Trombonist/composer Conrad Herwig and the Latin side all-stars ascended the stage to deliver their first musical offering. Splendid charts, extended improvisation, artistic interaction, virtuoso performances, a tight horn section, and a solid rhythm section immediately lit the room. A powerhouse of Latin rhythmic fire by drummer Robby Ameen and percussionist Mauricio Herrera on congas ignited an astounding sojourn.
This American Symphony Orchestra masterfully employed a sumptuous mix of 19th century symphonic intones and swing band idioms, commanding energetic themes, instrumental soloists as jazz tradition demands, rich tone colors, and moments of sublime beauty with lush strings, harp, flute, cello solos, and Ellington’s beautiful melodies.
Sound, lighting, ambiance, and music, were marvelous this evening for Billy’s Stritch’s Birthday Bash at the wonderful Birdland’s Theater. Stritch was classically debonair, elegant, handsome, and looking sharp in his light blue suit, crisp white shirt, and jacket adorned with a pocket handkerchief. He mentioned something about “ age 59”, but I heard a fellow audience member call out “27”.