Terence Blanchard Sextet at Yoshi's

Peterdubya · September-15th-2003, 05:35 PM

I usually don't review shows, especially at Yoshi's, but had to say a few words about this one.
When I heard the band on Thursday night, I knew I had to go back again because something special was happening on the bandstand.
I was right, Friday, the show was incredible.
Terence Blanchard's new band features Brice Winston on tenor, Lionel Loueke on guitar and vocal, Aaron Parks on piano, Massimo Biocolte on bass, and Rodney Green on drums.
Set one on Friday they did four tunes.
The opener, "Fred Brown" is a great tune with great changing rhythm and form. Terence took a high-energy solo, with Parks and Loueke comping. Loueke does not play your standard bop type comping. He plays rhythmic notes and also follows the soloist. This tune kept building to higher and higher plateaus; the solo from Loueke was phenomenal. His style is sort of where Metheny and Frisell meet, with the best of Earl Klugh and African sensibilities thrown in. This was such a breath of fresh air. His solo was unlike anyone I have heard ever, and the crowd was really into it. The room was willing to go wherever the band took us.

Next Winston laid out for "I thought about You" which, although a ballad, was full of energy and live. Parks took a great solo, but this was Terence's baby all the way through.

Next was Footprints, which has an incredible funk vibe throughout. By now, the band was in high gear and everyone played their butts off on this. During the piano solo, Winston and Blanchard were exchanging raised eyebrows about what Parks was doing. Finally Winston had an idea for a background riff, so he and Terence jumped in behind the pianist. When his solo ended Tenor and Trumpet took the front line with a long exchange and the energy was incredible.

Can't remember the name of tune four, but it doesn't matter. It like the rest of the show was just great.

I have seen Terence just about yearly since about 1987 and have NEVER heard him play like this; he was inspired with the young band and vice versa. This music was fresh, exciting, innovative and everything else jazz should be.

RainyDay · September-16th-2003, 11:29 AM

I never made it on Sunday. I really wanted to hear "Footprints" because what I heard on the radio was pretty hot. Sounds like it was quite delicious.

Tanager · September-16th-2003, 06:38 PM

How was Rodney Green? I like his playing, but I've never heard much about him.

Pete C · September-16th-2003, 11:34 PM

Aaron is registered here. He posted once on the Brazilian Music thread.

gonzo · September-17th-2003, 12:48 AM

i thought that was aaron fletcher,saxophonist , who posted.

Peterdubya · September-17th-2003, 02:44 PM

I think Aaron fletcher played with terence also, AND he's even younger than Aaron Parks...
Hank Aaron did not play with Terence.
As for Rodney Green, he killed. He was one of the factors in what a great show this was. His playing was tasteful and he drove the band. He hhas risen to a new level since last time I saw him.