Jack Dejohnette Tickets

Four virtuosic multi-talented musicians, playing entirely original material, with all pieces composed by one of The Spring Quartet members--definitely stretching the envelope presenting challenging forays into jazz "not for all." This is a group in its infancy, just beginning a world tour, "getting better each time we play," according to remarks from the bandstand by TSQ's leader, Jack DeJohnette. There were a number--maybe 75-100-- of walkouts, beginning about 1 hr into the 90+ minute set. These self-deports were, most likely, expressing their frustration with the--for them--inaccessable nature of the music, plus the fact that Esperanza performed only one vocal, a stunning piece composed by Ms. Spalding. "Leave 'em wanting more" might have been the underlying reason that the remaining, highly enthusiastic audience"s pleas for an encore were denied, with DeJohnette explaining "we have to be up early, sorry, we have a concert tomorrow in Portland."

Fabulous musicians and tunes. DeJohnnette surprised us with playing wind instrument, as did Spalding, playing Sax - everybody on sax for her tune, Shake the Shark. Genovese piano was astounding, coordinated perfectly with Spalding o bass. Lovano was equally brilliant in all of their tunes. Esperanza is the most fun loving, animated, talented jazz musician and had the audience howling. We loved all of them, but Esperanza is our main squeeze.

Jack's new Spring Quartet is one of his edge-ier efforts -- nothing like the Standards Trio with Jarrett last October (or his birthday party at Catalina with Chick and Stanley -- unforgettable!!). It's a lot of chaotic indulgent blowing by his bandmates that only occasionally gels into something that resonates. Having said that, Jack is such an interesting musician that, no matter what's going on elsewhere on stage, he's always worth watching.

I was looking forward to hearing a fusion of the above artists. I chatted with a dozen people before the event and after and we were disappointed in the simple fact that we were not able to hear more from Esperanza. (To be honest...every single person I spoke with were there for Esperanza!) I feel her music is so amazing and unique that the event should have included more of her performing. What added to the evening being disappointing was the fact that Jack announced that there would not be an encore! He should have been present to hear the comments as disappointed fans were leaving!