece brass / woodwind orchestra that he leads.  And while his name headlines, these are some incredibly talented musicians with resumes as long as your arm.

The first hour was a series of Duke Ellington songs, that allowed solos to showcase the various players and allow the audience to enjoy some of these players arrangements.  All was great, but I am not a fan of the solo that seems to play faster than the tempo of the song.  To me is sounds disconnected from the song - like some manic running around a yoga studio.

An intermission saw us return with a good mix of both jazz interpretation of various performers and a couple of original pieces.  Liked the first half but much preferred the second.  Once the performance was finished the brass / woodwind sections left and Marsalis performed a final song as a quartet with piano, bass and drums.  This is what I was expecting, and a great finish to a fun evening.  Jazz would not necessarily be  a choice of something I'd see live but I'm glad A & I made the effort.

The Crap Facts
This is my 382nd concert.
This is my 2nd concert at Belk Theater.
This is my 29th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 31st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 190th concert in the USA.
Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis is the 457th band I've seen.