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AARON DIEHL IN CONCERT:
In 2014 virtuoso jazz pianist Aaron Diehl become one of the youngest musicians in history to be named a Monterey Jazz Festival Commission Artist, and he’s been living up to the honor with jaw-dropping performances ever since. Diehl has acted as touring pianist for the Wynton Marsalis Septet and Grammy-nominated singer Cecile McLorin Salvant, but he’s an equally arresting headlining act, dazzling ticket buyers with his magical fingers, soulful phrasing, and elegant restraint. On his 2015 album Space Time Continuum he was accompanied by a bassist and drummer, and in concert his trio tears through their jazzy numbers with plenty of funky feeling and toe-tapping gusto. An undeniable piano prodigy who always puts on a great show, Diehl has fans eagerly awaiting the chance to see him work his magic on tour.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Columbus, Ohio-born Aaron Diehl grew up in a musical family and began studying classical piano at age seven. He fell in love with jazz in his teens after spending a summer at the Interlochen Arts Camp, and before long he was winning piano competitions across the country. In 2003 he joined the Winston Marsalis Septet on their European tour while still just a teenager before moving to New York City to attend Juilliard. After graduating in 2007 he began performing as a bandleader, and in 2009 he released the performance album Live at Caramoor. His 2013 full-length debut The Bespoke Man’s Narrative landed at No. 1 on the JazzWeek Jazz Chart, and in 2014 he followed up with a critically acclaimed Christmas album. His rise continued in 2015 with the release of Space Time Continuum, which the New York Times called a “jubilant, swinging album” -- a well-deserved bit of praise that has excitement for Diehl’s upcoming shows at fever pitch.
This man is an amazing pianist; a true virtuoso. To me, the foundation of jazz is the improvisation during a particular piece; Diehl did very little. I was anticipating a concert that would emulate great jazz pianists with Diehl adding his interpretations and talent. It was a boring evening that lacked the excitement of jazz. Jazz must swing; even the ballads in their own way.
His selections of etudes showcased the many generations of jazz piano and multiple styles from all ages and areas. His playing was sublime and the consummation of his tremendous talent. A local guy who has gone on the being a star on the global stages.
These guys were talented musicians, but the show failed to excite. Unfortunately the sound was poor in the venue, resulting in a muddy presentation. The tunes were ala MJQ, which are fine if you're into that kind of thing, but it was a little background-music for my taste. Really needed a horn to cut through the monotony of similarly timbred instruments. Again, really good players, but victims of the set list and limitations of the soundboard and the instruments. We left after the first hour after fighting falling asleep. In fairness, it was a Friday night show after a long and tiring workweek. I wanted to like it much more than I turned out to.
If you are a jazz and classical music lover, then this is the quartet for you! Mr. Diehl's artistry and composition were rich in the classical and jazz tradition. I have never heard anything quite like it. Beautiful and sometimes unexpected melodies and harmonies. The instrumentalists were all stunning and so musical. Bravo!
What a wonderful show. If you have never seen him and have the opportunity-do it!
If you love jazz, you will love Aaron Diehl. He is a very talented pianist. I can't wait to purchase his CDs.
