The best young jazz drummer in the UK played DC’s historic Howard Theater, and this was the perfect occasion for 13-year old Charlie’s first concert. Charlie is Audrey’s nephew and an aspiring drummer. After fortifying ourselves at Ben’s Chili Bowl with Half Smokes, we join a young and diverse crowd waiting through a DJ’s set to get to the main show. We positioned our selves in the standing-room-only crowd with some space by the sound board. ...
The Charles Mingus Big Band My birthday present this year was the Charles Mingus Big Band live at Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater. The band was there to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month and the centential of the birth of iconic bass player and composer Charles Mingus. We were treated to a dynamic concert, full of energy and contrast. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat A highlight was the second tune, a version of the Mingus composition “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” using the lyrics written by Joni Mitchell. Singer Frank Lacy gave an impassioned, powerful rendition of the story about saxophonist Lester Young, who married a white woman, and found “love is never easy street.” Scott Robinson started the tune with an amazing unaccompanied sax solo ...