The Disney Concert Hall is absolutely amazing! The space is divinely crafted for the ultimate experience in sound. Yes, tonight it’s jazz music backed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and we are ready!
The stage starts out with only a few musicians warming up and practicing their respective parts and is soon filled with a cacophony of wonderful sound. Violins, French horns, Trumpets, Trombones, Vibraphone, Harp, Cellos, Tympani, Bass Clarinet, Tuba, Pocket Trumpet, Viola, you name it and it was there. It sounds like a magical night at the theme park. The concert hasn’t even started and the room is filled with excitement.
I look around and see of course jazz lovers, along with a majority of people who seem to be used to attending the philharmonic. All of a sudden the lights dim, the stage and the audience is quiet. My boys come on to the stage looking good! Munyungo Jackson, Reuben Rogers, and Gregory Hutchinson looking mighty dapper in black tie ready to give this audience a taste of real jazz music. They are followed by Diane and Billy and the applause is abundant. What is interesting is that the applause is different than that of a normal jazz crowd. It has a sense of properness and conformity all the while giving much respect to the reigning queen of jazz vocals. Billy has arranged some excellent pieces for Diane and the Disney Concert Hall has given them a grand welcome.
To my surprise I am joined by my good friend Jean Hubbard-Boone and we are ready for a great experience.
The thunderous wonderful, full sound of the LA Phil erupts and of course Diane is wonderful. There are few times in life that I have been able to experience jazz music with such glorious and dramatic beautiful support. It’s a living motion picture and jazz is at the forefront.
From the Comeback Inn to the Disney Concert Hall has been adventure for Diane. It has never been about the money but always about the love of the music, the art and the wonderful relationships with musicians, family and friends. Diane is beautiful. Stop, listen and understand the full meaning of beautiful and you might be close to understanding what I mean. There are moments when you listen and you hear silence, the sound of her voice, accompanied by piano and with no one else in the entire hall making a sound, it is an experience like no other. The audience at the Disney Hall knows how to respect and appreciate the music.
After intermission, Maestro Duke strolls on to the stage. After once again the applause and the silence you hear Munyungo with delicate percussion and the beginning of George’s “Muir Woods Suite”. This piece of music is so beautiful and has George’s signature all over it. Outstanding! Reuben Rogers puts it down a solo so low and so sweet. The best I have ever heard him play. Diane comes out and the blues begin. She sang and everybody had rocks in their beds!
What an outstanding evening! I don’t think that the concert hall allows picture but, I got a few just for you!
Peace
LD
