Concert review: "Jazz legends: Arturo Sandoval"
The legendary Cuban expatriate trumpeter Arturo Sandoval begins his concert with one of his signature tunes, "Tunisia Blues." "Tunisia Blues" starts off with a swinging, lazy casual sound of a trumpet. Sandoval does not interact with the audience, introduce the piece, or tell the audience a bit about his biography and band members. He simply 'digs right in' to the music. The tone is casual and confident, that of a master at the top of his musical game. Sandoval is dressed casually in a blazer and a brightly colored shirt. He does not seem nervous or particularly desirous of interacting with the audience. He simply allows the music to 'just be.'
"Tunisia Blues" has an extended trumpet solo that immediately generates the listener's attention and satisfies the audience's desire to hear Sandoval's virtuosity. The early sounds entice the listener in slowly and suddenly there is a sharp, soprano blare as the trumpet displays a quick, racing virtuosity. Sandoval's trumpet solo starts off fast and then the notes grow slower, sexier, and bluesy -- they span the range of the deepest base and the highest, reediest notes of the instrument. Some of the notes are not even pleasing to hear, but they seem to communicate a deeper meaning to the audience that transcends words, a meaning both humorous yet also profound.
It is said that Sandoval has a highly improvisational style as a musician and does not always have a clear 'set' when he sets out to play in concert. His supporting musicians followed him seamlessly and deftly. There is an ease and confidence to all of the men's playing, and it is clear that they know one another well. Even when the trumpet produces a squealing, startling sound to the listener, there is no sense of strain or flinching. The breadth of the notes Sandoval can play is astonishing -- some notes as high as a siren, others as low-sounding as a tuba.
When Sandoval puts down his trumpet to play part of the song on the keyboard, he is as casual as a man waiting in line. The other...
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